The Lagos State Government has sounded a clear warning.
No individual or organisation is allowed to operate in real estate within the state without registering with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
It was announced by Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare during a press briefing in Alausa and shared via the state’s official X account.
What does this mean for real estate agents? What should tenants or those looking for accommodation in Lagos take from this new directive? Why LASRERA? How can real estate agents abide by this new law?
We’ve gathered all the answers and more in this guide.
What is LASRERA?
LASRERA stands for Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority.
The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law, 2021 (the “LASRERA Law” or the “Law”) was signed into law on February 7, 2022.
Before LASRERA, many people, especially tenants, and home buyers, fell victim to real estate scams, fake agents, and dishonest property developers.
LASRERA was created to protect buyers, renters, and honest real estate professionals.
Its main job is to register and regulate everyone involved in the real estate business. This includes agents, brokers, developers, and companies.
The agency also helps resolve disputes, ensures agents follow proper rules, and creates a public database where people can check if an agent or company is genuine.
As of now, if you’re not registered with LASRERA, you’re not legally allowed to operate in the Lagos property market.
LASRERA Certification For Real Estate Agents (2025 Update)
The Lagos State Government has made it clear that no one is allowed to operate as a real estate agent, broker, or practitioner in the state without being registered with LASRERA.
LASG GOES TOUGH ON REAL ESTATE PRACTITIONERS, AGENTS, OTHERS
The Lagos Government has stated that it is an offence to practice real estate business, either as a commission agent, realtor, or real estate practitioner, without proper registration with the Lagos State Real Estate… pic.twitter.com/IXDfTFiDZs
— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) June 28, 2025
But the directive also came with other reiterations from the government:
- Agency fees must not exceed 10% of the total rent.
- It is illegal to collect rent for more than one year upfront or to receive payment without fulfilling the promised services.
What Does This Mean For Those House Hunting in Lagos?
If you’re searching for a house to rent or buy in Lagos, this update from LASRERA means a few things:
First, it means you have legal protection. Agents can’t just charge you random fees or demand more than one year’s rent in advance. If they do, you have the right to report them to LASRERA.
In addition to that, you now have a way to verify whether an agent or property company is legitimate. LASRERA keeps a database of registered professionals. This helps you avoid fraudsters who pretend to be agents just to scam people.
Also, you’re more likely to get fair and professional service, as registered agents are expected to follow rules and ethics.
If they don’t, LASRERA can penalize them.
Who Needs to Register with LASRERA?
If you’re involved in any kind of real estate business in Lagos, you must register with LASRERA.
This includes:
- Independent real estate agents: If you work alone, helping people rent, lease, or buy properties for a fee, you need LASRERA certification to operate legally.
- Real estate firms and marketing agencies: Companies that promote, manage, or sell properties must also be registered. Whether you have a small team or a large office, your business must be on LASRERA’s list.
- Property developers: If you build or manage housing estates, apartments, or commercial buildings for sale or rent, you must be certified.
- Facility managers: Those who oversee the day-to-day running of buildings or estates also fall under LASRERA’s regulation.
Basically, any person or organization involved in renting, selling, leasing, or managing property in Lagos is required to register.
How to Register with LASRERA: Step-by-Step Guide
You can even get it done online.
Step 1. Visit the Official Registration Page
Go to the LASRERA registration portal.
Step 2. Personal Details
Select your role, e.g., independent agent, agency representative, property developer, etc.
When registering or renewing, the online portal will show the specific fee amount based on your selected category.
Enter your full legal name for individuals, or business name for corporate entities.
You’ll also input your Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number (if applicable) as well as the date.
Other details that will be required include date of birth (for individual agents), phone numbers, email addresses, and website URL if you have an official website.
Step 3. Address Information
You will need to input your Street number and name, bus stop, and Local Government Area (LGA).
Step 4. Account Security
Afterward, you create a secure password and submit your application for review by clicking “Create Account.”
What Happens Next?
You’ll receive confirmation that your account has been created.
Once approved, you’ll be listed on LASRERA’s official practitioner directory and will receive confirmation via email or SMS.
3 Important Benefits of Registering with LASRERA
When you’re registered with LASRERA, it shows clients you’re legit and professional. Here are reasons why real estate practitioners must take it seriously:
1. Builds Trust with Clients
Your name or company gets listed in the government’s official database, so anyone can confirm you’re real.
This makes buyers, tenants, and landlords more likely to work with you, knowing you’ve been verified.
2. Helps You Avoid Legal Penalties
Practicing real estate in Lagos without LASRERA registration is now a criminal offence.
If you’re caught operating without a valid certificate, you could face legal action or even a shutdown of your business. Registration keeps you on the right side of the law.
3. Opens Doors to Bigger Business
Many corporate clients, investors, and property developers will now prefer working only with registered agents.
Having LASRERA certification makes it easier to get serious deals, collaborate on projects, or manage estates for reputable organizations.
It proves you’re accountable and serious about your profession.
What are the Consequences of Non-Registration with LASRERA?
The new directive is still fresh. So we may not have seen many punitive measures by the Lagos state government, but it’s only a matter of time. And no one wants to become a ‘scapegoat.’
1. Business Closure
The Lagos State Government has made it clear that real estate agents and companies without LASRERA registration are operating illegally.
If you’re caught, your business can be shut down. You could also face fines, prosecution, or be banned from operating in the Lagos property market.
2. Loss of Credibility and Trust
Clients are becoming more aware of LASRERA’s role.
If you’re not registered, people will see you as unreliable or suspicious. Most smart tenants, landlords, and investors now ask, “Are you LASRERA-certified?”
If the answer is no, they’ll likely walk away. Some will go as far as to report you.
We’re Proudly Registered With the LASRERA at RentHouseSurulere
At RentHouseSurulere, we are proud to be a fully registered and certified real estate agency with LASRERA.
This means we operate legally, transparently, and in full compliance with Lagos State’s real estate laws.
We are committed to helping house hunters in Surulere and across Lagos find safe, secure, and affordable properties.
To protect our clients, we only work with licensed and LASRERA-registered agents who follow all rules and ethical standards.
Whether you’re looking for a self-contained apartment, flat, mini-flat, duplex, or commercial space, you can count on us for honest service, verified listings, and quick support.
So if you’re ready to find your next home or investment property, contact us today. We’re here to help you move with peace of mind.
FAQs
Is registration compulsory for agents working under a firm?
Yes. Even if you work under a real estate firm, registration with LASRERA is still mandatory. LASRERA’s rules apply broadly to any individual or organization involved in real estate, whether working solo or as part of a team
How long does registration take?
As soon as you complete and submit the online form, your LASRERA account is created instantly. The FAQ on the LASRERA official website highlights that once you register, certified and licensed agents are fit and proper. This implies that evaluation is part of the process.
How much is the LASRERA registration fee?
LASRERA does not list fixed registration fees on its website – the cost depends on your business category (e.g., individual agent vs. firm vs. developer). When registering or renewing, the online portal will show the specific fee amount based on your selected category.
Is the registration renewable annually?
Once you’re registered with LASRERA, your certificate must be renewed every year to stay active.
