The Abia State House of Assembly has passed a bill establishing the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority, a move aimed at protecting tenants from exploitative practices by landlords and house agents while also safeguarding the rights of property owners.

The legislation, H.A.B 34, was passed during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa. The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Augustine Okezie, alongside lawmaker Mandela Obasi.

According to the Assembly, the new law is designed to address issues affecting the relationship between landlords, tenants, and house agents across the state. It seeks to protect tenants from excessive charges and other unfair practices while ensuring that landlords also have legal protection against tenants who violate the terms of their tenancy agreements.

The legislation comes in response to growing complaints from residents of Umuahia and Aba over the rising cost of residential and commercial rents.

Many residents had accused some house agents of collaborating with landlords to arbitrarily increase rental prices, prompting calls for government intervention.

In addition to the tenancy legislation, the Assembly also passed a law aimed at improving the administration of criminal justice in the state.

Lawmakers said the new legislation is expected to promote the speedy dispensation of criminal cases while guaranteeing fair hearing for all parties involved in criminal proceedings.

The House further passed a restorative justice law, which requires individuals who inflict harm on others within Abia State to accept responsibility for their actions as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and justice.