If you are a landlord or a tenant in Nigeria, you may have encountered the term “quit notice” at some point. A quit notice is a legal document that informs a tenant that they have to vacate a property within a specified period of time. It is also known as a notice to quit, a notice of termination, or an eviction notice.
A quit notice in Nigeria can be issued for various reasons, such as breach of contract, expiration of tenancy, or personal use of the property by the landlord. However, before issuing or receiving a quit notice, there are some important things you need to know about the law and your rights.
In this article, we will explain what a quit notice is, what are the legal requirements for a valid quit notice in Nigeria, what are the rights and obligations of the landlord and the tenant, what are the consequences of failing to comply with a notice to quit in Nigeria, and how to resolve any disputes that may arise from it.
Contents
Definition and types of quit notice
Reasons for issuing a quit notice
What are the legal requirements for a valid quit notice?
The content and format of the notice
The service and delivery of the notice
The duration and expiry of the notice
What are the rights and obligations of the landlord and the tenant?
The landlord’s right to recover possession
The tenant’s right to challenge the notice
The obligations of both parties during the notice period
The legal remedies available to
What is a quit notice?
Definition and types of quit notice
A quit notice is a written document that informs a tenant that they have to vacate a property within a specified period of time. It is usually issued by the landlord or their agent, but it can also be issued by the tenant if they want to end their tenancy.
There are different types of quit notices depending on the nature and duration of the tenancy. For example:
- A 7-day quit notice is issued to a tenant at will, who lives on the property for free but with the landlord’s consent; or a tenant who pays rent daily or weekly, such as in a hotel or guest house; or to a tenant whose tenancy has no fixed term.
- A one-month quit notice is issued to a tenant who pays rent monthly.
- A three-month quit notice is issued to a tenant who pays rent quarterly.
- A six-month quit notice is issued to a tenant who pays rent biannually (every six months); or to a tenant who pays rent annually.
It is important to state here that the lengths of these notices are required by law and must be adhered to for a notice to be valid.
Reasons for issuing a quit notice
A notice to quit in Nigeria can be issued for various reasons, such as:
- Breach of contract: This occurs when the tenant violates any of the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement, such as non-payment of rent, subletting without permission, causing damage to the property, engaging in illegal activities, or disturbing other tenants.
- Expiration of tenancy: This occurs when the tenancy period agreed upon by both parties comes to an end, and the landlord does not want to renew or extend it.
- Personal use of property: This occurs when the landlord wants to use the property for their own purpose, such as occupying it themselves, selling it, renovating it, or giving it to a family member or friend.
- Other lawful reasons: This occurs when the landlord has any other valid reason for terminating the tenancy, such as complying with a court order, enforcing a statutory right, or exercising a contractual option.
What are the legal requirements for a valid quit notice?
The content and format of the notice
A valid quit notice must contain certain information and follow certain format. For example:
- It must be written in clear and simple language that can be understood by both parties.
- It must state the name and address of both parties (the landlord and the tenant).
- It must state the address and description of the property in question.
- It must state the reason and basis for issuing the notice.
- It must state the date and duration of the notice, and the date by which the tenant must vacate the property.
- It must be signed and dated by the landlord or their agent, and in some states in Nigeria, it must be stamped by a court registrar.
The service and delivery of the notice
A valid quit notice must be properly served and delivered to the tenant. This means that:
- It must be delivered personally to the tenant or their authorized representative or left at their usual or last known place of residence or business.
- It must be delivered and accompanied by a proof of service or delivery. Different jurisdictions in Nigeria have specific requirements as to the person who can deliver a notice to quit.
- It must be delivered within a reasonable time before the expiry of the notice, taking into account the distance and mode of transportation.
The duration and expiry of the notice
A valid quit notice must give the tenant enough time to vacate the property. This means that:
- It must comply with the minimum statutory notice period prescribed by law, which varies depending on the type of tenancy as explained above.
- It must expire on the last day of the tenancy period, which is usually calculated from the date of payment of rent. For example, if the rent is paid on the 15th of every month, then the notice period will run from the 15th of one month to the 14th of the next month.
