Multi-family residential dwellings, such as multi-family homes, apartment buildings, and condominiums
Land and empty lots
Vacation properties, such as cottages and villas
Commercial properties, such as standalone business properties, shopping malls, office buildings, or mixed-use buildings.
Who does tenant mean
A tenant is someone who rents or leases a dwelling from a landlord, or someone who holds or occupies real estate or personal property by any kind of right. The word comes from Latin tenere, meaning to hold or extend1. In practical terms, a tenant is a person or organization that uses a building or land and pays rent to its owner. For example, if you rent an apartment, you are the tenant, and the person who owns the apartment is the landlord. Both parties—the landlord and the tenant—are bound by the terms of the rental contract2. So, whether it’s an apartment, a house, or even a car, a tenant is the person who occupies the property and pays rent for its use. 🏠🔑
A large number of home hunters, especially millennials don’t want an apartment where the Landlord also resides. This mindset had been driving into minds of many, from hearing stories from friends, colleagues of how horrible and strict certain landlords tend to be.
This uncommon incident often boils down to lack of communication from both parties, not being well informed about them according to the laws.
The Nigerian law is all-encompassing and people-welfare oriented that the law went on to provide an avalanche of rights, duties, and privileges for both parties. The law defines the rights, duties, privileges, powers, and remedies open to both tenants and landlords.
Here are some of the rights open to Tenants as covered by the Tenancy Law in Nigeria, today.
RIGHT TO A WRITTEN AGREEMENT
Every tenant no matter his status or location in Nigeria has the right to an agreement. Agreements, on the other hand, can be oral or written. However, it is advised that agreements between both parties should be written, hence, any altercations would be easily dealt with, and it comes in handy as references.
The tenant is expected to go through the agreements thoroughly before signing.
Tenancy agreements are to contain in detail the names of a landlord and his tenant, as parties to the Tenancy Agreement.
The land or house to be rented out ought to be described in detail, showing its location and basic features. The duration of the tenancy, the rent payable and the date at which such rent would become payable should be stated.
The modalities for reviewing rent price (increment in price) should be included. Before signing any agreement, a prospective tenant is advised to seek the service of a solicitor to break down any unclear terms in the Tenancy Agreement.
RIGHT TO ISSUANCE OF RECEIPT OF PAYMENT
The receipt of payment is an acknowledgment from a Landlord or an Agent that a rent payment has been made by a tenant. It must contain the name of the Landlord and the Tenant. The amount paid and the date of such payment. The property for which such payment is made, the duration that such payment will cover and the signature of the receiver must also be on the receipt.
See also How To Write An Ideal Eviction Letter
It is an actionable offense to refuse to issue a receipt for rent paid and received. It is your right as a tenant to be issued a receipt upon payment of rent. Where the payment is only a part of a whole, it should also be receipted and stated.
Remember a written agreement endorsed by the landlord before a witness that he has received a rent from his tenant will suffice. No matter how familiar, friendly, corporate and caring your landlord is, please always demand receipts of your paid rents to safeguard yourself
RIGHT TO PEACEFUL ENJOYMENT OF PROPERTY
When a tenant pays his rent and is issued a receipt, it is the landlord granting him the right to peaceful enjoyment of the property. Once this is done, he determines the entrance, usage, safety and can even sue for trespass against any trespasser; strangers, landlord and his agents. The landlord, however, can supervise and maintain the property generally, but with the knowledge of the tenant and within reasonable hours of the day.
Section 7 of the law states that tenants are to comply with the tenancy agreement which includes paying their rent on time to avoid problems, they are also expected to behave in the right manner, they are to take consent from the landlord before fixing up any structural damage on any part of the building, subletting and alterations.
RIGHT TO A VALID QUIT NOTICE
A tenant cannot be thrown out of his apartment unless there is a strict compliance by the landlord with relevant Recovery of Premises Law.
Recovery of Premises Law provides that a valid “quit notice” of a landlord’s intention to terminate/quit the tenancy of the tenant must be written and served to the tenant. The amount of time given to the tenant, whether weekly, monthly, yearly, depends on his rent. Thus it is advised that a tenant thoroughly read through the Tenancy Agreement before signing as some might even sign away their rights for a ‘quit notice’. Remember, ignorance is not an excuse in law
A valid “Quit Notice” must contain the name of the landlord, the name of the tenant, the address of the property occupied by the tenant, the duration given to the tenant included.
