EBONYI MOVES TO REGULATE HOUSE RENTS, AGENT FEES, SCRAP METAL TRADE
The Ebonyi State Government has approved the transmission of key reform bills to the State House of Assembly aimed at regulating house rents, estate agents’ charges, and the activities of scrap metal dealers.
The approval was granted during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held at the Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The proposed legislation also seeks to revive industrial activities through the establishment of a new cement plant and fast-track the completion of abandoned road projects across the state.
Briefing journalists after the meeting on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, said the proposed Landlord and Tenant Bill would address arbitrary charges imposed by estate agents by introducing a legal cap on agency fees.
He explained that, if passed into law, estate agents will not be allowed to charge more than 2 per cent of the total rent paid by tenants. The bill also stipulates that only duly registered and qualified estate practitioners will be permitted to operate within the state.
According to the commissioner, the proposed law is intended to protect residents from exploitative practices in the housing sector while promoting professionalism and accountability in the real estate business.
