Tenancy Agreement in Nigeria: Key Information & Practical Guide

Tenancy agreement in Nigeria hmm let’s face it—renting a property in Nigeria can be tough and annoying. 

With a housing deficit of over 17 to 20 million units according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it feels like everyone’s looking for the same thing: a roof over their head. 

And in places like Lagos, the rent is going even higher. In fact, rental prices jumped by at least 100% from 2023 to 2024 due to inflation and rising construction costs. 

But what happens when you finally find an apartment, and the landlord hands you the dreaded tenancy agreement? It’s more than just a piece of paper to sign. 

Through my years of working in the real estate sector, I’ve seen how a well-drafted agreement can prevent misunderstandings, protect interests, and even enhance the relationship between landlord and tenant.

It’s your guide to understanding the rules of renting, protecting your interests, and making sure you don’t get caught off guard later.

So, let’s explore what a tenancy agreement is, why it matters, and the key details you should consider when creating or signing one.

What is a Tenancy Agreement?

A tenancy agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of a rental arrangement between a landlord and a tenant. 

In Nigeria, tenancy agreements are essential, especially in urban areas like Lagos, Lekki, and other high-demand locations. 

These agreements document key aspects of the rental relationship, covering rent, payment schedules, maintenance responsibilities, and rules for the use of the property.

Sure, it’s easy to rush through it when you’re eager to move in, but trust me—you’ll want to take the time to go over every detail. It’s the difference between a pleasant rental experience and one full of surprises.

Key Elements of a Nigerian Tenancy Agreement

1. Who’s Who?

First things first: A tenancy agreement should clearly state who the landlord and tenant are. 

This sounds basic, but I’ve found that even small omissions can lead to larger issues if either party’s identity is unclear. 

Names, phone numbers, and contact details should be listed clearly. After all, you don’t want to be chasing down the wrong person when something goes wrong.

2. Rent and Payment Terms

Let’s talk about money. This is the part where both tenants and landlords need to be on the same page. 

The agreement should clearly state the rent amount, payment method (bank transfer, naira cash payments, etc.), and the due date for rent. 

It should specify late payment fees if applicable. 

In Nigeria, annual rent payments are standard, though monthly payments are becoming popular, especially in Lagos.

The proposed change could help make things easier for people who can’t afford to pay large sums in one go. 

If you’re lucky enough to find a landlord offering monthly payments, grab it. 

But if you’re stuck with yearly rent, make sure you know exactly what your payment schedule is and any late payment penalties.

3. Security Deposit 

The security deposit is often one or two months’ rent. This money protects landlords against damages or unpaid bills.

While I’ve seen this deposit create tension when terms aren’t clearly defined, a well-outlined agreement provides transparency on when and how the deposit will be returned—or deducted.

In the case of damage (or, let’s say, your infamous “I thought that hole in the wall was already there” moment), the agreement should explain how repairs are handled and how much of the deposit will be used for that.

If you’re a landlord or property owner, you may also want to understand the importance of having legal ownership documents like a Deed of Conveyance. This is essential to avoid ownership disputes and protect your property rights.

4. Repairs and Maintenance

The tenancy agreement outlines who handles property repairs. 

Generally, landlords manage structural repairs (roof, plumbing), while tenants take care of minor repairs. This clarity is important for a smooth landlord-tenant relationship.

Your tenancy agreement should spell out who is responsible for what. Clear-cut rules here can save you a lot of headaches later.

5. Utilities

Paying rent doesn’t always cover everything. The agreement should say whether utilities like water, electricity, and internet are included in your rent or if they’re separate. 

This is crucial in cities like Lagos, where electricity can be unreliable, and water bills can be high. If you’re responsible for paying these separately, the agreement should make that clear.

6. House Rules

The agreement sets rules on property use. This one’s all about boundaries. 

This can include restrictions on pets, noise levels, and visitor policies. These guidelines help avoid conflicts by setting clear expectations from the start. 

Following these rules keeps the peace between you and your landlord, and it can prevent any unnecessary drama down the road.

7. Duration and Renewal 

When does your lease end, and what happens after that? Does it automatically renew, or do you need to sign a new agreement?

These details should be spelled out in the tenancy agreement. If you’re planning to stay long-term, you should know whether the landlord is open to renewing the lease and under what conditions.

If you decide to leave before your lease is up, your agreement should also explain the process. 

Typically, you’ll need to give notice in advance, usually 30 days, but this can vary. 

