It is common in the Nigerian real estate business that both the owner/landlord and the tenant prefer verbal agreement to legal paperwork. This has caused havoc as there is no proof of the agreement between both parties after negotiation. Before we go further to understand the right of a tenant and landlord, let’s identify the two parties; Landlord and Tenant.

Who is a Tenant: A person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord. While a Landlord on the other hand refers to someone who owns land or property and allows another person to use it for a certain fee. The association between both parties arises from an agreement by which the tenant occupies a property subject to a fee called the rental fee.

The Legal Right Of A Tenant And Landlord In Nigeria

Below are the legal rights of a tenant in Nigeria.

1. Right to an agreement: Every tenant has a right to have an agreement with his landlord. However, after negotiation, such an agreement should be based on some legal paperwork to avoid misunderstandings between both parties.
2. Right to payment receipt: Every payment made by the tenant must be reflected on the payment receipts. Such receipts should be duly signed and well detailed with the date.
3. Right to 7-day notice before the property can be recovered: The tenant has the right to a 7-day notice after he or she has been asked to vacate a property on quick notice.

Also read: Why having a short-let apartment in Lagos is a good investment.

Having pointed out the right of a tenant, let us now identify the legal right of a Landlord

These include;

1.       Right to change the rent fee: The landlord has the right to increase the rent fee after the agreement signed with the tenant has expired. However, this should not be done to inconvenience the other party. Increasing the rental fee must have a significant effect on the property itself.

2.       Right to give quit notice if he wills: The landlord has the right to issue quit notice to the tenant for violating rules and regulations on the property as specified in the signed agreement.

3.       Right to renew or regain tenancy: The landlord has the right to renew the tenant after their agreement is over except if the tenant desires to continue renting the property.

In conclusion

Understanding your legal right as a tenant and landlord in Nigeria would facilitate the easy relationship among both parties as it reduces misunderstanding. Stating and signing of a legal agreement on paperwork should not be handled with levity so also receipts of every payment transaction should be well detailed and duly signed.