USHUKON DANIEL reports on the worsening housing situation in Jos, Plateau State, where rising rent, alleged exploitation by some house agents, and weak regulation are combining to create an increasingly difficult living environment for residents
A growing housing crisis is unfolding in Jos, Plateau State, as house rent rises beyond the reach of many residents.
Families are being forced out of their homes, while complaints continue to mount against house agents accused of adding unfair charges and worsening the situation.
For many years, Jos was known as one of the most affordable cities to live in Nigeria. But today, that story is changing fast, as house rent in the city has risen sharply, leaving many residents worried, frustrated and struggling to survive.
Across different parts of Jos, a massive outcry has been recorded on social media and on the streets over the high cost of rent. People have described the prices as exorbitant and unbearable.
What used to be a comfortable place for workers, students and families is gradually becoming a city where only a few people can afford decent housing.
Recent reports show how rent has skyrocketed within a short time. A one-bedroom apartment that used to cost between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000 per year now goes for as much as ₦400,000 to ₦500,000.
Tenants say they are shocked at how quickly the increases are happening.
“I don’t understand why the rent increases all the time,” Mr Jibril Pantu, a civil servant, said.
“My salary has not increased, but my landlord wants more money. It’s getting more difficult to pay rent now and care for my family,” Pantu lamented.
Many residents shared similar stories. They described the rising cost of rent as outrageous and blamed house agencies and agents for the surge in housing fees.
Complaints against house agents
Major complaints from residents and tenants have allegedly centred on the unregulated activities of house agents. They are accused of making the situation worse by adding extra charges and increasing rent prices beyond what landlords and property owners originally demand.
A couple shared their experience.
“We contacted an agent when we were house hunting. We transported him to the location but, on seeing the house, we decided not to go for it.
“Surprisingly, when we dropped him at his office, the agent insisted we pay him ₦30,000 as inspection fee even when we decided not to go for the house.”
Before securing a house, tenants are allegedly required to pay agency fees, inspection fees, legal fees and other charges. These costs can be unreasonably high, making it difficult for people to secure accommodation even when they can afford the rent itself.
However, some residents believe certain agents are taking advantage of the high demand for housing to exploit tenants.
“You find a house today and tomorrow the agent has increased the price,” a resident of Jos South said.
“Without clear policies to control rents, landlords and agents will continue to fix prices based on market demand, leaving tenants at a disadvantage,” he added.
Unfortunately, unregistered housing agents are now exploiting desperate house seekers through arbitrary pricing, multiple listings, and non-refundable inspection fees.
Other factors driving the crisis
While agents are being blamed, other factors also appear to be contributing to the problem. The high cost of building materials, inflation, economic hardship, increased demand for housing and lack of proper regulation in the housing sector have all been identified as causes.
A real estate consultant, Mr Machief Mahan, expressed concern and called for a regulatory body to be created to address the rapidly growing problem.
“This is a call to the Plateau State Government to take necessary action to regulate real estate activities within the state by allowing only registered firms and licensed realtors to practise the profession,” he said.
Govt response, calls for action
The Plateau State House of Assembly has expressed concern over the high cost of rent and the conduct of some house agents. Lawmakers said there are plans to introduce rules that will curb exploitation.
They noted that they are working on measures to regulate the sector, protect tenants and ensure fairness in rent pricing. They also said discussions are ongoing about enforcing laws to control excessive charges and reduce exploitation.
Residents are calling for urgent intervention, urging the Plateau State Ministry of Housing to register and license all house agents, create a public database and treat any unlicensed agent as a fraudster.
The rising cost of rent in Jos is no longer a minor issue. It is a growing crisis. As residents continue to lament, the need for urgent action appears more pressing than ever.
If nothing is done, the city once known for its comfort and affordability may soon become a place many can no longer call home.