What are the rights of tenants in Lagos?

 

Tenants in Lagos have a number of rights under the law. These rights are designed to protect tenants from unfair treatment by landlords. Some of the key rights of tenants in Lagos include:

• The right to quiet enjoyment: Tenants have the right to live on their property without being disturbed by their landlord or other tenants. This means that landlords cannot enter the property without the tenant's permission, and they cannot harass or intimidate the tenant.
• The right to a habitable property: Tenants have the right to live on a property that is safe and habitable. This means that the property must be free from major defects, such as structural damage or a lack of running water.
• The right to a fair rent: Tenants have the right to pay a fair rent for their property. The rent should be based on the size and location of the property, as well as the amenities that are included.
• The right to be given notice before eviction: Landlords cannot evict tenants without giving them proper notice. The amount of notice that is required depends on the length of the tenancy. For example, tenants with a yearly tenancy must be given at least 6 months' notice before they can be evicted.

If a landlord breaches any of these rights, the tenant may be able to take legal action. This could involve suing the landlord for damages or seeking an injunction to prevent the landlord from continuing to breach the tenant's rights.

It is important for tenants to be aware of their rights. If a landlord is not respecting the tenant's rights, the tenant should not hesitate to seek legal advice.

In addition to the rights listed above, tenants in Lagos also have a number of other rights, such as:

• The right to be treated fairly by the landlord, including being given equal consideration for repairs and maintenance requests.
• The right to be given a copy of the tenancy agreement before signing it.
• The right to know the landlord's name and address.
• The right to know the terms of the tenancy agreement, including the rent amount, the length of the tenancy, and the landlord's obligations.
• The right to sublet the property with the landlord's permission.
• The right to keep pets with the landlord's permission.

Tenants should be aware of their rights and should not hesitate to stand up for themselves if their landlord is not respecting their rights. If a tenant believes that their landlord is breaching their rights, they should contact a lawyer for advice.

How to protect your rights as a tenant in Lagos

There are a number of things that tenants can do to protect their rights in Lagos. These include:

• Read the tenancy agreement carefully: Before signing the tenancy agreement, tenants should read it carefully and make sure that they understand all of the terms. If there are any terms that the tenant does not understand, they should ask the landlord to explain them.
• Get everything in writing: Once the tenancy agreement has been signed, tenants should get everything in writing, including any changes to the agreement. This will help to avoid any disputes down the road.
• Pay the rent on time: Tenants should always pay the rent on time. If they are unable to pay the rent, they should contact the landlord as soon as possible to discuss their options.
• Keep the property in good condition: Tenants are responsible for keeping the property in good condition. This means that they should report any repairs that are needed to the landlord as soon as possible.
• Be a good tenant: Tenants should be respectful of their neighbors and the property. They should also be mindful of the landlord's rights.

By following these tips, tenants can help to protect their rights and ensure that they have a positive rental experience.