Led by Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Abia State House of Assembly has officially enacted bill H.A.B 34. This legislation, introduced by Deputy Speaker Augustine Okezie and lawmaker Mandela Obasi, establishes the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority. The primary goal is to shield tenants from unreasonable financial demands or unfair practices by property owners and rental agents.
Importantly, the framework also safeguards landlords by addressing instances where tenants violate lease terms or act improperly. This legislative action arrives in response to widespread protests from residents in Umuahia and Aba regarding steep rent increases for residential and commercial premises, alongside allegations that agents and landlords were colluding to inflate prices.
Furthermore, the Assembly approved measures to enhance the criminal justice system to promote faster case resolutions and guarantee equitable hearings for all participants. Additionally, a restorative justice law was passed, mandating that individuals who inflict harm on others within the state be held directly accountable for their actions.
