Abia House of Assembly Moves to Strengthen Housing Sector as Landlords and Tenants Bill Passes Second Reading, To Be Consolidated With Real Estate Regulatory Bill

The Abia State House of Assembly, during its plenary session held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, took a significant step toward reforming the state’s housing and real estate sector as the Abia State of Nigeria Landlords and Tenants Bill, 2025 (H.A.B 36) sponsored by the member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, successfully scaled through its second reading.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a clear legal framework to promote a harmonious and mutually respectful relationship between landlords and tenants in Abia State. It aims to address recurring disputes, ensure fairness in rental agreements, and provide mechanisms for resolving tenancy-related conflicts in an orderly and lawful manner.

The Bill further intends to protect the rights of both property owners and tenants by setting standards for rent control, eviction procedures, tenancy agreements, and property maintenance obligations, thereby fostering a more transparent and regulated housing environment across the state.

In a related development, the House resolved to consolidate the Abia State Real Estate Regulatory Bill, 2025 (H.A.B 34) sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, with the Landlords and Tenants Bill (H.A.B 36), citing similarities and overlapping provisions in both proposed laws.

The consolidation, according to the House, is aimed at producing a comprehensive and unified legal instrument that will regulate real estate transactions, tenancy relationships, and property management practices in Abia State, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and legal clarity within the housing sector.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, commended the sponsors for their foresight and legislative initiative, emphasizing that the harmonized Bill, when passed, will mark a major milestone in strengthening housing administration and promoting social justice within the real estate industry in A

bia State.