The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed legislation to regulate house rents and estate agency fees, with the aim of protecting tenants from excessive charges and bringing greater transparency to property transactions across the state.
The legislation, passed during plenary at the House of Assembly Complex on Nkaliki Road, takes effect from August 11, 2026. It is officially known as the Ebonyi State Sale of Scraps, House Rent and Agent Fees Regulation Law, 2026.
The new law addresses several areas, including the sale and handling of metal and electrical scraps, residential rents and fees charged by estate agents.
One of its key provisions is a restriction on the amount estate agents can charge. Under the legislation, agency fees must not exceed two per cent of the gross value of a property transaction.
The law also introduces measures aimed at preventing landlords from arbitrarily increasing rents. From the commencement of the legislation, the standard rent prescribed by the state governor for different categories of accommodation will apply, and landlords will be prohibited from charging above the prescribed amount.
Estate agents operating within Ebonyi State’s capital city will also be required to register with the Ministry of Capital City Development. The requirement is intended to encourage professionalism and make it easier to regulate property practitioners operating in the state.
The legislation further provides protection against landlords who use fraudulent means to obtain possession of rented accommodation. A landlord who secures an order for possession through fraud, misrepresentation or the concealment of a material fact will be committing an offence and could face up to two years in prison.
Beyond housing matters, the law introduces stricter controls on the scrap metal business. Individuals will not be permitted to buy, sell, possess for sale, transport or dispose of metal or electrical scraps unless they are licensed dealers operating in accordance with regulations established under the law.
Anyone who violates the scrap-related provisions could face imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of not more than N500,000.
Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Ogbonna Ikoro, said the legislation was developed in response to concerns surrounding the vandalism of public and private property, environmental degradation and exploitative practices within the housing sector.
Several lawmakers who contributed to the debate described the legislation as timely, particularly amid growing concerns over scrap theft and rising rents in the state.
Members including Hon. Victor Nwoke, representing Abakaliki North; Hon. Nwodo Aloysius Nwodo, representing Ebonyi North-West; Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, representing Afikpo East; Hon. Friday Ogbuewu, representing Ezza South; and Hon. Celestine Ogba, representing Onicha East, supported the bill.
They argued that the new regulations could help address the increasing theft of scrap materials while providing greater protection for residents facing arbitrary rent increases and excessive agency charges.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, said activities linked to some scrap dealers had contributed to damage to public and private infrastructure and created wider social challenges.
He said the new law would strengthen public safety, tackle unlawful activities associated with scrap trading and bring greater order to property transactions across Ebonyi State.
Before its passage, the bill was subjected to detailed consideration by the Committee of the Whole. Lawmakers reviewed the proposed legislation page by page and made corrections to grammatical and drafting issues.
Following the exhaustive review, the bill was unanimously passed by the House.
With the new law now in effect, landlords, tenants, estate agents and scrap dealers in Ebonyi State will be required to comply with the regulations. The implementation of the legislation will determine how effectively the state can curb excessive rent charges, regulate agency fees and tackle the growing problem of scrap-related vandalism.
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