Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed HB. 2839 for first reading Thursday, Oct. 22, the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF) said. Premium Times, citing a copy of the bill, and TheCable reported that it would bar landlords in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from requiring more than 12 months’ rent upfront.
NALTF identifies the measure as HB. 2839, formally titled the Federal Capital Territory Advance Rent Regulation and Tenants’ Protection Bill, 2026.
Premium Times said it obtained a copy of the bill, and TheCable also reported on its provisions. Under the reported text, landlords, estate agents, property managers and their representatives could not make paying more than a year’s rent a condition for starting, renewing or continuing a tenancy. The reported restrictions also cover compulsory fees and separate agreements used to collect larger advance payments.
A renter could offer to pay for more than 12 months at once if the renter initiated the arrangement and put it in writing, the outlets reported. The bill would prohibit coercion, threats, discrimination or retaliation tied to such a payment.
The bill copy described by Premium Times and TheCable sets proposed fines of ₦500,000 to ₦5 million for individuals who knowingly breach the restriction. Companies could face fines of ₦5 million to ₦20 million. A separate fine of up to ₦1 million could apply for failing to comply with a valid notice, the outlets reported.
The proposed authority would receive complaints, check compliance and help resolve disputes, according to the reports. It could order an unlawful payment returned within 30 days after serving its order. The bill addresses advance payments; its reported provisions do not set a ceiling on annual rent.
House proceedings from May 2024 recorded an earlier motion on FCT rent practices. The House directed its FCT committee to invite stakeholders and recommend policies on arbitrary rent increases. In its stated rationale, the House said advance rent demands burdened working-class families and low- and middle-income earners. The proceedings also noted that landlords commonly sought a year upfront, while some asked for two years.
NALTF said HB. 2839 has passed only its first reading.
