As we all know, renting out properties in Nigeria is a smart way to generate passive income, especially in towns and states like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ebonyi, Anambra and Enugu. But to be landlord is not just about collecting of rent rather it is about doing your legal duties and knowing how to protect your investment. This our guide will help you to realize or know your landlord rights and responsibilities in Nigeria as a landlord in Nigeria in other to avoid future conflict with your tenants using our experience and practical examples and tips that reflect today’s real estate landscape.
Why Does Landlord Rights and Responsibilities in Nigeria Matters Right Now
In June 26th 2025 an amendment was done due to the increase in housing demand and the rise on tenant disputes frequently making headlines in the courts and if you know your right and responsibilities as a landlord in Nigeria, it will help you to avoid some issues like:
Avoid fines or court battles
Manage rental relationships professionally
Preserve your property’s value
Build long-term tenant trust
Since our topics is divided into two different phases {Landlords right and Landlords Responsibility} lets break it into two different parts:
Landlord Rights in Nigeria
In our country Nigeria, we have 5 major landlords right and they are as follows:
Right to receive rents as agreed.
Right to rent review and increment.
Right to repossess property Legally.
Right to proper use of property.
Right to compensation in a case of Damages.
Let me throw more light on each of the 5 above mentioned right.
Right to Receive Rent as Agreed
As a landlord, you absolutely have the right to collect rent at the time and frequency that is specified in your rental or lease agreement either monthly, quarterly, or annually but you must always issue a receipt to a tenants because its his right. In Lagos where i leave, where many tenants prefer paying rent annually (often two years upfront), clearly state the amount, due date, and whether utilities are excluded or included.
Quick Tip: If your tenant pays via bank transfer, its advised that you would still send a physical or digital receipt for record keeping purposes.
Right to Rent Review & Increment
In most states in Nigeria, including Lagos state, landlords can review and raise rent but he or she must provide an adequate notice of 6 months ahead of the initial expiration payment due dates, typically six months before increased rates take effect. A surprise and unnoticed increments of rents can trigger tenant pushback or court disputes so landlords shou please avoid it.
A realistic approach:
For a ₦1 million/year Lagos flat, consider a 10–15% increase with six months’ written notice.
Reference inflation or property improvements to justify the rise.
Right to Repossess Property (Legally)
If a tenant defaults on non payment or lease breach), you have the right to repossess the property but only through the courts. Self help eviction like forcing keys or changing locks without a court order is not allowed and can backfire. But these this are what to do:
Serve him or her a written notice as prescribed by state law or your lease.
File for eviction through the appropriate court.
Seek judgment, then legally recover your property through a bailiff.
Right to Proper Use of Property
Your property should be used only for the purposes agreed upon residential, commercial, or mixed use. If your tenant runs a noisy business in a residential building, you have grounds to enforce terms and seek compliance or repossession of your property.
Right to Compensation for Damages
Tenants must take care of your property. If repairs is beyond normal wear and tear are needed, you can:
Deduct repair costs from the security deposit (if the lease allows), or
Ask the tenant to pay directly or compensate you post-tenancy.
Landlord Responsibilities in Nigeria
In our country Nigeria, we have 5 major landlords responsibility and they are as follows:
Provide a habitable property.
Respect Tenant Privacy & Right to Quiet Enjoyment.
Maintain Common Areas & Handle Major Repairs.
Serve Proper Notice for Important Changes.
Comply with Tax Obligations.
Like i said earlier, rights go hand in hand with responsibilities because meeting them helps you to avoid disputes and build a solid reputation.
Provide a Habitable Property
Your first duty is to deliver a safe, clean, and structurally sound property. This includes:
Working plumbing and electrical systems
Intact roofing, secure doors/windows
Safe water and sanitation facilities
In cities like Abuja and Owerri, where tenants often complain about electric wiring failures or water issues, prompt attention to these improves tenant satisfaction.
