Legal Things To Know Before Renting A House In Nigeria — Full Tenant Guide

Most rental disputes in Nigeria happen because tenants sign agreements they haven't read, or don't know their legal rights. Before you pay rent, understand what the law actually says. This guide covers the Tenancy Law (Lagos 2011 and similar state laws) and the Recovery of Premises Act which governs other states.

1. Confirm the landlord is the real owner

Before paying anything, ask to see the property's ownership documents — Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, or Governor's Consent. If you're dealing with an agent, ask for a letter of authority from the landlord confirming the agent can let the property. Many "landlords" are actually caretakers or family members without authority to rent out property.

2. Insist on a written tenancy agreement

Never rent based on verbal agreement. Nigerian courts protect written tenancies far more strongly. The tenancy agreement must clearly state:

• Full names of landlord and tenant
• Exact address and description of the property
• Rent amount and duration (usually 1 or 2 years)
• Start and end date of tenancy
• Payment terms — when and how
• Caution/security deposit amount and refund conditions
• Who pays for what (water, electricity, waste, repairs)
• Notice period for renewal or termination
• Restrictions (subletting, alterations, business use)

3. Read the agreement — every clause matters

Watch out for clauses that: allow the landlord to increase rent mid-tenancy, forbid you from complaining publicly, waive your right to a refund, or allow forceful eviction. If any clause feels unfair, negotiate before signing. Once you sign, you're bound.

4. Understand your notice rights

Under the Lagos Tenancy Law 2011 (similar in most states), when a tenancy ends, the landlord cannot just throw you out. They must serve you a statutory notice:

• Weekly tenant: 1 week notice
• Monthly tenant: 1 month notice
• Quarterly tenant: 3 months notice
• Half-yearly tenant: 3 months notice
• Yearly tenant: 6 months notice

After the quit notice expires, they must also serve a 7-day notice of owner's intention to apply to recover possession. Only then can they go to court. Anything shorter — or any attempt to evict you by cutting electricity, removing your roof, or locking you out — is illegal.

5. Illegal eviction is a crime

Landlords cannot self-help. The following are criminal offences in Lagos and most states:

• Locking you out of the property
• Removing doors, windows, or roof
• Disconnecting your electricity or water to force you out
• Harassing or threatening you
• Throwing out your belongings

If any of this happens, report immediately to the police and, in Lagos, to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) or Rent Tribunal.

6. Rent increase — know the limits

A landlord cannot legally increase your rent during an active tenancy. Increases can only apply at renewal, and even then, the increase must be reasonable. In Lagos, if you believe the increase is excessive, you can challenge it at the Tenancy Tribunal. The tribunal will consider market rates, property condition, and location before ruling.

7. Your caution / security deposit

Your caution deposit (usually 1 month's rent) is refundable when you vacate in good condition. To protect yourself:

• Confirm in writing that the deposit is refundable
• Take dated photos/videos of the property before you move in
• Take dated photos/videos when moving out
• Request a joint inspection with the landlord/agent on both dates
• Any deduction must be for actual damage — not fair wear and tear

8. Repairs and maintenance

By law, the landlord is responsible for structural repairs — roof, external walls, plumbing installations, wiring. The tenant is responsible for minor internal repairs caused by their use. Get this split clearly written into your agreement.

9. Fees you're legally required to pay

These are standard and lawful:

• Rent — usually 1 or 2 years advance
• Agency fee — 10% of annual rent
• Legal/Agreement fee — 10% of annual rent
• Caution deposit — refundable

Beware of fake extras: "welcome fee," "development fee," "committee fee," "keys fee." These are not standard and should be refused unless clearly justified.

10. Subletting and alterations

Most tenancy agreements forbid subletting without the landlord's written consent. Similarly, don't paint, break walls, or make structural changes without written permission — even minor changes can cost you your deposit or lead to eviction.

11. Renewal

Before renewing, review the property condition and negotiate on any issues. A renewal letter (with the new rent and duration) should be issued. If you don't intend to renew, give the landlord written notice within the statutory period so they can find a new tenant.

12. When things go wrong — where to go

• Lagos: Lagos State Rent Tribunal, LASRERA, or the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency
• FCT Abuja: High Court of the FCT (Landlord & Tenant matters)
• Other states: Magistrate Court under the Recovery of Premises Act

13. Final tenant checklist before you pay

✅ Sighted the landlord's ownership documents · ✅ Confirmed the agent's authority · ✅ Read every clause of the tenancy agreement · ✅ Confirmed the caution deposit is refundable in writing · ✅ Took dated photos/videos of the property · ✅ Collected receipts for every payment · ✅ Confirmed statutory notice periods · ✅ Retained a signed copy of the tenancy agreement

Knowing the law protects you from exploitation. On SignalMe, agents are verified and clients post their needs — reducing the risk of dealing with scammers or unauthorised "landlords" in the first place.