What are the rights and obligations of the landlord and the tenant?
The landlord’s right to recover possession
The landlord has the right to recover possession of their property after issuing a valid quit notice and after the expiry of the notice period. This means that:
- The landlord can demand that the tenant vacates the property peacefully and voluntarily, and hands over the keys and any other items belonging to the landlord.
- The landlord can apply to a court for an order of possession, which authorizes them to evict the tenant forcefully with the help of law enforcement agents.
- The landlord can claim damages from the tenant for any loss or injury caused by their unlawful occupation of the property, such as unpaid rent, repair costs, legal fees, or loss of value.
The tenant’s right to challenge the notice
The tenant has the right to challenge the validity or legality of the quit notice issued by the landlord. This means that:
- The tenant can dispute any of the information or facts contained in the notice, such as their identity, their tenancy status, their rent payment history, or their conduct on the property.
- The tenant can contest any of the reasons or grounds given by the landlord for issuing the notice, such as their breach of contract, their expiration of tenancy, or their personal use of property.
- The tenant can seek an injunction from a court to restrain or stop the landlord from enforcing or executing the notice, pending the determination of their case.
The obligations of both parties during the notice period
Both parties have certain obligations to fulfill during the notice period. This means that:
- The landlord must respect and protect the tenant’s right to peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the property until they vacate it. The landlord must not harass, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with the tenant’s occupation of the property.
- The tenant must respect and protect the landlord’s right to ownership and control of the property until they hand it over. The tenant must not damage, destroy, or alter the property without the landlord’s consent.
- Both parties must comply with the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement until it is terminated. Both parties must pay their dues, perform their duties, and honour their obligations.
The legal remedies available to the landlord
If a tenant fails to comply with a valid quit notice and refuses to vacate the property, there are several legal remedies available to the landlord in Nigeria. Here are some of them:
- Recovery of Premises: The landlord can apply to the court for a ‘Recovery of Premises’ order. This is a legal process where the court grants the landlord the right to take back possession of their property.
- Distress for Rent: If the tenant owes rent, the landlord may apply for a ‘Distress for Rent’ order. This allows the landlord to seize the tenant’s goods and sell them to recover the unpaid rent.
- Damages for Use and Occupation: The landlord can claim damages from the tenant for use and occupation of the property beyond the tenancy period. This is usually calculated at the rate of the rent.
- Legal Costs: The landlord can also claim the cost of the legal proceedings from the tenant.
It’s important to note that these actions must be carried out through legal means. Self-help, such as changing locks or forcibly evicting a tenant, is illegal and can lead to criminal charges against the landlord. Always consult with a legal professional when dealing with tenancy issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legal requirements for a valid quit notice in Nigeria should be strictly complied with. While this article provides a comprehensive overview, it’s always advisable to seek legal counsel when dealing with tenancy issues to ensure all actions are within the confines of the law. Remember, a quit notice is not just a piece of paper; it’s a legal document that carries significant implications for both landlords and tenants. As such, it should be issued and handled with care, respect, and due diligence. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to recover your property or a tenant facing an eviction, knowledge is your best defence. Stay informed, stay protected.
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FAQs
- What is a quit notice?
A quit notice is a legal document served by a landlord to a tenant, indicating the termination of a tenancy agreement. It serves as an official notification from the landlord to the tenant, indicating the landlord’s intention to recover his/her premises at the expiration of a specified period.
2. How long should a quit notice be?
The length of a quit notice depends on the type of tenancy. For example, a weekly tenant should typically receive a week’s notice, a monthly tenant should receive a month’s notice, and a yearly tenant should receive six months to a year’s notice. However, the specific length can vary based on the terms of the tenancy agreement and local laws.
3. Can I challenge my eviction?
Yes, a tenant can challenge an eviction if they believe it is unjust. This could be because they believe they were not given adequate notice, the eviction was discriminatory, or the landlord did not follow proper legal procedures. In such cases, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel.
