Delta Tenants Cry Out as Rents Soar, Assembly Moves to Intervene

Amid Nigeria’s rising cost of living, residents in Delta State are facing a fresh crisis: skyrocketing rent. In communities like Uvwie, Effurun, Okpe, and Warri, many tenants, some of them widows and low-income earners are being evicted or forced to abandon their homes. As distress grows louder, the Delta State House of Assembly has taken a legislative step to bring hope and stability.

Recall that the Delta State Government during their two years in office anniversary, while marking the anniversary, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, emphasized the issue of the rising cost of house rent,  and they introduced a bill aimed at regulating rent increases and promoting more affordable housing.

Titled “A Bill to Regulate House Rent in Delta State,” the proposed law is sponsored by the House Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, alongside 27 co-sponsors. The bill has already been listed for first reading and is expected to be deliberated in the next legislative session.

According to the Speaker, the Assembly will engage key stakeholders including the Ministry of Housing, landlord associations, real estate developers, and civil society groups to ensure the bill is effective and fair to all parties.

According to his statement, Pebnews Visiting tenants to find out more about their housing challenges report that, tenants are lamenting that the increment of house rent has deeply affected them in many areas. Mrs. Theresa Kevwe, a widow with six children from Uvwie, shared her ordeal, "My one-room self-contain was N180,000 last year. Now it’s N350,000. A one-room apartment that used to be N5,000 monthly is now N8,000. We can’t survive like this,” she lamented.

According to the reports from Pebnews investigative team, it was gathered that Families are now living in overcrowded conditions, squatting with relatives, or worse—sleeping in open spaces after being evicted for failing to pay rent. Displaced tenants are pleading with the state government to act quickly and decisively.

While tenants struggle, landlords also cite economic pressures Pebnews collected a balanced statement from Mr. Samuel Irori, a landlord, land surveyor, and property valuer, said the surge in rent is directly linked to the rising cost of building materials and general inflation.

"Even old buildings need remodeling,” he explained. “But with current market prices, renovating a house costs a fortune. Landlords naturally try to recoup their investments. Add in the cost of food and other daily needs, it’s a ripple effect.”

In Nigeria, there is no nationwide law fixing the amount or frequency of rent increases, but landlords are generally expected to give at least six months’ notice before increasing rent. Increases must also be reasonable, especially where not explicitly stated in the tenancy agreement.

Inflation & Economic Pressures: Higher costs for building materials, repairs, and living expenses

Market Value Adjustments: Rents are often adjusted to match current property rates.

Property Improvements: Renovations or upgrades can lead to justified increases 

Policy and Tax Changes: Government property-related policies can indirectly affect rent.

Tenants are advised to:

Review their tenancy agreements for rent-related clause.

Negotiate with landlords if increases seem excessive.

Seek legal redress through the courts if necessary

While tenants remain skeptical, they are cautiously optimistic that the proposed rent control legislation will bring relief. Many say that although the initiative is commendable, implementation must be swift and sincere.

"We need action, not promises,” said one resident. “People are sleeping on floors and in cars. We can’t wait for endless readings and debates.”

Rent hikes are nothing new in Nigeria, but in recent months, the impact on Delta residents has become unbearable. Many tenants across urban centers in the state are being priced out of their homes, and now their calls for government intervention have reached a critical peak.

As the Delta State House of Assembly prepares for further legislative sessions, all eyes will be on the promised rent control bill. For many residents, it represents not just a policy but a lifeline.