Kaduna Residents Lament Soaring House Rents, Accuse Agents of Exploitation

Residents of Kaduna State have raised concerns over the escalating cost of house rents across the state, describing the trend as an economic burden that is forcing many families into squatting and relocation to distant communities.

The development, which many residents attributed to arbitrary rent increases and excessive agency charges, has sparked calls for government intervention to regulate the housing sector and protect tenants from what they described as exploitation.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that rents for apartments in several parts of Kaduna metropolis have witnessed sharp increases within the last three years, with some tenants reporting rent hikes of over 70 per cent for the same properties.

Several residents who spoke with our correspondent expressed frustration over what they described as unrealistic rental demands amid the country's prevailing economic hardship.

A resident, who identified himself simply as Christian Danladi, lamented that many workers could no longer afford accommodation within the city centre.

"We have a very serious housing crisis in Kaduna. Rent prices are becoming ridiculous and unrealistic. Not everybody works in the oil sector or earns huge salaries. Yet landlords and agents keep increasing rents every year," he said.

According to him, a house that was rented for N1.5 million in 2024 now attracts as much as N2.5 million in 2026, despite no significant improvements being made to the property.

"How do you explain paying N1.5 million in 2024, N1.8 million in 2025 and then N2.5 million in 2026 for the same house? What exactly has changed?" he queried.

Residents also decried the high agency and legal fees attached to rental transactions, noting that in some cases, a property advertised for N150,000 annually ends up costing tenants about N250,000 after additional charges are added.

"The rent may be N150,000 but by the time you add agreement fees, commission and other charges, the total package rises to N250,000 or more. It feels like extortion," another resident, Mrs. Deborah James, alleged.

The rising cost of housing, residents said, has compelled many families and young professionals to seek accommodation in distant communities where rents are relatively lower.

They warned that if the trend continues unchecked, more people may be forced to relocate from the city centre, leading to increased transportation costs and pressure on infrastructure in suburban areas.

Others noted that housing scarcity has worsened the situation, as the demand for affordable accommodation continues to outpace supply.

A civil servant, Musa Abdullahi, said many workers now spend a significant portion of their annual income on rent.

"People are now squatting with relatives and friends because they cannot afford to rent houses on their own. The situation is becoming alarming," he said.

The residents called on the Kaduna State Government and relevant regulatory agencies to investigate activities within the housing sector, particularly the role of house agents and property managers.

They urged authorities to consider policies that would encourage affordable housing development and regulate charges imposed on prospective tenants.

Housing experts have repeatedly warned that Nigeria's housing deficit, coupled with rising construction costs and inflation, continues to exert pressure on rental prices across Kaduna City.

However, residents insist that beyond economic factors, stricter oversight is needed to curb arbitrary rent increases and excessive transaction charges that place additional burdens on tenants.

As the cost of living continues to rise, many Kaduna residents fear that affordable housing may soon become unattainable for low- and middle-income earners unless urgent measures are taken to address the growing crisis.