Concern is mounting among residents of Abuja over the persistent rise in house rents, with calls for government policies to regulate the housing market.
Residents said on Monday that rental prices had climbed beyond the reach of many, with self-contained apartments costing up to N2 million and one-bedroom flats ranging from N2.5 million to N3 million.
Mrs Victoria Olabisi, who resides in Kubwa, said her rent increased from N1.8 million to N2.5 million, adding that the rise had placed significant strain on her finances. She noted that many people were moving to more distant areas where accommodation is cheaper.
Mr Akinola Akin-Adubi, a lawyer living in Area 1, said his rent had risen by 100 per cent, from N400,000 to N800,000. He added that agency and legal fees, alongside other charges, had further increased the total cost of renting.
He estimated that such fees now account for about a quarter of the rent, significantly raising the financial burden on tenants.
Ms Vera Zephaniah said she relocated from Karu to Wuse II for security reasons and now pays N2 million for a self-contained apartment, nearly three times her previous rent. She called for regulation of additional charges imposed by agents and landlords.
Responding to the concerns, landlord Mr Pius Dikae said some property owners were exploiting the situation through excessive rent increases.
Another landlord, Mr Adun Olalekan, said rising building costs, inflation and pressure from estate agents were contributing to the upward trend in rents.
