Did you know that in Lagos, your landlord cannot enter your rented apartment without prior written notice and your expressed permission? 

While it is not common knowledge, renting in Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general is governed by law to protect landlords and tenants equitably. However, most people are unfamiliar with the law and this means that it is largely ignored in rental negotiations.

Having a working understanding of the tenancy law applicable to your country or state of residence can go a long way in improving your relationship with your landlord or tenant. 

So, let us take a look at four (4) interesting facts about the Lagos State tenancy law (2011) and how they affect both landlords and their tenants.  

Right to agreement

In Lagos, particularly, it is very common for people to pay rent for an apartment and move in without ever “reaching” an agreement with the landlord. According to Tenancy Law, every tenant has the right to an agreement, whether oral or written or partly oral or partly written. 

Ideally, in today’s world, it is advisable to get a written agreement to remove all possibility of doubt and uncertainty. 

The agreement between the landlord and the tenant usually covers everything that is important when it comes to the rental terms, from the rent cost to applicable payments and fees and the responsibility for the property and amenities. 

For the landlord, having a written agreement ensures that your tenants can constantly be reminded of their responsibility as it relates to the rented apartment. For the tenant, it helps protect you from exploitation. 

Right to occupy rented property in peace

This one is not popular also, but as a tenant, the law provides you with the right to peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the rented premises. This includes the right to privacy, freedom from unreasonable disturbance, exclusive possession of the premises and access to use the common areas for reasonable and lawful purposes. 

This provision is subject to the landlord’s restricted right of inspection, especially in the case of providing repair and maintenance. 

What this means is that your landlord does not have any right to disrupt your peace in your rented apartment and would require your consent to access your private space. 

Right to a valid quit notice

As a tenant, you have the right to receive a valid quit notice that demonstrates the landlord’s intention to terminate your tenancy and this notice must be written and served to you.

It is important to note here that the amount of time given to the tenant to quit will depend on the type of tenancy created and the rent paid. Typically, the terms for quit notice will be defined in the tenancy agreement, which is why it is important to read your tenancy agreement before signing. 

Right to not renew a tenancy agreement

This is one of the more interesting ones that a lot of people miss, but a landlord has the right not to renew the tenancy agreement with a tenant, especially when the tenant has violated specific clauses in the tenancy agreement. 

What this means is that if you violate specific terms in your tenancy agreement with the landlord, the landlord has a right to  refuse to renew your tenancy for the next period. 

Conclusion

Rental law serves to protect both the renter and the homeowner or landlord. Understanding how the law applies to you whether as a tenant or a landlord can go a long way in ensuring that you stay safe and have a more robust relationship with your landlord or tenant. 

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