Landlords are owners of properties rented out to people who are then called tenants. A person can own a property for a number of reasons which include passive income and for investment. Basically, leasing properties out to tenants in exchange of rent is a means of wealth creation. Keep reading to find out landlord rights in Nigeria.
Recall that we have previously looked at the rights of tenants in Nigeria. The rights include Rights to a written agreement, rights to the issuance of receipt of payment, rights to peaceful enjoyment of property, rights to a valid quit notice and right to a compulsory 7 days notice to recover premises.
As a continuation of tenancy rights in Nigeria, here are the landlord rights in Nigeria under the law.
Right Not To Issue A Quit Notice
A number of landlords have experienced troublesome tenants who flout court orders time and time again. This makes evictions in Nigeria worrisome. The only language that seems to work for these troublesome tenants is when force is used.
The law has provision for landlords to have rights to either issue a quit notice or not. For example, when a tenant has waived his right to a quit notice while signing the tenancy agreement like renting a property for the purpose of residing in it but ends up using it for commercial purposes, the landlord is still required by law to issue a Seven Day to Recover Premises.
Right to Renew Tenancy
The right to renew tenancy is one of the landlord rights in Nigeria. It provides the landlord authority over his property however this has to be stated in the tenancy agreement. Before both the tenant and landlord signs a tenancy agreement there must be a right to Tenancy renewal clause indicated on the paper.
Once the tenant agrees and the terms are agreed – time to apply for tenancy renewal and mode of application, the landlord is not mandated to renew a tenant’s rent. This is a good way for landlords to do away with a non-conformist.
[READ MORE: Know Your Basic Rights As A Tenant In Nigeria Now]
Right To Review Rent
The aim of every landlord is obviously to use his property to make money. Therefore a landlord has the right to review and increase rent as he wishes. However, this new increment is not to affect the tenant during an existing tenancy and this review must be in line with the Rent review clause on the agreement.
Right Not To Reimburse a Tenant
The landlord has the right not to reimburse any tenant for any reason. Sometimes tenants make repairs in the house and so expect the landlord to repay them back. This also leads to disagreements and quarrels in some situations. Well, the law is saying the landlord has the right not to reimburse a tenant.
They are only required to reimburse a tenant when the repair is covered in their initial agreement. This is why before signing the Tenancy Agreement both parties should decide who repairs what and what.
In summary, knowing your landlord rights either as a tenant or as a landlord in Nigeria can help you avoid unnecessary arguments. As a landlord, knowing your landlord rights would help you handle your tenants better. Tell us your experiences in handling landlord and tenant issues. Would you agree that the above landlord rights are fair? You can share your thoughts in the comment section.
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