The Lagos State Government has taken a strong stance against homeowners in state housing schemes who are accused of renting out their apartments at exorbitant fees.
Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, has issued a warning that the government will not tolerate such practices and will “wield a big stick” against those found guilty.
This crackdown comes in response to numerous complaints from residents in various state housing schemes regarding the high rents charged by homeowners.
The government’s intention in providing subsidized housing options with low down payments and extended payment plans was to make life easier for Lagos residents.
However, expensive rents have hindered this goal.
Commissioner Akinderu-Fatai emphasized that the purpose of asking allottees to make a five percent down payment and spread the remaining amount over ten years was to make life more bearable for Lagosians.
He expressed disappointment in homeowners who exploit the system for personal gain, stating, “they are renting those apartments out to make money… Why do people try to inconvenience others when the government intended to make life bearable for citizens?”
To address this issue, the commissioner has ordered facility managers and estate association members to report homeowners who are found guilty of renting out their apartments at exorbitant fees to the ministry.
Those homeowners will face consequences, including forfeiting their apartments and having their payments refunded.
Article updated 3 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
