Not every landlord who shouts is powerful.
Not every “I will lock your door” is legal.
In Nigeria, many tenants don’t realize they actually have rights. Some landlords rely on intimidation, ignorance, or urgency to get away with unlawful actions.
Here are three warning signs your landlord may be violating tenancy laws, and what you can do about it safely.
1. Illegal Eviction Threats
If your landlord threatens to:
- Change your locks
- Remove your belongings
- Throw you out without court notice
That is a major red flag.
Under Nigerian tenancy laws (including the Lagos State Tenancy Law), a landlord cannot legally evict a tenant without proper notice and a court order. Even after your rent expires, due process must be followed.
If someone says, “I’ll bring people to throw your things out tomorrow,” that’s not authority, that’s intimidation.
What to do safely:
- Keep written records of all communication.
- Avoid physical confrontation.
- Seek legal advice before responding emotionally.
2. Sudden, Unjustified Rent Increases
Rent increases are not illegal. But unreasonable, sudden, or retaliatory increases can be.
If your landlord:
- Increases rent without proper notice
- Doubles rent without explanation
- Raises rent because you complained about repairs
That could be unlawful or abusive.
Tenancy agreements matter. What you signed determines what can legally change and when.
What to do safely:
- Review your tenancy agreement carefully.
- Ask for written justification for the increase.
- Consult a lawyer or tenancy advisory body if necessary.
3. Refusing to Carry Out Major Repairs
Landlords are generally responsible for structural and major repairs unless your agreement states otherwise.
If:
- The roof leaks, and nothing is done
- Plumbing issues persist
- Electrical faults are ignored
- The building becomes unsafe
And your landlord refuses to act despite written notice, which may be negligence.
You are paying for habitable living conditions, not avoidable suffering.
What to do safely:
- Document the issues with photos and videos.
- Send a formal written notice requesting repairs.
- If ignored, seek mediation or legal advice before withholding rent.
How to Report Safely
If you believe your landlord is violating tenancy laws:
- Stay calm and document everything.
- Avoid physical arguments or threats.
- Seek legal advice from a property lawyer.
- Contact local dispute resolution or tenancy advisory services.
- If necessary, pursue proper legal channels through the courts.
Never take matters into your own hands. The goal is protection, not escalation
Final Thoughts
Knowing your rights doesn’t mean fighting your landlord. It means understanding the boundaries of the law.
In Nigeria’s rental market, information is power.
Calm documentation is stronger than loud confrontation.
