The Ultimate Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

Have you ever found yourself in a dispute with your landlord or tenant? Has this dispute left you wondering who’s actually right or wrong?

Well, you’re not alone. Many tenants and landlords in Nigeria face conflicts simply because they lack a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

Sometimes, the dispute between a landlord and a tenant can be attributed to a lack of communication between both parties. This lack of knowledge and communication can lead to misunderstandings, financial losses, and even legal battles.

Here’s your ultimate guide to understanding your rights as a tenant or landlord in Nigeria.

The Importance of Knowing Your Rights

Knowing your rights is super important whether you are a tenant or landlord. It not only helps to avoid conflicts but also promotes a better relationship between everyone involved.

When both sides understand their rights and responsibilities, it builds an atmosphere of trust and respect. This understanding can make the rental experience much smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Your Rights as a Tenant

If you are a tenant and you read this article to this point, then you’re about to learn your rights. They include:

1. Right to a Written Agreement

Every tenant has the right to a written tenancy agreement. This is a document that clearly outlines the names of both parties (you and your landlord), the property details, the amount of rent, and the duration of the tenancy. Having everything in writing helps prevent disputes down the line.

2. Right to Peaceful Enjoyment

Once you’ve paid your rent and received a receipt, you have the right to enjoy your home peacefully. This means no unwarranted disturbances from your landlord or other parties.

3. Right to Payment Receipt

As a tenant, you have the right to receive a receipt whenever you pay your rent. This receipt is important because it serves as proof of your payment. Ensure that it includes the following details: the full name of your landlord, your own full name, the amount you paid, the date of the payment, the property for which you’re paying, and the duration that payment covers.

Don’t forget that it should also have the signature of the person who received the payment (your landlord). This particular documentation can save you from any future misunderstandings.

4. Right to Privacy

As a tenant, you are entitled to privacy in your rented space. Your landlord must give you prior notice before entering the property. Of course there are exceptions but the only exception is the case of emergencies.

5. Right to Fair Rent

Tenants have the right to pay a fair and reasonable rent as agreed upon in the tenancy agreement. Landlords cannot arbitrarily increase rent without proper notice or justification.

6. Right to Valid Quit Notice

If your landlord intends to terminate your tenancy, they must provide a valid quit notice, giving you adequate time to vacate the premises.

A valid “Quit Notice” or “notice to quit” should include the landlord’s name, the tenant’s name, the address of the property the tenant is occupying, and the duration of time given to the tenant to vacate.

Your Rights as a Landlord

Congratulations if you have read this article to this point. You are about to discover your rights as a landlord. They include:

1. Right to Collect Rent

Landlords have the right to collect rent as stipulated in the tenancy agreement. This includes receiving payments on time and issuing receipts for all transactions.

2. Right Not to Renew Tenancy

A landlord is not obligated to renew a tenancy agreement once it expires. If a tenant breaches any terms of the agreement, this right becomes even more relevant.

3. Right to Maintain Property

Landlords have the right to ensure that their property is well-maintained and free from damage caused by tenants. They can conduct inspections as necessary, provided they give proper notice.

4. Right to Compensation

In cases where the government acquires property for public purposes, landlords have the right to compensation once ownership is confirmed.

5. Right Not to Reimburse a Tenant

A landlord has the right not to reimburse a tenant for repairs in most cases. They’re only required to cover the costs if the repairs are specifically mentioned in the tenancy agreement. That’s why it’s really important for both parties to clearly discuss and agree on who is responsible for what repairs before signing the tenancy agreement. This way, everyone knows what to expect and can avoid any misunderstandings later on.

Conclusion

When you are aware of your rights as either a tenant or landlord in Nigeria, it becomes easy to navigate the real estate landscape successfully. Furthermore, this knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary disputes.