The Abia State House of Assembly has recorded a major legislative milestone with the passage of the Abia Property and Tenancy Bill (H.A.B. 34 of 2025), a landmark law designed to transform the state’s real estate and rental sector.
The bill, which was passed on August 3, 2026, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sir Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, is expected to provide stronger legal protection for both tenants and landlords while promoting transparency and accountability in housing transactions across Abia State. The legislation will take effect upon receiving the assent of Governor Alex Otti.
The bill was jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie, and the member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi.
Addressing Long-Standing Housing Challenges
The new law seeks to modernize the administration of rental properties in Abia State by tackling issues that have affected tenants and landlords for years. These include exploitative practices by some property agents, excessive agency fees, arbitrary rent increases, tenancy disputes, and the absence of clear regulations governing the real estate sector.
With reports indicating that more than 90 percent of Abia residents live in rented accommodation, especially in urban centres such as Aba and Umuahia, the legislation is expected to bring much-needed relief to millions of residents.
Establishment of Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority
One of the key highlights of the legislation is the establishment of the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority. The agency will oversee tenancy matters, regulate real estate operations, protect the rights of landlords and tenants, and ensure compliance with the provisions of the law.
Major Provisions of the Law
Among the notable provisions contained in the legislation are:
- Registration of Real Estate Agents: All property and real estate agents must register with the appropriate regulatory authority before operating. The law also criminalizes the collection of rent from multiple tenants for the same property. Agency commission is capped at 5 percent of the annual rent.
- Six-Month Rent Limit: Landlords are prohibited from demanding more than six months’ rent in advance, while tenants are equally barred from paying beyond this limit. Violators may face fines or imprisonment.
- Professional Service Charges: The responsibility for paying professional or agreement fees rests on the individual who engages the service provider, helping to eliminate hidden and exploitative charges.
- Protection Against Unfair Rent Increases: The law introduces safeguards against arbitrary rent hikes. Tenants who believe an increase is unreasonable may challenge it in court and cannot be evicted while the case remains pending.
- Simplified Eviction Process: Clear legal procedures have been introduced to enable landlords to recover their properties from defaulting or non-compliant tenants through lawful means.
- Court Requirements: Parties involved in tenancy disputes must provide evidence of rent payments and utility bills when filing or appealing cases.
Promoting Fairness and Transparency
The Property and Tenancy Law is expected to improve confidence in Abia’s housing sector by promoting fairness, reducing conflicts, and creating a more stable and transparent rental market for property owners, tenants, and investors alike.
Although the complete section-by-section provisions of the law will become publicly available after official gazetting, information released during the legislative process indicates that the legislation reflects extensive consultations, public hearings, and harmonization before its final passage.
Emeruwa Commended for Legislative Leadership
The successful passage of the bill has been widely described as another significant achievement under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Sir Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, whose tenure has been marked by a commitment to people-oriented legislation and effective parliamentary oversight.
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Observers believe the new law demonstrates the Assembly’s determination to enact reforms that directly improve the welfare of Abia residents and strengthen governance in the state’s housing sector.
Source: Michael Uchechukwu Ogbonna, Media Aide to the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly.
