A tenancy agreement sets out the terms between a landlord and tenant and can help prevent misunderstandings about rent, duration, responsibilities and use of the property.
Whether you are renting out a property in Lagos, Abuja or another Nigerian city, having the agreement properly prepared and documented can make the arrangement clearer for everyone involved.
What Does a Tenancy Agreement Cover?
A typical agreement can set out details such as:
- Landlord and tenant information
- Property address
- Tenancy duration
- Rent amount
- Payment arrangements
- Renewal terms
- Security deposit where applicable
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Permitted use of the property
- Notice requirements
- Conditions for ending the tenancy
The exact terms should reflect the property and applicable laws in the relevant state.
Why Have a Written Tenancy Agreement?
Verbal arrangements can easily lead to disagreements.
A written agreement gives both parties a record of what was agreed, particularly regarding:
- Rent
- Length of tenancy
- Repairs
- Utility payments
- Property alterations
- Notice periods
- Responsibilities of the landlord and tenant
For landlords managing property remotely, proper documentation is even more important.
Tenancy Agreement for Nigerians Abroad
If you live in the UK, US, Canada, UAE or elsewhere and own a rental property in Nigeria, you may not be available to meet the tenant personally.
A tenancy agreement service can help coordinate the preparation, signing and delivery of the relevant documents locally.
For example, a landlord living in London with an apartment in Lagos can arrange for the tenancy paperwork to be handled in Nigeria while remaining abroad.
What Information Is Needed?
To prepare the agreement, you will typically need information such as:
- Landlord’s details
- Tenant’s details
- Property address
- Agreed rent
- Tenancy start date
- Tenancy duration
- Payment terms
- Relevant property conditions
If there are unusual terms or legal concerns, have a qualified Nigerian property lawyer review the agreement.
How Travo.ng Can Help
Travo.ng can coordinate relevant tenancy agreement and property-document services where the requested service is available.
This may include:
- Tenancy document coordination
- Collection and delivery of documents
- Local appointment coordination
- Signing logistics
- Document follow-up
- Support for landlords living abroad
Where legal drafting or legal advice is required, the agreement should be prepared or reviewed by a qualified lawyer.
Keep Copies of the Signed Agreement
Once the tenancy agreement is completed, both landlord and tenant should retain copies of the signed document.
Landlords living abroad should also keep digital copies so they can access the agreement whenever necessary.
A properly documented tenancy makes it easier to refer back to the agreed terms if questions arise later.
Make the Rental Arrangement Clear From the Start
A good tenancy agreement should clearly explain what both parties have agreed to before the tenant moves in.
Whether you are renting out a flat in Lagos, a house in Abuja or another property in Nigeria, Travo.ng can help coordinate relevant tenancy documentation and local logistics where available.