4. What happens if I don’t leave after receiving a quit notice?
If a tenant doesn’t vacate the premises after receiving a quit notice, the landlord can seek legal remedies. This might include applying to the court for a ‘Recovery of Premises’ order, which grants the landlord the right to take back possession of their property.
5. Can I issue a quit notice without a lawyer?
While it’s possible for a landlord to issue a quit notice without a lawyer, it’s generally advisable to seek legal advice to ensure the notice complies with all legal requirements. Mistakes in the notice can lead to delays and complications in the eviction process.
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During the period of the notice, does the tanant pays his rent or stay for free with the person of the notice?
Yes, the tenant should pay. A tenant is not entitled to free accommodation in whatever guise
Hi, I am a yearly tenant. My rent expired on the 31st of May and the landlord sent me a WhatsApp message saying I must not send him money to renew the rent and that he will be serving me quit notice. Today, 27th of June, he served me a quit notice stating I have seven days to leave the property. Shouldn’t I be entitled to some more time to look for a place as a yearly tenant. Kindly advise.
there is a supreme court decision that permits serving 7 days notice to a tenant owing rent
When does a quit notice in Nigeria start counting? At the expiration of the tenant rent or while his rent still counting?
Aquit notice starts counting from whenever it was issued.
Well read and well understood.
Thanks for the information.
You are welcome!
Hello good morning, I was given notice to quit on the 30th august last year 2024 while my house rent is still valid till December 2024. And I am not up to 2 years there.now they have given me seven days to vacate the house
I sympathise with you. However, from what you wrote here, they gave you complete 6 months notice. That’s what is required for a yearly tenant. So, your notice is adequate. They gave you 7 days notice because you didn’t comply with the 6 months notice. If after 7 days you don’t comply, they will give sue you.
What then happens to the four-month rental period left? Will the tenant get a refund, or will he/she forfeit it?. Thank you.
Pls I owned three 2 bedroom and 1 two bedroom bedroom flate in ikorodu they are now I want to increase the rent they are paying 250,000 for over 7 years now am increasing it to 700,00
Secondly I do give them free six months pls can I remove it , am not given them again ?????
Thirdly one of them pay me 400,000 for two years I even give him six month free so now I want to refund his money and increase the rent also remove the six months free given to him can do that ????
Pls advise me
My house at located at Lagos road and rent there is now 800,000 and they are paying 250,00 well gated and well tiers house painted
My six month rent was due by end of June. And I was given a seven day quit notice 16th of July with no three month notice to vacate. Is it legal. What am I to do cos I want to contend it.
I received a 6 month notice to quit a new apartment I just rented 5 month into the rent. Dated to expire before my rent is due.
Can I contend this In anyway? and how?
Oh no! While I sympathise with you, I am afraid, the notice is adequate, contending it will be a waste of time and money. Try negotiating with your landlord
Good morning, please, I’m having issues with my landlord regards to my rent, my rent expired on 24 of October 2025 and he is demanding that I should vacates by November ending 2025 , please what can I do in regards to this?
He has to evict you legally. Note that as you are owing rent, the eviction process will be easier and faster for him
This is explicit ! Just what I needed . Thanks for the enlightenment
I and my brother stayed together in 3bedroom apartment and we were given quit notice to leave first week of june he has relocated already but am still in the apartment. If stay more than that first week of june would anything happen? Can i negotiate with the lawyer because ive been transferred to another branch so ive to change location. Is it law to request for more time when the quit notice had expired??
Please after six months of quit notice is there any possibility of extension for at list one month
Negotiate with your landlord. He may accept or reject your proposal
Dear, Barr. Chukwudum
I am reaching out to address a few of t would escalate to ₦500,000. We have been made aware that failure to meet this new amount will result in our eviction from the premises.
Now my rent expires on 15/04/2025. I don’t know what to do because I can’t afford to pay the ₦500,000 yearly. Now the Barrister has issued me a quick notice till 31st of May 2025. I am seeking your intervention to help us navigate this matter effectively.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.
