Introduction
In Lagos, where the rental market is highly competitive and property values are constantly rising, landlords must understand their legal rights and obligations under the Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011. The law aims to balance the relationship between landlords and tenants, ensuring fairness, stability, and accountability on both sides.
This article outlines the statutory rights of landlords, explains how those rights can be lawfully exercised, and clarifies the boundaries of permissible conduct in landlord–tenant relations within Lagos State.
1. Right to Receive Rent Promptly
Every landlord has a legal right to timely rent payment as agreed in the tenancy agreement. The Lagos Tenancy Law recognizes rent as a fundamental obligation of the tenant, and failure to pay constitutes a breach that can justify lawful termination of the tenancy.
Under the law:
- Rent is due and payable according to the tenancy terms—monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
- Where the tenant defaults, the landlord is entitled to issue a Notice to Quit and subsequently apply for possession through court.
- Accumulated arrears may also be claimed alongside possession.
2. Right to Determine Tenancy and Repossess Property
The landlord has the right to terminate a tenancy and recover possession of the premises, provided it is done in compliance with the law.
The lawful process includes:
- Issuing a valid Notice to Quit — duration depends on the tenancy type.
- Serving a 7-Day Owner’s Intention to Recover Possession Notice.
- Filing an action for recovery of possession in a competent court.
Any eviction carried out without due process—such as locking out a tenant or removing belongings—is considered illegal eviction and can expose the landlord to liability.
3. Right to Reasonable Rent Reviews
Landlords are entitled to review rent upward to reflect market realities, provided such increase is reasonable and lawful.
Section 37 of the Lagos Tenancy Law allows rent increases, but also permits a tenant to challenge unreasonable or excessive increments in court. Therefore, landlords should:
- Give adequate notice before effecting rent review.
- Justify increases with evidence of market rate changes, property upgrades, or inflation.
4. Right to Be Protected from Rent Default and Property Damage
Landlords enjoy statutory protection against tenants who:
- Fail to pay rent as due.
- Damage or misuse the property.
- Sublet or assign the premises without permission.
In such cases, the landlord can issue statutory notices and seek eviction orders. The law also allows claims for mesne profits (compensation for unlawful occupation after tenancy expiration).
5. Right to Peaceful Reversion After Tenancy Ends
Once a tenancy has lawfully expired or been terminated through court order, the landlord is entitled to peaceful reversion and possession. The tenant is legally obliged to vacate the premises.
If the tenant refuses to leave, the landlord may lawfully recover possession through the Sheriff of the Court, not by self-help.
6. Right to Collect Security Deposits and Service Charges
A landlord has the right to demand and collect:
- Security deposits to cover potential damages or unpaid utilities.
- Service charges for maintenance, cleaning, or facility management.
However, the law also imposes duties:
- The landlord must issue separate receipts for these payments.
- An account of expenditure must be rendered to the tenant every six months.
7. Right to Be Paid Professional Fees When Engaged
When a landlord hires an agent, lawyer, or professional to act on their behalf, they are entitled to payment for services rendered—either from their tenant or as agreed in writing.
The law recognizes that the party who engages a professional is responsible for their fees.
8. Right to Maintain the Property and Access It Reasonably
Landlords have the right to inspect and maintain the property, but such inspections must:
- Be conducted at reasonable hours;
- Be preceded by notice to the tenant; and
- Respect the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment.
This ensures landlords can safeguard their investment while remaining compliant with the law.
9. Right to Compensate for Improvements (in Certain Cases)
Where a tenant makes structural changes or improvements without the landlord’s written consent, the landlord may be entitled to retain those improvements without any obligation to compensate the tenant.
However, if consent was granted, the landlord must compensate for approved improvements upon the tenant’s departure.
10. Right to Enforce Legal Remedies in Court
A landlord has a clear statutory right to enforce all tenancy agreements through the court. This includes:
- Recovery of rent arrears.
- Recovery of possession.
- Recovery of damages or mesne profits.
- Injunctions against unlawful interference with property.
The Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over tenancy disputes, while High Courts handle higher-value tenancies or where complex legal issues arise.
11. Right to Protection Against Tenant Misconduct
The Tenancy Law complements other Lagos State laws—such as the Lagos Properties Protection Law (Land Grabbers Law) 2016—which safeguard property owners from fraudulent or violent tenants.
This means a landlord can report tenants who:
- Engage in unlawful occupation,
- Forge tenancy documents, or
- Employ thugs to resist lawful eviction.
12. Right to Determine Lease Conditions and Duration
The landlord has the autonomy to determine:
- The duration of tenancy (monthly, yearly, fixed-term, etc.),
- The conditions for renewal, and
- The rules of occupancy, provided they do not conflict with the Tenancy Law or public policy.
This flexibility allows property owners to structure leases that align with their commercial interests.
13. Right to Protect Investment Value
Landlords are entitled to take lawful steps to preserve the value of their property, including:
- Regular maintenance;
- Enforcement of tenant covenants; and
- Seeking injunctions against acts likely to depreciate the property’s market value.
14. Landlord’s Right to Legal Representation
The law recognizes that tenancy disputes often require professional handling. Landlords have the right to legal representation by a qualified lawyer in all proceedings relating to their property.
Chaman Law Firm offers complete representation in drafting tenancy agreements, recovering possession, handling rent disputes, and enforcing eviction orders lawfully.
Common Pitfalls Landlords Must Avoid
While exercising their rights, landlords must avoid:
- Locking tenants out without a court order.
- Disconnecting water or electricity.
- Removing tenant’s property unlawfully.
- Harassing tenants or using force.
Such acts constitute criminal offences under the Tenancy Law and may attract fines, imprisonment, or both.
Summary Table: Landlords’ Rights at a Glance
| Right | Statutory Reference | Lawful Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Right to receive rent | Section 4 | Issue receipts & maintain rent records |
| Right to review rent | Section 37 | Reasonable notice & justification |
| Right to recover possession | Sections 13–16 | Serve statutory notices & sue |
| Right to service charges | Section 6 | Render 6-monthly accounts |
| Right to maintenance access | Section 7 | Prior notice & reasonable time |
| Right to lawful eviction | Sections 24–26 | Through court & Sheriff execution |
| Right to compensation for damage | Section 35 | Claim via tenancy or court process |
Conclusion
The Lagos Tenancy Law 2011 gives landlords strong, enforceable rights—but also expects professionalism, fairness, and legal compliance. Exercising these rights properly not only protects your investment but also strengthens your reputation as a responsible property owner.
Call to Action
Do you want to recover possession, increase rent lawfully, or prepare a watertight tenancy agreement that protects your interests?
Contact Us
Chaman Law Firm
115, Obafemi Awolowo Way,Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
📞 0806 555 3671, 08096888818,
