Common Mistakes Nigerian Landlords Make in Their Agreements—and How to Avoid Them
Drafting a tenancy agreement may seem simple, but many Nigerian landlords make mistakes that lead to disputes, unpaid rent, or even costly legal battles.
A poorly written agreement can be just as dangerous as having none at all. Here are some of the most common mistakes landlords make—and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Using a Written Agreement at All
Some landlords rely on verbal agreements, especially for short-term or family-related rentals. But this is risky.
Why it's a problem: Without written proof, it's hard to enforce terms like rent amount, duration, or notice periods.
How to avoid it: Always put the agreement in writing—no matter how small the property or how well you know the tenant.
2. Vague or Incomplete Clauses
Many landlords include only basic information—like rent and duration—but skip important details.
Why it's a problem: Omissions around maintenance, deposits, or notice periods can cause confusion and disputes.
How to avoid it: Use a complete, well-structured agreement that covers key clauses such as:
- Rent amount and frequency
- Responsibilities for repairs
- Termination conditions
- House rules
3. Using One-Size-Fits-All Templates
Copying a generic agreement from the internet or another landlord may seem convenient, but it can backfire.
Why it's a problem: It might not reflect your specific property, tenant, or local laws (like Lagos Tenancy Law).
How to avoid it: Customize your agreement for each property and ensure it complies with Nigerian legal standards.
4. Ignoring Legal Notice Requirements
Landlords often try to evict tenants without giving proper notice or following legal procedure.
Why it's a problem: Tenants can sue or delay eviction if notice rules are not followed correctly.
How to avoid it: Always have a current tenancy agreement with a start date and end date. Upon renewal, agree with the tenant a new agreement which also contains a start date and end date. Without this, continuing the agreement following expiry will have both parties in a periodic tenancy. Understand the notice period required for your type of periodic tenancy, for example:
- Monthly tenancy: 1 month notice
- Yearly tenancy: 6 months notice
5. Forgetting to Include Signatures and Witnesses
Sometimes, parties agree verbally or sign informally without witnesses.
Why it's a problem: An unsigned or unwitnessed agreement can be hard to enforce in court.
How to avoid it: Ensure both parties sign and date the agreement, ideally with at least one witness.
Conclusion
Tenancy agreements are legal documents, not just paperwork. Avoiding these common mistakes can protect your rights and improve your relationship with tenants.
DocuProp helps landlords and property managers like you easily prepare and manage documents. It also supports the use of e-signatures, with date- and time-stamped records for all parties involved.