Make sure you know the procedure for terminating the lease to avoid any penalties or surprises.

Pro tip: If you’re considering renting or buying a property, make sure you’re familiar with essential property documents.

Read our blog on Must-Have House Documents to ensure you’re not caught off guard during your property search.

8. Dispute Resolution

No one likes conflict, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. If a disagreement arises—whether it’s about repairs, rent increases, or something else—the tenancy agreement should include a dispute resolution clause. 

This tells you how problems will be handled. Will it go to court, or will mediation be the first step? 

Knowing this upfront can save you from a lot of stress if things don’t go according to plan.

Legal Requirements of a Nigerian Tenancy Agreement

A tenancy agreement in Nigeria must comply with local tenancy laws. 

Each state may have specific regulations, with Lagos State tenancy laws often cited due to the city’s large rental market. 

Nigerian tenancy laws offer protection to both landlords and tenants. These laws prevent unlawful eviction and regulate security deposit handling, notice periods, and rent control in specific areas.

Who Prepares the Tenancy Agreement?

Typically, the landlord or property manager prepares the tenancy agreement. However, it’s advisable for both parties to review the document carefully. 

In Nigeria, landlords may work with real estate agents or legal professionals to draft the agreement, ensuring it complies with local laws. 

Tenants are encouraged to review the document with a legal advisor to clarify terms and confirm their rights.

Who Creates the Tenancy Agreement Terms?

The landlord usually sets the terms of the agreement, although tenants may negotiate specific points. 

These terms are influenced by Nigerian tenancy laws, which offer guidelines on issues such as notice periods, rent adjustments, and eviction processes. 

Both parties should agree on terms related to rent, property maintenance, and other conditions to avoid conflicts.

What Are the Rights of a Tenant in Nigeria?

Under Nigerian law, tenants enjoy several rights. These include the right to:

• Quiet Enjoyment: The right to use the property without interference from the landlord, provided rules are followed.
• Adequate Notice: If the landlord wants to end the lease, they must provide adequate notice as stipulated in the agreement.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords are typically responsible for major repairs to ensure the property is habitable.

These rights safeguard tenants from unfair treatment and ensure they receive fair value for their rent payments.

What a Tenancy Agreement Should Contain

A Nigerian tenancy agreement should contain key details such as:

• Parties Involved: Full names and contact information for both landlord and tenant.
• Property Details: Address and description of the property.
• Rent Payment: Amount, payment method, and due dates.
• Security Deposit: Amount and terms for refund.
• Maintenance Obligations: Who handles which types of repairs.
• Notice Periods: Length of time required to end the tenancy.

Including these elements ensures both parties understand their roles and reduces disputes.

Tenants Responsibilities

Tenants in Nigeria are expected to fulfill specific responsibilities, including:

• Timely Rent Payment: Paying rent by the agreed date.
• Minor Repairs: Handling minor repairs or reporting significant issues to the landlord.
• Property Use: Respecting property rules, such as limits on modifications, noise levels, and visitor policies.

Fulfilling these obligations contributes to a respectful landlord-tenant relationship.

Where to Get a Tenancy Agreement in Nigeria

Tenancy agreements are widely accessible. 

Many Nigerian landlords or real estate agents provide standard agreements for tenants. 

Online platforms also offer templates that can be customized, but a lawyer’s review is recommended to ensure all terms comply with Nigerian tenancy laws.

A Sample of Tenancy Agreement in Nigeria

This TENANCY AGREEMENT is made the ……………… day of ……………. 2020

BETWEEN
……………………………………………… of ………………………………………………… in the Lagos State of Nigeria
(hereinafter referred to as “the Landlord” which expression shall where the context so admits include her heirs, executors, personal representatives, administrators and assigns) of the one part.

AND
……………………………………………. of ………………………………………………… in the Lagos State of Nigeria
(hereinafter referred to as “the Tenant) of the other part.

1. NOW THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH AS FOLLOWS:
   1.1
   IN CONSIDERATION of the rent, covenants and conditions to be performed and observed on the part of the Tenant, the Landlord HEREBY DEMISES to the Tenant all that Three Bedroom apartment with appurtenances which includes kitchen, 2 toilets and bathroom, situate, being and Known as
   ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Lagos
   (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Demised Premises’) TO HOLD same unto the Tenant for a term of one year commencing on the 1st of June 2019 to 31st of May 2020 for the sum of N550,000.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) net of all taxes, levies, rates and other statutory charges (“Total Rent”) at the annual rent of N550,000.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only), receipt of which is duly

bathroom, situate, being and Known as
Lagos
(hereinafter referred to as ‘the Demised Premises‘) TO HOLD same unto the Tenant for a term of one year commencing on the 1st of June 20024 to 31st of May 2025 for the sum of N950,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only) net of all taxes, levies, rates and other statutory charges (“Total Rent) at the annual rent of N950,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira only), receipt of which is duly acknowledged.