My Tenant had over stayed his tenancy and asked for extension till June.
Can I go ahead and serve him 7days notice of quit ?
you should do what is fair
In the situation where am owing rent for a year and the Landlord brings a 7days notice, instead of 6months quit notice, is it obtainable?
It is the right thing to do. 7 days notice is adequate under Nigerian law when in arrears of rent
My Lawyer gave me a month quick notice, and I have been living in the property for 2 years and 5 months is that right according to law?
Please I need your help……….
If there is a tenancy agreement between you and your landlord, check if it is stated that 1 month notice will be given. Else, if you are a yearly tenant, the notice is defective
If a landlord forces a tenant to agree to the terms that they’ll leave the house after one year at the time of their paying for the house. Those the 6 months period still apply after the year runs out?
The terms of your agreement is supreme
A property was bought over .and the new landlord issued a quit notice Dated Feb 2025 that the the tenant should leave by June 2025 with a refund of one year basic rent cos he wants to restructure the house.
The tenant paid for one and half years to the former landlord and moved in by Dec 23rd 2024 .The tenants paid agency fee apart from the basic rent payment .Please advice is this fair on the tenant .
the notice should have been at least 6 months, but I think you should negotiate with him about giving you more time or refunding more money.
Thanks for the Education. It gave me a great relief
Good and well composed for easy understanding.
God bless you
Please my yearly house rent was due on 30th of March which i was about to pay by April and my landlord gave me a 3 months quit notice from 23 of April to June 30 to vacate the house. Please is it right?
You should be thankful to your landlord; your rent having expired, you were only entitled to a 7-day notice
Please I want to know if my rent expired June, and I intend to pay up by July. and the landlord gave me 7 days quit notice. Pls is it right
Going by the facts you just gave, I think he is wrong. Your comment came in on the 1st of July- that means you are only 1 day in arrears
Thanks for this article well explained and educated.
My own case is very lengthy, I paid my Landlord the total package money for an uncompleted building and he told me the house will be ready by 2 months but that 2 months elapsed nothing was done I have to use my other personal money to complete the house so that I can pack in.
But even at that I packed in like even when some of the things in the house wasn’t completed and the roof was still leaking uptill almost a year now that I have been staying here, I have Been been complaining to the landlord he kept telling he will do it, he will do it until when that 7 days rent every where in my room was water including my mattress, I told the landlord that if he doesn’t want to do it I will use my personal money to do it and I will remove from the rent but he refused but later on he later do it.
Later that same week he went to a cyber café to forge a quit notice letter and open my window to drop the quick notice and I wasn’t around I was at work when I came back from work I saw that my window was opened…
On the quit notice letter he didn’t give me any day, week or months ahead of the day my rent expired and he also gave my number to touts threatening that if I don’t pack out the will deal with me..
And we had an agreement and he signed that my other personal money that I spent in other to complete the house will be deducted from my next year rent.
Please what do I do in this my case?
Consult a lawyer and make a report at the police for the threats
Good day I want to know please my rent expire on the 31st of august and I have my landlord 200k part payment out of 500k to balance soon on 20 sept
And today he gave me quit notice of 6month I don’t get
When he knows he want to use his house why collect 200k from me in the first place…now I am saying that’s uncalled for
your landlord did no wrong provided he gave you adequate length of notice for your type of tenancy. and 6 months is the longest notice period for any tenancy
Can a notice be served when my house rent is Still reading
Yes, that what every smart lawyer who is consulted on time does. If a tenant’s rent is to expire in November, I will serve the person in May.
Can I continue to live in the house,even though the landlord stays there,while you challenge the landlord in court. Meaning,while you sue the landlord,is it legal,advisable to keep living in the same compound with him or her.
You can absolutely do that. In many tenancy issues in courts, the tenants are still in the property.
I’m a yearly tenant and my landlord has issued me a quit notice just four months to my rent expiration date instead of six month, my question is if I can’t have another apartment within the four months, I’m I to pay for the two months or not since it’s the fault of the landlord?