RIGHT TO A COMPULSORY (7) SEVEN DAYS NOTICE TO RECOVER PREMISES
The protection given to a tenant by the Nigerian Tenancy Law, prevents Landlords to evict an occupant without issuing a “Seven Days’ Notice to Recover”.
The “Seven (7) Days’ Notice of Owner’s Intention to Recover Premises” is a notice from a landlord’s lawyer notifying a tenant upon whom a “Quit Notice” had been served and same had expired; that the lawyer will after seven (7) days from the date of the service of the Notice proceed to court to recover the over- held premises on behalf of the landlord.
Discussed above are some of the rights of a tenant covered by the Nigerian law. And as there are laws protecting the tenant, the landlord has laws protecting his rights under the Nigerian law too. Below are some of the Rights of a Landlord in Nigeria.
Discussed above are some of the rights of a tenant covered by the Nigerian law. And as there are laws protecting the tenant, the landlord has laws protecting his rights under the Nigerian law too. Below are some of the
RIGHTS OF A LANDLORD
What does tenant mean
A tenant is someone who rents or leases a dwelling from a landlord, or someone who holds or occupies real estate or personal property by any kind of right. The word comes from Latin tenere, meaning to hold or extend1. In practical terms, a tenant is a person or organization that uses a building or land and pays rent to its owner. For example, if you rent an apartment, you are the tenant, and the person who owns the apartment is the landlord. Both parties—the landlord and the tenant—are bound by the terms of the rental contract2. So, whether it’s an apartment, a house, or even a car, a tenant is the person who occupies the property and pays rent for its use. 🏠🔑
A large number of home hunters, especially millennials don’t want an apartment where the Landlord also resides. This mindset had been driving into minds of many, from hearing stories from friends, colleagues of how horrible and strict certain landlords tend to be.
This uncommon incident often boils down to lack of communication from both parties, not being well informed about them according to the laws.
The Nigerian law is all-encompassing and people-welfare oriented that the law went on to provide an avalanche of rights, duties, and privileges for both parties. The law defines the rights, duties, privileges, powers, and remedies open to both tenants and landlords.
RIGHT TO A WRITTEN AGREEMENT
Every tenant no matter his status or location in Nigeria has the right to an agreement. Agreements, on the other hand, can be oral or written. However, it is advised that agreements between both parties should be written, hence, any altercations would be easily dealt with, and it comes in handy as references.
The tenant is expected to go through the agreements thoroughly before signing.
Tenancy agreements are to contain in detail the names of a landlord and his tenant, as parties to the Tenancy Agreement.
The land or house to be rented out ought to be described in details, showing its location and basic features. The duration of the tenancy, the rent payable and the date at which such rent would become payable should be stated.
The modalities for reviewing rent price (increment in price) should be included. Before signing any agreement, a prospective tenant is advised to seek the service of a solicitor to break down any unclear terms in the Tenancy Agreement.
RIGHT TO ISSUANCE OF RECEIPT OF PAYMENT
The receipt of payment is an acknowledgment from a landlord or an Agent that a rent payment has been made by a tenant. It must contain the name of the Landlord and the Tenant. The amount paid and the date of such payment. The property for which such payment is made, the duration that such payment will cover, and the signature of the receiver must be in place.
It is an actionable offense to refuse to issue a receipt for rent paid and received. It is your right as a tenant to be issued a receipt upon payment of rent. Where the payment is only a part of a whole, it should also be receipted and stated.
Remember a written agreement endorsed by the landlord before a witness that he has received a rent from his tenant will suffice. No matter how familiar, friendly, corporate and caring your landlord is, please always demand receipts of your paid rents to safeguard your tomorrow.
RIGHT TO PEACEFUL ENJOYMENT OF PROPERTY
When a tenant pays his rent and is issued a receipt, it is the landlord granting him the right to peaceful enjoyment of the property. Once this is done, he determines the entrance, usage, safety and can even sue for trespass against any trespasser, strangers, landlord and his agents. The landlord, however, can supervise and maintain the property generally, but with the knowledge of the tenant and within reasonable hours of the day.
RIGHT TO A WRITTEN AGREEMENT
Every tenant no matter his status or location in Nigeria has the right to an agreement. Agreements, on the other hand, can be oral or written. However, it is advised that agreements between both parties should be written, hence, any altercations would be easily dealt with, and it comes in handy as references.
The tenant is expected to go through the agreements thoroughly before signing.
