The Ekiti State Government has announced plans to regulate house rents and establish a rent tribunal to curb excessive charges by landlords and estate agents, particularly in communities hosting tertiary institutions.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Mortgage Development, Dr Gboyega Oloniyo, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme held in Iyin-Ekiti.

Oloniyo urged landlords and estate agents to review current rent levels, improve housing standards and prioritise the welfare of tenants, stressing that the government would not tolerate excessive and unjustifiable charges.

According to the government, the initiative is aimed at making accommodation more affordable while protecting residents from arbitrary rent increases.

Landlords and estate agents who participated in the programme pledged to cooperate with the government’s efforts.

Participants also called for the accreditation of estate agents, clear rent regulation guidelines and the development of more student hostels across tertiary institutions in the state to address accommodation challenges.