Renter’s rights
The rules agents hope you never read.
Two years upfront, a caution fee that never comes back, a landlord who cuts the light to push you out. Most of it is already against the law in Lagos. Here is what the Tenancy Law 2011 actually says, in plain words.
Before you pay anything
In 2025 and 2026, Lagos syndicates rented the same unit to between 13 and 50 tenants at once. Every victim had a receipt. Five checks stop most of it.
01
See the unit, not a photo
Visit in person. “Under renovation, pay now to secure it” is how one flat gets sold to 15 people.
02
Ask who owns it
Ask for the title document or the landlord’s signed letter of authority. Photocopies are a lead, not proof.
03
Pay into the owner’s name
Transfer to an account in the landlord’s or registered company’s name. Never cash, never a personal account of a stranger.
04
Get a receipt for every naira
The Tenancy Law 2011 requires a landlord to issue a rent receipt. Caution, agency and agreement fees should be itemised too.
05
Check the community
Search PennaiHomes safety alerts for the address and the phone number before any transfer.
Fees and advance rent
One year, maximum
A landlord cannot demand more than one year’s rent upfront from a new tenant. A sitting monthly tenant can’t be asked for more than six months.
Agency fee: 10% cap
The Lagos estate agency law caps agency fees at 10% of the annual rent. Renting direct from the owner, you owe none.
Inspection fees
Not a recognised fee. A real agent is paid when the deal closes, not for each viewing.
Caution is a deposit
It is security against damage, not a fee. It comes back at the end, minus documented repairs.
The Tenancy Law 2011 does not cover Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ikeja GRA, Apapa. A 2026 Lagos tenancy bill proposes a 5% agency cap and mandatory agent registration; it is not law yet.
Notice to quit
Without a written agreement saying otherwise, the landlord must give you this much notice before the tenancy ends. After it runs out, they must still serve a seven-day notice of intention to recover possession, then go to court.
Weekly tenancy
1 week
Monthly tenancy
1 month
Quarterly tenancy
3 months
Half-yearly tenancy
3 months
Yearly tenancy
6 months
Eviction needs a court
Removing your roof or doors, cutting water or electricity, changing the locks, throwing out your things or sending thugs are all self-help eviction, and the Tenancy Law 2011 forbids them. Only a court order can put you out.
If it is happening now, write down dates and times, take photos and videos, keep every message, and contact the Office of the Public Defender.
Getting your caution back
Fill this in and send it in writing, by WhatsApp and on paper. A dated demand letter is the first thing a mediator asks for.
27 October 2026 Dear [landlord’s name], RE: REFUND OF CAUTION DEPOSIT, [PROPERTY ADDRESS] I was your tenant at the above property until [move-out date], when I handed back the keys. At the start of the tenancy I paid a caution deposit of [amount]. A caution deposit is held as security against damage and is refundable at the end of the tenancy, less the documented cost of any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Please refund the deposit in full, or send an itemised account of any deductions with receipts or photographs, within 14 days of this letter. If I do not hear from you by then, I will refer the matter to the Citizens’ Mediation Centre. Yours faithfully, [your name]
Free help
Citizens’ Mediation Centre (Lagos)
Free mediation for landlord and tenant disputes, including unrefunded deposits.
Office of the Public Defender (Lagos)
Free legal help for residents who can’t afford a lawyer, including unlawful eviction.
LASRERA
Lagos real estate regulator. Report unregistered agents and overcharging.
PennaiHomes safety alerts
Warn other renters about a scam listing, agent or address.
This page is general information about Lagos State law, not legal advice. Other states have their own tenancy laws; the principles above are a good starting point, but check locally.