Tenancy agreement checklist for Nigerian landlords
A clear written tenancy agreement prevents most landlord and tenant disputes before they start. Use this checklist to make sure yours covers the points that matter, whether you use a lawyer’s template or update an old one.
Not legal advice. A lawyer should prepare or review your agreement, especially for commercial lettings or long leases. Use this checklist to brief them and to check the result.
The parties and the property
- Full legal names of the landlord and every adult tenant. If the tenant is a company, its registered name and RC number.
- Addresses for sending notices to each side.
- The full property address and a description: number of rooms, parking spaces, shared areas.
- Any agent or property manager acting for the landlord, and their contact details.
Term and type of tenancy
- Whether it is a fixed term (with start and end dates) or periodic (yearly, monthly and so on).
- What happens at the end: automatic renewal, renewal by agreement, or the tenant leaves.
- The notice either side must give to end or not renew it.
Be specific. “One year from 1 March 2026” is clearer than “one year”. The end date is the date you will need for renewal reminders.
Rent and other money
| Item | What to write down |
|---|---|
| Rent | Amount in naira, how often it is paid, and the due date |
| Advance rent | How much is paid upfront and the period it covers (in Lagos, within the legal limit) |
| Caution deposit | Amount, what it can be used for, and when it is returned |
| Service charge | Amount, what it covers (security, waste, generator, cleaning) and how it may change |
| Payment method | Account name and number; whether cash is accepted |
| Late payment | What happens if rent is late, and any agreed charge |
| Rent review | When rent can change and how much notice the tenant gets |
Agency and legal fees are usually paid once at the start. If you charge them, list them separately so they are not confused with rent.
Use of the property
- Residential or business use, and any limits (for example, no church or shop in a residential flat).
- Maximum number of occupants.
- Whether pets are allowed.
- Subletting and assignment: allowed only with written consent, or not at all.
- Alterations: no structural changes without written consent.
Repairs, utilities and access
- Which repairs the landlord handles (roof, structure, plumbing mains) and which the tenant handles (bulbs, minor fixtures, damage they cause).
- Who pays electricity, water, waste and estate dues, and whose name the meters are in.
- How much notice the landlord gives before visiting, except in emergencies.
- An inventory and photos of the condition at move-in, signed by both sides.
Ending the tenancy
- Notice periods for each side.
- Grounds on which the landlord can end it early, such as unpaid rent or breach of the agreement.
- Move-out inspection, return of keys, and how the deposit is settled.
Signing and stamping
- Signed and dated by the landlord and every tenant, with a witness for each signature.
- One original for each party.
- Tenancy agreements are generally liable to stamp duty. Ask your lawyer about stamping, because an unstamped agreement can be harder to rely on in court.
After signing
Store a copy with the receipts and inventory, and put the renewal date somewhere you will see it. In Landlord Reminder you can attach the signed agreement to the tenancy, encrypted on your device, and get reminders three months, one month and seven days before renewal.