Respect Tenant Privacy & Right to Quiet Enjoyment
Except in emergencies, entering the property requires prior notice and approval so respect your tenants space especially in units like shared apartments or semi detached houses. You may include specific terms in the lease, such as a 24-hour notice for inspection or maintenance visits annually or quarterly.
Maintain Common Areas & Handle Major Repairs
As the landlord, structural defects like a leaking roof or a broken staircase are on you to fix but minor repairs like replacing of bulbs or fixing small leaks are usually the tenant’s responsibility, but clarify this in your agreement especially in a multi unit properties, maintain shared areas like lobbies or driveways.
Serve Proper Notice for Important Changes
As a landlord, if you want to increase rent, terminate tenancy, or enter the premises for inspection? Use written notice as required by law or the lease usually 30 to 90 days because this avoids tension and shows good faith.
Comply with Tax Obligations
Landlords must declare rental income and pay taxes. For individuals, this means Personal Income Tax (PIT), filed with your State IRS (e.g., LIRS in Lagos). If a tenant is a company, they’ll withhold 10% WHT and issue you a credit note.
Steps to stay compliant:
Keep rent receipts and records.
Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN).
File annual tax returns and pay on time (usually by March 31).
This protects your standing with tax authorities and builds financial credibility.
Practical Tips for Smart Landlords
In our country Nigeria, we have 4 major practical tips for smart landlords and they are as follows:
Use a Written Agreement with Clear Terms.
Screen Tenants Carefully.
Keep Accurate Records.
Stay Updated with State Laws.
Let me throw more light on this :
Use a Written Agreement with Clear Terms
Oral agreements won’t protect you if issues arise. Use a written lease that covers rent, deposit, notice periods, maintenance, and tax obligations. In Lagos, registering (stamping) the lease at the High Court strengthens its enforceability.
Screen Tenants Carefully
Check employment letters, references, bank statements, or utility bills. A reliable tenant means fewer headaches.
Keep Accurate Records
Hold onto rent receipts, maintenance invoices, deposit returns, and tax documents. This makes filing easier and protects your legal interests.
Stay Updated with State Laws
Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Enugu have tenancy laws with unique provisions like Lagos Tenancy Law’s rent ceiling or Abuja’s Recovery of Premises Act. Always refer to your local law when you want to lease or handling disputes.
Local Scenarios You Can Relate To as Landlord
Theft of Deposit
A tenant refuses to pay ₦500,000 deposit. Your lease says deposit covers damages and cleaning. You inspect post-tenancy, itemize deductions (repairs, repainting), and return the balance keep a proper records to justify deductions.
Unexpected Rent Increment
In Ikeja, you increase rent from ₦1 million to ₦1.2 million without notice. The tenant pushes back. Because you didn’t give six-month notice, you may need to refund or negotiate—lesson learned: always observe agreed notice timelines.
Unauthorized Subletting
A tenant in Abuja sublets your property without permission. Your lease prohibits subletting. You request that they halt and notify you. If they don’t comply, you can seek legal repossession.
Summary Table of Landlords Rights vs Responsibilities in Nigeria
Landlord Rights
Landlord Responsibilities
Receive rent as agreed
Provide a habitable, secure property
Review rent with proper notice
Maintain structure and common areas
Recover possession through legal process
Respect tenant privacy and provide notices
Enforce proper property usage
Serve legal notices for changes or inspections
Seek compensation for damages
Comply with tax filing & documentation norms
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice should a landlord give before increasing rent in Nigeria?
Most states, including Lagos, require at least six months’ notice before a rent increase takes effect.
Can a landlord evict a tenant without going to court in Nigeria?
No. Eviction must follow due process through the courts. Self-help eviction is illegal.
Who is responsible for repairs in a rental property?
Landlords handle major structural repairs; tenants typically cover minor repairs unless otherwise agreed.
Is rental income taxable in Nigeria?
Yes. Rental income is subject to Personal Income Tax (PIT) or Company Income Tax (CIT) depending on ownership.