First, you can contest the inadequate notice by getting a lawyer to write your landlord. Secondly, except if your landlord decides to leave it, you are supposed to pay for rents during the notice period.
If a tenant is given notice to quit for 6months based on annual rental payment, is the tenant expected to pay for that 6months despite haven been notified to quit?
Yes, the tenant should pay for the period of the notice. That is the position of the law.
Knowing fully well what item is to be sold, does the landlord have rights to stop a tenant from making any form of extension in front of the rented shop for the sake of advertisement?
NOTE – This extension is an iron structure.
Yes, a landlord has right to say that his building should not be defaced.
Rent expires late October and I received notice to evict forwarded to me online in July with a date that’s backdated and I’m asked to leave before rent is due
A tenant’s tenancy expires on 31st Mach, 2025. The tenant was given a quit notice on 1st October 2024, for the six months to be reckoned with.
On 18th March 2025 , the tenant moved out of the shop but still left some items indoor.
When contacted she said she would only release the key on 17th September 2025.- that she would count her six months of grace.
The landlord is not about this development that he had given her six months already as required so as to avoid troubles.
Kindly advise .
Thanks
The tenant is wrong and her conducts unlawful. The landlord should go back to his lawyer
Hello, My name is Joseph
I was issued a quit notice by my landlord but no reason was stated in the notice and the day I received the notice is even a month late than the date on the quit notice. I really want to challenge the landlord for n this so that he wouldn’t think I am not educated.
Yes, you can challenge him for issuing you a defective notice. You shoul consult a lawyer. However, I usually advise clients to make arrangements when it becomes clear a landlord no longer wants them. In my opinion, most times, it is not worth the fight.
Please can a tenant still pay for the house rent even after being served a quit notice?
Yes, with the agreement of the landlord or his lawyer or agent, else, they may return it.
I want to quit a tenant for my personal use of the apartment.
There rent will expire by June ending pls when is the right time to serve the quite notice?
You should give them at least a 6 months notice
I pay yearly rent and my landlord gave me a quit notice of 3 month. Is that acceptable by law ?
No, it is wrong
i pay my rent yearly but i received a quit notice to vacate after a month and no reason attached
I advise you consult a lawyer. The notice is defective
When does a notice to quit become effective, is it on the day it’s served or otherwise and are there legal cases to support your answer
it’s landlord or landlady can give tenant notice of quite more than a year, maybe the expire date is not up to 6 months but it’s landlord can serve letter one year and 4 months in case of next year so the tenant can be prepare for next year or is only 6 months
I am sorry, I don’t understand your question. Kindly resend the question
Hi
Does the law support a grace period for a tenant to renew his rent after the rent expiration?
Is it lawful for a landlord to issue a quit notice after a when a yearly rent is one is due few days after the expiration date even when a tenant has pleaded to pay rent in a month time due to his delayed income?
Yes, a landlord can issue a notice once your rent expires. The law permits that
Hello, my rent expires 30th if June.
We were given a quit notice in December, so the 6months was done right.
However, we haven’t been able to find another accomodations and asked for a 3 months extension.
We were told that 2 months was granted but we will be going to CMC.
I don’t like any stress so I want to find a way to move out even though I don’t have a place yet.
Can we be forced out by June 30th? And why is the lawyer saying we will be going to civil mediation commission?
No. after the 6 months notice, there will be 7 days notice. If you are still in the property after that, you will sued. Court will sit on the matter and give judgment before eviction can happen
Good day, I just move in a house after two month the landlord sold the house and the new landlord give us seven days notice. How possible is that.
This is wrong and you shold consult a lawyer to challenge the defective notice. All the best
I gave my tenant a backdated quiet notice because of her violent behaviour, breaking properties in the building and attacking her landlady physically.
Today her 7days notice expires
What do o do next to evict her from my building?
consult a lawyer
In a student lodge outside the school premises,
If a tenant’s rent expires, can the tenant be served a two weeks quit notice?
