The Abia State House of Assembly has passed into law the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority Bill (H.A.B. 34), a legislation aimed at safeguarding the interests of both tenants and landlords across the state.

The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Augustine Okezie, alongside lawmaker Mandela Obasi, was passed during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa.

The newly enacted law establishes the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority, which is expected to regulate tenancy matters and protect residents from exploitative practices by landlords and house agents.

According to the Assembly, the law is designed to shield tenants from arbitrary rent-related practices while also protecting the rights of landlords in situations where tenants violate the terms of their tenancy agreements or engage in unlawful conduct.

The legislation comes in response to growing public concern over the rising cost of residential and commercial rents, particularly in Umuahia and Aba.

Residents of the two major cities had repeatedly complained about sharp increases in rent, with many alleging that some house agents were working with landlords to inflate rental prices.

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

The lawmakers said the new legal framework is intended to promote the speedy dispensation of criminal cases while guaranteeing fair hearing for all parties involved in criminal proceedings.

The Assembly further passed a restorative justice law, which seeks to ensure that individuals who inflict harm on others within Abia State are held accountable for their actions and take responsibility for the consequences of their conduct.