Landlords in Nigeria can be very dramatic especially the illiterate ones amongst them who are just fortunate to have been able to build their own houses. As a result of the lack of exposure to the way business runs, most landlords or property managers tend to cross the boundary with their tenant.
Some think that because they own the house, they shouldn’t be deprived of the liberty to enter their tenant’s apartment at any time they choose. This, and much more, is forbidden of a Nigerian landlord.
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Landlords can’t bump into a tenant’s apartment without notice
Although technically it belongs to them, landlords can’t just enter a tenant’s place anyhow. They must provide at least 24 to 48 hours’ notice if they wish to visit their occupied property. Typical reasons a landlord would visit include making repairs or to show the property to prospective future tenants.
There are two exceptions to this: if there is an emergency (such as a fire or gas leak), or if the landlord has reason to believe the the tenant has abandoned the property.
Landlords can’t just lock out tenants.
A landlord would be very wrong and become victim of legal consequences if he or she decides to end the rental arrangement or end the tenant’s occupancy before the lease expires.
Yes! A landlord may evict a tenant for many reasons but he or she must go through the proper legal channels and give the tenant a 6-month notice as practiced in Nigeria. Landlords who abruptly lock a tenant out of the property without prior warning could be accused of trespassing and/or burglary charges.
Landlords can’t charge more than the contract allows
Once a long-term lease (a legally binding contract) is signed, there are very few circumstances under which the landlord can raise the rent. The only way the terms can be changed is if the increase meets criteria already stated in the lease itself. Those criteria could include a new tenant joining the household; the purchase of a pet; or if the landlord significantly refurbishes part of the property.
Landlords cannot discriminate
You cannot provide different terms or agreements for members of different classes or tribes than you do for other tenants. All tenants should be treated equally.
So, when next your landlord goes beyond the bound, you should be able to enforce your right however you can. But don’t forget your landlord might be reading this too!
Read more: How To Deal With A Nigerian Landlord
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