A yearly maintenance calendar for rental property in Nigeria
Small, regular maintenance is cheaper than emergency repairs, keeps tenants happier and makes renewals easier. This calendar is built around the Nigerian seasons, so the right jobs happen before the rains and the harmattan, not after.
Season timings vary across the country. In the south, the rains usually run from around April to October; in the north they start later and end sooner. Shift the calendar to match your area.
Before the rains (February to March)
- Inspect the roof for missing or rusted sheets, loose flashing and blocked gutters.
- Clear gutters, downpipes and compound drains.
- Check ceilings for old water stains that suggest a leak.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors.
- Check the soakaway and septic tank; arrange evacuation if it is due.
During the rains (April to October)
- Ask tenants to report leaks and flooding immediately, and fix them quickly to avoid damp and mould.
- Clear drains again after heavy storms.
- Check for cracks in walls and fences after the heaviest months.
- Watch for mosquito breeding in standing water around the compound.
Dry season and harmattan (November to February)
- Service air conditioners: dust in harmattan blocks filters and raises power use.
- Repaint exterior walls and gates while the weather is dry.
- Check and service water pumps and boreholes before demand peaks.
- Review fire safety: extinguishers, gas cylinders stored safely, wiring not overloaded.
Every few months
| Item | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Generator (if supplied) | By running hours, often every 1–3 months | Oil, filters, plugs; keep a service log |
| Water tank | Every 6 months | Clean and disinfect |
| Fumigation | Every 6–12 months, and between tenants | Termites, cockroaches, rodents |
| Inverter and batteries | Every 6 months | Check battery health and connections |
| Electrical check | Yearly, and between tenants | Sockets, earthing, distribution board |
Between tenants
The gap between tenancies is the best time for bigger jobs: interior repainting, plumbing upgrades, replacing worn fittings and a full electrical check. Use the inspection checklist to decide what needs doing.
Budgeting for maintenance
Setting aside a fixed share of the rent each year, for example 5% to 10% depending on the age of the building, avoids surprises. On ₦2,400,000 a year, that is ₦120,000 to ₦240,000.
Who pays
Your tenancy agreement should say which repairs belong to you (usually structure, roof, plumbing mains) and which to the tenant (usually minor fixtures and damage they cause). See the tenancy agreement checklist.
Keep repair receipts and photos with each property in Landlord Reminder.