The struggle to find affordable accommodation in Calabar is becoming more difficult as rising house rents continue to put pressure on residents, triggering disagreements between landlords and tenants over the cost of securing a place to live.
For many workers, traders, students and low-income earners, paying house rent has become a major financial burden, with some residents complaining that the amount demanded for accommodation is no longer in line with their earnings or the condition of the buildings they occupy.
A report by CrossRiverWatch has highlighted the growing tension between landlords and tenants in Calabar, with rising accommodation costs bringing renewed attention to the city's housing challenges.
Some tenants have expressed concern over rent increases on properties they describe as old, poorly maintained and lacking basic facilities. They argue that landlords should consider the economic hardship facing residents before increasing rents, especially when the condition of the buildings has not improved.
The rising cost of accommodation has also raised questions about the role of house agents, whose fees and charges can add to the financial burden on people searching for apartments.
For residents looking for accommodation, the expenses often go beyond the annual rent. Agency fees, agreements, caution deposits and other charges can significantly increase the amount required before a tenant can move into a house.
Landlords, however, also face rising costs associated with building materials, repairs, property maintenance and other expenses. These challenges have contributed to disagreements over how much tenants should pay and how frequently rents should be increased.
The growing concern over house rents in Calabar is not new. In October 2025, the Cross River State House of Assembly considered the issue, with lawmakers raising concerns about steep rent increases and the condition of some properties being offered to tenants.
During the deliberations, lawmakers cited examples of high rents for self-contained rooms and one-bedroom apartments in different parts of the city. They also called for measures to address arbitrary increases and improve the relationship between landlords and tenants.
In August 2026, the Cross River State Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, appealed to landlords to exercise restraint and consider the hardship facing residents before increasing rents.
The commissioner acknowledged that rising accommodation costs were adding to the pressure on households already struggling with the cost of food, transportation and other basic necessities. He urged property owners to adopt a more compassionate approach towards their tenants.
Despite these concerns and appeals, the cost of securing accommodation remains an important issue for residents who want decent housing without spending an unreasonable share of their income on rent.
For young people starting their careers, families raising children and small business owners trying to keep their businesses afloat, sudden rent increases can mean cutting spending on food, healthcare, education and other essential needs.
The situation has renewed calls for the government to explore practical ways of improving access to affordable housing, strengthening oversight of rental practices and encouraging the development of accommodation that ordinary residents can afford.
There are also calls for landlords to maintain their properties properly and ensure that the rent charged reflects the condition and facilities available in their buildings.
As the disagreement between landlords and tenants continues, the major concern for many residents is how to secure decent accommodation without being pushed further into financial hardship.
For a city like Calabar, where workers, students, traders and families all need affordable places to live, finding a lasting solution to the rent crisis will require cooperation among the government, property owners, house agents and tenants.
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