With only governor’s assent remaining, Abia may have on the 3rd of August 2026, passed into law HAB 34, which aims to modernize and regulate the real estate and rental sector in Abia State.
The law addresses long-standing problems of exploitation by some agents, arbitrary rent increases, disputes between landlords and tenants, and lack of clear rules.
Over 90% of Abia residents are tenants, and rising rents (especially in places like Aba and Umuahia) have been a major public concern with arbitrary rules and manipulation from landlords and agents hurting everybody.
DrumAfricanews reports that the bill was jointly sponsored by Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Augustine Okezie and Hon Mandela Obasi (Ohafia North), and it becomes effective upon the Governor’s assent.
The bill: Abia Real Estate, Landlords and Tenant Bill (H.A.B. 34 of 2025) also referred to as the Property and Tenancy Bill which was passed into law by the Abia State House of Assembly on 3rd August 2026, will go a long way in regulating some activities of dubious house owners.
The bill establishes the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority, a government agency that will oversee property and tenancy matters, protect the rights of both tenants and landlords, and regulate the activities of real estate agents and related issues.
The harmonised framework that led to the bill’s final passage includes: Agent regulation: All property/real estate agents must register (previously referenced with the Ministry of Housing; now under the new Authority).
“Collecting rent from multiple tenants for the same property is made a criminal offence. Maximum agent commission is capped at 5% of the rent.”
” Rent advance limit: Landlords cannot demand, and tenants cannot pay, more than six months’ rent in advance. Violations attract fines or imprisonment.
” Professional/agreement fees: The party that engages a professional for tenancy services bears the cost, reducing hidden or exploitative charges.
”Rent increases: Measures to curb arbitrary or unreasonable rent hikes. Tenants can challenge unfair increases in court and cannot be evicted while such a case is pending.
”Eviction and recovery process: Streamlined procedures to help landlords recover property from defaulting or non-compliant tenants more efficiently.
“Court requirements: Tenants must show proof of rent and utility payments when filing or appealing tenancy-related cases.”
From what is gathered, the law is intended to bring fairness, transparency, and accountability to housing transactions, reduce disputes, and create a more stable rental market.
