Ebonyi Assembly Takes Bold Step to Regulate House Rent Statewide

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has begun legislative action on a crucial bill focused on regulating residential rent and tenancy agreements across the state. The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Control the Rent, Residential and Business Premises in Ebonyi State and Other Matters Connected Therewith” (HAB/005/2025), was introduced by Governor Francis Nwifuru and passed its first reading on Friday.

At the heart of the proposed legislation is the urgent need to address the growing concerns over rent exploitation, particularly in residential housing. Many residents have complained of being forced to pay multiple years of rent upfront, only to encounter hidden charges and unclear tenancy terms.

Leading the discussion on the bill, House Leader Kingsley Ikoro described it as “people-oriented and timely,” stressing that rent-related disputes between landlords and tenants make up a large share of court cases in the state.

“People are often burdened by demands for two years’ rent in advance, followed by unlisted fees and unexplained conditions. This bill seeks to bring fairness, structure, and relief to tenants while clearly defining the rights and obligations of landlords,” Ikoro said, urging his colleagues to support the bill’s progression.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo (Ebonyi North) called the state’s rent situation “worrisome,” noting that unregulated rent practices are fueling poverty. He emphasized the lack of transparency and accountability among landlords and caretakers.

Other lawmakers echoed the concerns, stressing the need for legal backing to protect tenants and balance landlord-tenant relationships. They called for the bill to be sent to a dedicated committee for comprehensive review and stakeholder input.

In response, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije-Odunwa, announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee to scrutinize the bill. The committee will be chaired by Deputy Speaker Chinedu Onah, with Kingsley Ikoro, Nkemka Onuma, Arinze Chukwu, Aloysius Nwodo, Ifeanyi Nwakpu, Chikaodili Nome, Chinyere Nwogbaga, and the House Clerk serving as members.

The Speaker affirmed the House’s commitment to enacting laws that directly impact the lives of Ebonyi residents, especially in critical areas like housing.