2. The Tenant covenants with the Landlord as follows:
   a) To use the premises solely for residential purposes. b)
   To pay the rent reserved or reviewed on the day and in the manner hereinbefore stipulated.
   c)
   To be responsible for the insurance of all his personal property, against theft, fire and other unforeseeable circumstances.
   d)
   To be responsible for the payment of the tenement rate, water rate, neighborhood improvement taxes and all other similar taxes levied on the Demised Premises or the occupier of the Demised Premises during the term hereby granted.
   e)
   To contribute when so required to the security of the demised premises and/or the neighborhood as the need arises.
   f)
   Not to store or bring upon the Demised Premises, any articles of combustible, inflammable or dangerous nature and not to do or permit anything to be done that will render void or voidable any insurance on the premises or any act that will cause the premium rate to be increased and to comply with the recommendations of the insurers and the fire authorities as to fire precautions relating to the Demised Premises.
   9)
   Not to use or permit the Demised Premises or any part therefore to be used for any immoral purpose or as a residence for any mentally disordered person(s) or otherwise than as a private residence for the use of the TENANT and the
   h)
   representatives of the TENANT and not to take in lodgers or paying guests.
   
   Not to expose or place for sale or otherwise permit to be upon or over the ground Within the cartilage of the building, any goods, things or vehicles whatsoever so as to cause or permit any obstruction to the entrance, passages and common portions of the building provided that this sub-cause shall not prohibit the reasonable use by the Tenant of the said part.
   (1
   To keep the interior, fixtures and fittings and the exterior of the Demised Premises in good and tenantable repair and condition during the tenancy and renovate the Demised Premises upon giving up possession, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
   
   To permit the Landlord or his authorized agent or workmen, upon giving the Tenant 48 hours’ notice, to enter the Demised Premises at a reasonable time to view and examine the state and the condition thereof and upon notice being given by the Landlady, to effect or carry out any repairs necessary therein in accordance with the covenant contained herein.
   
   To contribute alongside other Tenants towards the maintenance, cleaning and dislodging of the septic tank and soak-away pits serving the Demised Premises.
   1)
   To replace all missing, broken or damaged fittings and fixtures arising out of the Tenant’s default at the expiration or termination of the term hereby granted.
   m) Not to make or permit to be made any structural alteration in or addition to the Demised Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Landlord or his agent.
   n)
   Subject to clause 3 below, to effect repairs and the correction of any defect, decay or disrepair discovered in the Demised Premises upon an inspection by the Landlord or his agents within 30 days of the service on him of the notice of such defect or disrepair. ……………………….PROVIDED ALWAYS that if the Tenant fails to adhere to the terms of this covenant and the Landlady effects the necessary repairs, the Tenant hereby authorizes the Landlady to recover the cost of the repairs from the Tenant.
   
   Not to assign, sublet or part with any part or the whole of the Demised Premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
   
   Not to permit or suffer to be done upon the Demised Premises or any part thereof anything which may be or constitute a nuisance, or cause damage or inconvenience to the Landlord or the occupiers of the adjoining or neighboring premises.
   
   At the expiration or sooner determination of the term hereby created or any extension thereof, to surrender and yield up to the Landlady, the Demised Premises in accordance with the foregoing terms and conditions.
3. THE LANDLORD COVENANTS WITH THE TENANT AS FOLLOWS:
   a)
   That the Tenant upon paying the rents reserved and performing and observing the covenants and stipulations herein contained shall peaceably hold and enjoy the Demised Premises during the term hereby created without any interruptions by the Landlord or any other person(s) claiming under or through him.
   To effect and carry out any and all repairs which may at any time be necessary by reason of any structural defect in the Demised Premises, excluding any structural defect occasioned by the renovation of the Tenant.
4. 
   To grant the Tenant immediate vacant possession and occupation of the Demised Premises upon execution of the engrossed tenancy agreement to enable the Tenant commence and effect his tenancy term from the date hereinbefore stated.
   