Tenancy agreements are to contain in detail the names of a landlord and his tenant; as parties to the Tenancy Agreement.
The land or house to be rented out ought to be described in details; showing its location and basic features. The duration of the tenancy, the rent payable and the date at which such rent would become payable should be stated.
The modalities for reviewing rent price (increment in price) should be included. Before signing any agreement, a prospective tenant is advised to seek the service of a solicitor to break down any unclear terms in the Tenancy Agreement.
RIGHT TO ISSUANCE OF RECEIPT OF PAYMENT
The receipt of payment is an acknowledgment from a Landlord or an Agent that a rent payment has been made by a tenant. It must contain the name of the Landlord and the Tenant. The amount paid and the date of such payment. The property for which such payment is made, the duration that such payment will cover and the signature of the receiver must also be on the receipt.
It is an actionable offense to refuse to issue a receipt for rent paid and received. It is your right as a tenant to be issued a receipt upon payment of rent. Where the payment is only a part of a whole, it should also be receipted and stated.
Remember a written agreement endorsed by the landlord before a witness that he has received a rent from his tenant will suffice. No matter how familiar, friendly, corporate and caring your landlord is, please always demand receipts of your paid rents to safeguard your tomorrow.
RIGHT TO PEACEFUL ENJOYMENT OF PROPERTY
When a tenant pays his rent and is issued a receipt, it is the landlord granting him the right to peaceful enjoyment of the property. Once this is done, he determines the entrance, usage, safety and can even sue for trespass against any trespasser; strangers, landlord and his agents. The landlord, however, can supervise and maintain the property generally, but with the knowledge of the tenant and within reasonable hours of the day.
Section 7 of the law states that tenants are to comply with the tenancy agreement which includes paying their rent on time to avoid problems, they are also expected to behave in the right manner, they are to take consent from the landlord before fixing up any structural damage on any part of the building, subletting and alterations.
RIGHT TO A VALID QUIT NOTICE
A tenant cannot be thrown out of his apartment unless there is a strict compliance by the landlord with relevant Recovery of Premises Law.
Recovery of Premises Law provides that a valid “quit notice” of a landlord’s intention to terminate/quit the tenancy of the tenant must be written and served to the tenant. The amount of time given to the tenant, whether weekly, monthly, yearly, depends on his rent. Thus, it is advised that a tenant thoroughly read through the Tenancy Agreement before signing as some might even sign away their rights for a ‘quit notice’. Remember, ignorance is not an excuse in law.
A valid “Quit Notice” must contain the name of the landlord, the name of the tenant, the address of the property occupied by the tenant, the duration given to the tenant included.
RIGHT TO A COMPULSORY (7) SEVEN DAYS NOTICE TO RECOVER PREMISES
The protection given to a tenant by the Nigerian Tenancy Law, prevents Landlords to evict an occupant without issuing a “Seven Days’ Notice to Recover”.
The “Seven (7) Days’ Notice of Owner’s Intention to Recover Premises” is a notice from a landlord’s lawyer notifying a tenant upon whom a “Quit Notice” had been served and same had expired; that the lawyer will after seven (7) days from the date of the service of the Notice proceed to court to recover the over- held premises on behalf of the landlord.
Discussed above are some of the rights of a tenant covered by the Nigerian law. And as there are laws protecting the tenant, the landlord has laws protecting his rights under the Nigerian law too. Below are some of the Rights of a Landlord in Nigeria.
Discussed above are some of the rights of a tenant covered by the Nigerian law. And as there are laws protecting the tenant, the landlord has laws protecting his rights under the Nigerian law too.
Case Studies and Examples
Let`s consider a case study involving a landlord and a tenant in Lagos, Nigeria. Akin, landlord, Mrs. Adesuwa, a tenant, entered into a tenancy agreement for a residential apartment. The agreement clearly outlined the monthly rent, the duration of the tenancy, and the responsibilities of both parties. However, dispute arose Mrs. Adesuwa failed to pay the rent on time for two consecutive months, breaching the agreement terms. This scenario highlights the importance of a well-drafted tenancy agreement in addressing potential conflicts and protecting the interests of both parties.
A comprehensive and well-structured tenancy agreement is an indispensable tool for landlords and tenants in Nigeria. It provides a framework for a transparent and mutually beneficial rental relationship, minimizing the risk of disputes and legal complications. By understanding key components legal provisions sample Tenancy Agreement in Nigeria doc, landlords’ tenants can ensure smooth harmonious tenancy experience.