Conclusion:
Being a landlord in Nigeria comes with both privileges and duties. Your rights like rent collection, property use, and repossession protect your investment. Your responsibilities providing habitability, respecting tenants, and paying taxes demonstrate professionalism and reduce risks.
Invest in a well drafted lease, uphold good record keeping, and stay legally compliant. This does not only avoids disputes but enhances your reputation as a landlord today and for years to come.
5 Landlord Rights and Responsibilities in Nigeria
As we all know, renting out properties in Nigeria is a smart way to generate passive income, especially in towns and states like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Ebonyi, Anambra and Enugu. But to be landlord is not just about collecting of rent rather it is about doing your legal duties and knowing how to protect your investment. This our guide will help you to realize or know your landlord rights and responsibilities in Nigeria as a landlord in Nigeria in other to avoid future conflict with your tenants using our experience and practical examples and tips that reflect today’s real estate landscape.
Table of Contents
Why Does Landlord Rights and Responsibilities in Nigeria Matters Right Now
In June 26th 2025 an amendment was done due to the increase in housing demand and the rise on tenant disputes frequently making headlines in the courts and if you know your right and responsibilities as a landlord in Nigeria, it will help you to avoid some issues like:
Avoid fines or court battles
Manage rental relationships professionally
Preserve your property’s value
Build long-term tenant trust
Since our topics is divided into two different phases {Landlords right and Landlords Responsibility} lets break it into two different parts:
Landlord Rights in Nigeria
In our country Nigeria, we have 5 major landlords right and they are as follows:
Let me throw more light on each of the 5 above mentioned right.
Right to Receive Rent as Agreed
As a landlord, you absolutely have the right to collect rent at the time and frequency that is specified in your rental or lease agreement either monthly, quarterly, or annually but you must always issue a receipt to a tenants because its his right. In Lagos where i leave, where many tenants prefer paying rent annually (often two years upfront), clearly state the amount, due date, and whether utilities are excluded or included.
Quick Tip: If your tenant pays via bank transfer, its advised that you would still send a physical or digital receipt for record keeping purposes.
Right to Rent Review & Increment
In most states in Nigeria, including Lagos state, landlords can review and raise rent but he or she must provide an adequate notice of 6 months ahead of the initial expiration payment due dates, typically six months before increased rates take effect. A surprise and unnoticed increments of rents can trigger tenant pushback or court disputes so landlords shou please avoid it.
A realistic approach:
For a ₦1 million/year Lagos flat, consider a 10–15% increase with six months’ written notice.
Reference inflation or property improvements to justify the rise.
Right to Repossess Property (Legally)
If a tenant defaults on non payment or lease breach), you have the right to repossess the property but only through the courts. Self help eviction like forcing keys or changing locks without a court order is not allowed and can backfire. But these this are what to do:
Serve him or her a written notice as prescribed by state law or your lease.
File for eviction through the appropriate court.
Seek judgment, then legally recover your property through a bailiff.
Right to Proper Use of Property
Your property should be used only for the purposes agreed upon residential, commercial, or mixed use. If your tenant runs a noisy business in a residential building, you have grounds to enforce terms and seek compliance or repossession of your property.
Right to Compensation for Damages
Tenants must take care of your property. If repairs is beyond normal wear and tear are needed, you can:
Deduct repair costs from the security deposit (if the lease allows), or
Ask the tenant to pay directly or compensate you post-tenancy.
Landlord Responsibilities in Nigeria
In our country Nigeria, we have 5 major landlords responsibility and they are as follows:
Like i said earlier, rights go hand in hand with responsibilities because meeting them helps you to avoid disputes and build a solid reputation.
Provide a Habitable Property
Your first duty is to deliver a safe, clean, and structurally sound property. This includes:
Working plumbing and electrical systems
Intact roofing, secure doors/windows
Safe water and sanitation facilities
In cities like Abuja and Owerri, where tenants often complain about electric wiring failures or water issues, prompt attention to these improves tenant satisfaction.