   To insure and keep insured (brick and mortar only) during the said term the Demised Premises against loss or damage by fire, tornado and earthquake.
   That if, at the expiration of the tenancy hereby granted, the Tenant is desirous of continuing in occupation of the Demised Premises for a further term; a notice in writing shall be given to the Landlord, 3 (three) months preceding the expiration of the Tenancy Agreement, and the Tenancy Agreement shall only be renewable at the option of the Landlord for a further term, at a rate and on terms to be agreed by the parties.
5. 
   PROVIDED ALWAYS AND IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
   a) If the rent herein reserved falls in arrears for 30 (thirty) days after same shall have become due and payable (whether formally demanded by the Landlord or not), or if the Tenant at any time fails, neglects or refuses to perform and observe any of the covenants and conditions herein contained, then in any of the said cases, it shall be lawful for the Landlord at any time thereafter to enter upon the Demised Premises or any part thereof and thereupon the tenancy shall absolutely determine. but without prejudice to the right of action or remedy of the Landlord in respect of any rent in arrears or any breach of the Tenant’s covenants herein contained.
   
   The Landlord shall not be responsible to the Tenant or to the Tenants licensees, servants, agents and other persons in the Demised Premises for any occurrence, injury suffered or damages to or loss of any chattel or property sustained on the Demised Premises: the Tenant accepts the property as his and has satisfied himself as to the physical state of the property.
   
   The Landlord shall not be liable to the Tenant notwithstanding anything herein contained for any interruption in any of the services hereinbefore mentioned by reason of the negligence of the Tenant or by reason of damages or destruction of any installation or apparatus by fire, water, Act of God or any natural causes beyond the control of the Landlord or his Managing Agents.

Failure of the Landlord to exercise, or any delay in exercising any right or remedy provided under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it preclude or restrict any further exercise of that right or remedy.

5. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
   This Agreement shall be subject to and construed in accordance with the Laws of Nigeria.
   
   In the event of any dispute, claim or controversy arising from or relating to this Agreement, the obligations created herein and/or the breach thereof, the parties shall endeavor to settle the dispute, claim or controversy by negotiating with each other in good faith. If no resolution is reached within 30 (Thirty) days of commencement of negotiations, then upon notice by either party to the other, the dispute, claim or controversy shall be finally settled by mediation to be facilitated by The Lagos Mediation Centre in accordance with the provisions of its Mediation Rules.
   
6. 
   THIS AGREEMENT shall continue to be in force throughout the term of the tenancy save it is determined by the Landlady in line with Clause 4 (a) of this Agreement or by either party giving three (3) calendar months’ notice in writing to the other party which notice should expire on the day before the anniversary of this Agreement.
   
   IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written …………………………………………………………….SIGNED BY THE WITHIN NAMED LANDLORD;
   
   IN THE PRESENCE OF:
   SIGNATURE:
   
   NAME:
   
   ADDRESS:
   
   OCCUPATION:
   
   SIGNED BY THE WITHIN NAMED TENANT:
   
   ………………………………………………………………………
   
   IN THE PRESENCE OF:
   SIGNATURE:
   
   NAME:
   
   ADDRESS:
   
   OCCUPATION:

Tenancy Agreements in a Changing Market

The rental market in Nigeria is constantly evolving, especially in cities like Lagos, where rental prices have increased significantly in recent years. 

There’s a shift towards monthly payments instead of upfront yearly payments, which could help make housing more affordable for many. 

But these changes also mean that tenancy agreements must adapt to reflect new economic realities.

For landlords, a well-structured tenancy agreement protects their property and income. For tenants, it ensures they aren’t caught in an unfair situation. 

My Personal Take on Tenancy Agreements

Having worked in real estate, I view tenancy agreements as a protective shield, not just a set of rules. 

They set the tone for a respectful landlord-tenant relationship and prevent issues from escalating. 

My advice? Don’t rush the process. Draft the agreement with care or have a professional review it. 

This proactive step can save you from future stress and ensures a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a tenancy agreement isn’t just a piece of paper. 

It’s the foundation of your renting experience. Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, making sure the agreement is clear, fair, and understood by both parties is essential. Don’t just sign it and move on—take the time to read, ask questions, and clarify anything you’re unsure about. A little effort upfront can save a lot of hassle later on.

So, next time you’re about to rent a place, remember too not just sign that agreement—own it! It’s your key to a smooth rental experience, no surprises included.