Most Nigerian tenants sign their tenancy agreement without reading it. They take the document as a formality — just another form to get through so they can collect the keys and move in. This is understandable: landlords often present the agreement at the last minute, with the handover imminent and no real opportunity to read carefully.
But a tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract. Signing without reading means you may have agreed to conditions you would never have accepted if you had seen them — from clauses that waive your right to notice, to provisions that hold you liable for damage that existed before you moved in.
This guide explains the 10 most important clauses in a Nigerian tenancy agreement — what each one should say, and what to watch for if it doesn't.
Read any tenancy agreement before you hand over money — even a deposit. Once payment is made, your negotiating leverage disappears. Ask for the agreement at least 24 hours before signing so you have time to read and question anything unclear.
The 10 Clauses to Check Before Signing
Names, Addresses & Property Description
The agreement must correctly name both the landlord and tenant, include current addresses for both, and precisely describe the property being let — including the full address, flat number, and any specific areas included (parking space, store room, etc.).
⚠ Watch for: Vague property descriptions that could later be disputed. "Ground floor flat" should include the building address and unit number.Rent Amount, Payment Schedule & Method
The agreed rent should be stated as a specific figure per month (for monthly tenancies), with a clear statement of which day of the month it is due, how it should be paid (bank transfer, direct debit, etc.), and what account or method it is paid to.
⚠ Watch for: Clauses that allow the landlord to change the rent amount without notice, or that require payment in cash only with no provision for receipts.Tenancy Start Date & Duration
The agreement must state when the tenancy begins and whether it is a fixed-term (e.g., 6 months, 12 months) or periodic (rolling monthly) tenancy. For monthly tenancies, it should be clear that the tenancy continues month to month until either party gives appropriate notice.
⚠ Watch for: Agreements that describe a "monthly" tenancy but include automatic conversion to annual terms after a set period without your explicit agreement.Security Deposit: Amount & Return Conditions
The deposit amount should be specified, along with the conditions under which deductions can be made (actual damage beyond normal wear and tear only), the timeframe for return after the tenancy ends (Lagos law specifies 30 days), and the process for disputing deductions.
⚠ Watch for: Vague damage clauses that give the landlord discretion to deduct for "cleaning," "general deterioration," or anything that is not specific damage.Notice Period for Termination
For monthly tenancies, both parties should give at least one calendar month's written notice to end the agreement. The notice requirements must apply equally to both landlord and tenant — a clause that gives the landlord the right to terminate on one week's notice while requiring the tenant to give three months is unenforceable under Nigerian law.
⚠ Watch for: Asymmetric notice periods that heavily favour the landlord, or clauses that allow immediate eviction for first-time rent arrears without a cure period.Repair & Maintenance Responsibilities
The agreement should specify which repairs are the landlord's responsibility (structural, major plumbing, roof) and which are the tenant's (minor maintenance, light bulbs, tap washers). A standard clause assigns structural and major system repairs to the landlord and day-to-day upkeep to the tenant.
⚠ Watch for: Clauses that assign all repairs to the tenant, or that require the tenant to carry out structural work at their own expense.Service Charges & Additional Fees
Any estate service charges, generator diesel levy, water supply fees, or caretaker fees that are not included in the stated rent must be itemised in the agreement — with the amount, payment schedule, and who collects them clearly stated. "Additional costs as applicable" is too vague.
⚠ Watch for: Open-ended service charge clauses that give the landlord or estate management unlimited ability to increase levies without notice or justification.Use of Property & Permitted Activities
The agreement should confirm the property is let for residential use and specify any restrictions — for example, whether you may operate a home office, keep pets, or host guests for extended periods. Restrictions that were discussed verbally should be in writing.
⚠ Watch for: Broad "residential use only" clauses that could be interpreted to prohibit a home office — important for remote workers and freelancers.Subletting & Assignment
Most tenancy agreements prohibit subletting or assigning the tenancy to another party without the landlord's written consent. This is standard and reasonable. What is not standard is a clause that voids the entire agreement if you have an overnight guest — watch for overlapping restrictions.
⚠ Watch for: Clauses that give the landlord the right to enter the property at any time without notice (unlawful — reasonable notice, typically 24 hours, must be given except in genuine emergencies).Dispute Resolution
A well-drafted tenancy agreement specifies how disputes are resolved — whether through direct negotiation, a named mediator, or legal proceedings under a specified court's jurisdiction. This clause protects both parties if the relationship breaks down.
⚠ Watch for: Clauses that waive your right to legal recourse, or that require you to agree to arbitration under terms set entirely by the landlord.What If the Agreement Has a Problem Clause?
If you identify a clause you are unhappy with, you have three options:
- Negotiate before signing: Cross out the clause and initial both sides, or request a revised agreement. Most reasonable landlords will agree to fair changes.
- Get legal advice: For high-value or long-term tenancies, a brief consultation with a property lawyer (typically ₦10,000–₦30,000 for a document review) is worthwhile.
- Walk away: If a landlord refuses to remove an obviously unfair clause and is not willing to negotiate, this is a signal about how disputes will be handled during the tenancy. Walking away is always an option.
ShortRent.app's standard tenancy agreement templates are drafted to be fair to both parties — all 10 clauses above are handled clearly, with no hidden landlord advantages. Browse monthly rentals on ShortRent.app to find properties with transparent, digital tenancy agreements.
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