Respect Tenant Privacy & Right to Quiet Enjoyment
Except in emergencies, entering the property requires prior notice and approval so respect your tenants space especially in units like shared apartments or semi detached houses. You may include specific terms in the lease, such as a 24-hour notice for inspection or maintenance visits annually or quarterly.
Maintain Common Areas & Handle Major Repairs
As the landlord, structural defects like a leaking roof or a broken staircase are on you to fix but minor repairs like replacing of bulbs or fixing small leaks are usually the tenant’s responsibility, but clarify this in your agreement especially in a multi unit properties, maintain shared areas like lobbies or driveways.
Serve Proper Notice for Important Changes
As a landlord, if you want to increase rent, terminate tenancy, or enter the premises for inspection? Use written notice as required by law or the lease usually 30 to 90 days because this avoids tension and shows good faith.
Comply with Tax Obligations
Landlords must declare rental income and pay taxes. For individuals, this means Personal Income Tax (PIT), filed with your State IRS (e.g., LIRS in Lagos). If a tenant is a company, they’ll withhold 10% WHT and issue you a credit note.
Steps to stay compliant:
Keep rent receipts and records.
Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN).
File annual tax returns and pay on time (usually by March 31).
This protects your standing with tax authorities and builds financial credibility.
Practical Tips for Smart Landlords
In our country Nigeria, we have 4 major practical tips for smart landlords and they are as follows:
Screen Tenants Carefully.
Keep Accurate Records.
Stay Updated with State Laws.
Let me throw more light on this :
Use a Written Agreement with Clear Terms
Oral agreements won’t protect you if issues arise. Use a written lease that covers rent, deposit, notice periods, maintenance, and tax obligations. In Lagos, registering (stamping) the lease at the High Court strengthens its enforceability.
Screen Tenants Carefully
Check employment letters, references, bank statements, or utility bills. A reliable tenant means fewer headaches.
Keep Accurate Records
Hold onto rent receipts, maintenance invoices, deposit returns, and tax documents. This makes filing easier and protects your legal interests.
Stay Updated with State Laws
Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Enugu have tenancy laws with unique provisions like Lagos Tenancy Law’s rent ceiling or Abuja’s Recovery of Premises Act. Always refer to your local law when you want to lease or handling disputes.
Local Scenarios You Can Relate To as Landlord
Theft of Deposit
A tenant refuses to pay ₦500,000 deposit. Your lease says deposit covers damages and cleaning. You inspect post-tenancy, itemize deductions (repairs, repainting), and return the balance keep a proper records to justify deductions.
Unexpected Rent Increment
In Ikeja, you increase rent from ₦1 million to ₦1.2 million without notice. The tenant pushes back. Because you didn’t give six-month notice, you may need to refund or negotiate—lesson learned: always observe agreed notice timelines.
Unauthorized Subletting
A tenant in Abuja sublets your property without permission. Your lease prohibits subletting. You request that they halt and notify you. If they don’t comply, you can seek legal repossession.
Summary Table of Landlords Rights vs Responsibilities in Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice should a landlord give before increasing rent in Nigeria?
Most states, including Lagos, require at least six months’ notice before a rent increase takes effect.
Can a landlord evict a tenant without going to court in Nigeria?
No. Eviction must follow due process through the courts. Self-help eviction is illegal.
Who is responsible for repairs in a rental property?
Landlords handle major structural repairs; tenants typically cover minor repairs unless otherwise agreed.
Is rental income taxable in Nigeria?
Yes. Rental income is subject to Personal Income Tax (PIT) or Company Income Tax (CIT) depending on ownership.
Conclusion:
Being a landlord in Nigeria comes with both privileges and duties. Your rights like rent collection, property use, and repossession protect your investment. Your responsibilities providing habitability, respecting tenants, and paying taxes demonstrate professionalism and reduce risks.
Invest in a well drafted lease, uphold good record keeping, and stay legally compliant. This does not only avoids disputes but enhances your reputation as a landlord today and for years to come.
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