By Ifeoluwa Solomon
Uyo Rents Justice has witnessed renewed calls for justice and fairness in the rental market, with stakeholders urging landlords to halt unnecessary increases in house rents across Akwa Ibom State.
The position is that tenants should not be subjected to arbitrary rent hikes, particularly where there has been no corresponding improvement in the quality or facilities of the property.
The emerging position also recognises that a reasonable adjustment in rent may be justified where landlords undertake substantial renovations, reconstruction or modernisation of their properties to meet contemporary structural and housing standards. Such improvements, however, should be genuine, measurable and reflected in the quality of accommodation provided to tenants.
Residents and housing stakeholders have therefore called for greater transparency and fairness in landlord-tenant relationships, stressing that Uyo’s growing population and expanding economy should not become an excuse for exploitative rents.
They urged relevant authorities and community leaders to promote mechanisms that protect tenants from unjustified rent increases while also safeguarding the legitimate interests of property owners.
