Most tenancy disputes in Nigeria happen because one or both parties do not understand what the law actually says. Here is a plain breakdown of your rights as a tenant across three critical areas.

On rent

1. Your landlord must issue a receipt for every payment you make. Under the Lagos State Tenancy Law, landlords are required to issue a payment receipt whether rent is paid in cash, by bank teller, or electronic transfer. Always demand this receipt and keep every copy.

2. Rent increases cannot be arbitrary. Rent increases must be provided for in the tenancy agreement and cannot be arbitrary. Nigerian courts assess whether a rent increase is reasonable based on prevailing rates and specific circumstances. A landlord who raises your rent mid-tenancy without proper notice or agreement may be acting unlawfully.

3. Lagos State law prohibits landlords from demanding or accepting more than six months’ rent for monthly tenants or one year’s rent for yearly tenants. If your landlord is demanding two or three years upfront in Lagos, they are in violation of this law.

On eviction

4. Before eviction, tenants must receive proper notice, usually six months for yearly tenants, three months for quarterly tenants, and one month for monthly tenants.

5. A landlord cannot lawfully evict a tenant by self-help, including changing locks, removing belongings, or physical intimidation. Eviction must follow the statutory notice and court process. If your landlord does any of these things, you have legal grounds to sue for damages.

6. Under the proposed Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025, landlords will be prohibited from evicting tenants while rent disputes are under judicial review, offering additional protection against retaliatory evictions.

On repairs

7. Structural repairs and major systems including plumbing and electrical typically fall to the landlord unless otherwise agreed. If serious structural defects exist and the landlord refuses to act, you can petition the court or tribunal to compel necessary repairs.

8. Your security deposit must be refunded at the end of your tenancy, subject only to deductions for documented damage to fixtures or fittings beyond normal wear and tear.

Know the law. It exists to protect you.

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