A step-by-step guide to becoming a member of the Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria (AEAN) and registering with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) — plus why Lagos State is pushing every agent to get registered. LASRERA registration is a legal requirement specifically for agents operating in Lagos State; this guide is open to all GidiStay agents nationwide.
Why join AEAN and LASRERA?
It's the law in Lagos State — under the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law, no one may operate as a real estate agent, broker, or practitioner in Lagos State without registering with LASRERA. Operating unregistered can attract a fine of not less than ₦250,000 for an individual and ₦1,000,000 for a company.
Clients are told to avoid unregistered agents — Lagos State officials have publicly urged residents to only transact with agents and developers registered with LASRERA.
Protection from exploitative fees — LASRERA caps agency fees between 0% and 10% of annual rent, and the state government is working with all 57 LGAs/LCDAs to enforce it.
Professional recognition and training — AEAN membership (MAEAN) signals that you meet a national professional standard for estate agency practice.
Stand out to renters and buyers — LASRERA registration and AEAN membership give you two independent, checkable credentials on top of your GidiStay Verified Agent badge.
In Lagos State's own words
"The aim of the collaboration is not only to reduce the exorbitant fees being charged by some property agents, but to bring sanity to the built sector and make life easier for the average Lagosian. Housing is a basic necessity, and we are committed to ensuring it is accessible and affordable."
"We want members of the public to understand that doing business with unregistered agents poses serious risks. LASRERA exists to protect both tenants and landlords, and we will not relent in our effort to restore sanity to the built sector."
This builds on the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law, 2021 — signed in February 2022 — whose core objectives are consumer protection, curbing fraud and sharp practices by unlicensed agents, wider oversight of the real estate sector, and transparency in real estate transactions across Lagos State.
How to register with LASRERA (Lagos State)
Required by law for anyone renting, selling, leasing, or managing property for a fee within Lagos State. Register at lasrera.lagosstate.gov.ng.
Check your eligibility — Be at least 18 years old, hold a 3-year Tax Clearance Certificate, and (recommended) have completed a LASRERA-approved training course with prior real estate experience.
Register your business with CAC — If you operate as a firm or agency, register with the Corporate Affairs Commission and keep proper transaction records.
Create an account on the LASRERA portal — Visit lasrera.lagosstate.gov.ng and register as an individual agent, agency representative, developer, or facility manager.
Complete the online application — Enter your legal name or business name, CAC number (if applicable), date of birth, phone, email, office address, and Local Government Area.
Pass the LASRERA pre-licensing exam — Register for and pass the exam that demonstrates your knowledge and competency as a real estate practitioner.
Upload documents and pay the fee — Upload your supporting documents and pay the applicable registration fee shown on the portal for your category.
Await verification — LASRERA reviews your application and confirms your licence by email or SMS once approved.
Receive and renew your permit — Your LASRERA permit is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to remain active.
AEAN (Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria) is a national professional body affiliated with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). Apply at aean.org.ng/membership.
Confirm you meet the education requirement — AEAN membership (MAEAN) is open to holders of SSCE, OND, HND, BSc, BEd, and above — from any discipline, including lawyers.
Fill the AEAN membership application — Apply directly at aean.org.ng/membership by completing the online membership form.
Submit your documents — Provide your academic credentials, a Certificate of Incorporation (for your company), an application letter on your company letterhead, and one passport photograph.
Receive your verification email — After submitting your form, AEAN sends a verification email confirming receipt of your application.
Pay your National and State annual dues — Annual dues (currently ₦55,000 combined) are due by 31 January each year — pay late and a penalty applies from 31 December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be in Lagos State to register with LASRERA?
Yes. LASRERA registration is a Lagos State law requirement and only applies to agents, brokers, developers, and facility managers operating within Lagos State. Agents operating outside Lagos are not required to register with LASRERA, though GidiStay still requires CAC, valid ID, and TIN documents for all agents nationwide.
Is AEAN membership only for Lagos-based agents?
No. AEAN (Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria) is a national professional body open to agents across Nigeria, regardless of state. It is separate from LASRERA, which is specific to Lagos State law.
What happens if I operate as an agent in Lagos without LASRERA registration?
Operating as an unregistered real estate agent, broker, or practitioner in Lagos State is an offence under the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law, punishable by a fine of not less than ₦250,000 for an individual and not less than ₦1,000,000 for a company.
How much does it cost to join AEAN?
AEAN's published annual dues (National and State combined) are ₦55,000 per year, due by 31 January. AEAN does not publicly list a separate one-time application fee on its site — contact AEAN directly at aean.org.ng for the full current fee schedule.
How is this different from the GidiStay Verified Agent badge?
The GidiStay Verified Agent badge is GidiStay's own internal compliance check (CAC, valid ID, TIN, and address, plus LASRERA for Lagos agents). AEAN and LASRERA are independent, external professional and regulatory bodies. Being registered with them strengthens your credibility beyond GidiStay and is legally required in Lagos State's case.