I feel there’s different between a house and a student lodge of campus
There is no difference. Pay up or leave
I pay a yearly rent and my landlord gave me a quit notice of 3 month (last 3 month before my rent expires) through an unknown agent. The agent then threatened to bring a court letter even before the end of my rent if I refuse to sign the quit notice. Is it acceptable under the law??
The notice you were served is defective. Consult a lawyer
Good day. Rented an apartment for 1year and 6 months. (19th Feb 2024 to 18th August 2025. On the 19th of may 2025 notice of 3 months was served to vacate on or before 19th August 2025 by landlord.
Kindly advise. Thank you
The notice he served you is defective. Consult a lawyer to help you protect your rights
Hello. Thanks for the exposé. In July 2024, I got a message from my landlord saying my rent was due by August 2024, which in actuality isn’t due until October, and after some days of my not responding, he sent me a 7-day quit notice in September, which I went to see him over. After discussions, we agreed on 3 months, which I paid since I was to move into another of his properties, but I later found out that his property, which I was to move into, was defective, and when I decided to opt for another apartment (not his), he argued I needed to pay the balance yearly rent as he had given me a concession already (which I did) and that if I wanted to give the place up, I would get a refund. I had someone who wanted to take the place, but along the way the discussion broke down because the landlord increased the charges as against the earlier discussion. Now the landlord is threatening to throw my things out, saying he has people who want to take the place (he just increased the rent) and that I should leave when I still have my rent running. Am I wrong to insist that my rent is still valid, or is he wrong?
If you still have rent running, you are still a tenant and your landlord cannot legally throw you out. Consult a lawyer
Good morning I’ve given my tenant 6 months notice to quit in line with the law and I’ve also offered him his full rent and a little more token if he moves within 3 months or forfeit the offer due to sale .can he refuse to move and just become greedy? Thanks
You have done well. If he refuses to move, use the courts to evict him and claim arrears and mense profit even. Consult a lawyer
Goodmorning. Please help me with this issue. I paid rent 1st January of 2025 to the landlord, a month ago being may i suddenly got a 7 days quit notice to vacate the property by the new landlord and his lawyer and pay all outstanding rents. I was told that the property was recently shared amongst the siblings which i wasn’t aware of. Now i called the previous landlord who told me not to worry that it will be settled cos its a family matter. After 3 weeks i received another warning reminder quit notice to vacate the property and pay all due rent. This is upsetting because i have paid my rent to the previous landlord, and currently he has refused to take his calls. I am now confused on what to do? Please what can i do in this situation
It is unfortunate you are going through this, please consult a lawyer to protect your rights.
All the best
Hello there, My rent expired in December 2024 and I do renew in January which I did in January 2025 and I was served a quit notice in March 2025 (with my rent later refunded ) to last for 3 months being May 2025, followed by a 7 days notice as well. Please is this right being that I renew my rent, am I not supposed to be given a 6 months notice? Or is the notice counted from December when it’s dated March? Please enlightened me on this, thank you.
The notice is not adequate, but given the circumstances, I should say your landlord has shown good faith
Can a landlord issue a quit notice by phone conversation or Whatsapp messages? Is it deemed official? Is it tenable in a court?
If a tenant pleaded for more time after a verbal quit notice and he is obliged. At the expiration of his granted days, Is he entitled to another 7days notice
Verbal notices are not proper. However, e-notices are acceptable just like written hard copy notices. So, it’s best to issue proper notices and not rely on anything verbal
Am staying in a house I paid a yearly rent, rent renewal is Feb ending but I make payment in March and in the month of August I got an unexpected notice to vacate the house on the Feb when my house rent is actually due, which means 6 month ahead before my rent expires, what I I do please? Because I see it the my landlord doesn’t want me to use 6 month in his which is not possible because I see I did damage any his property for it a personal thing to him.
that’s a valid notice. Except you want to be sued and possibly evicted forcefully, you should leave
Please can I get an extension after the expiration of a quit notice. And secondly I was given a quit notice without any reason attached to it. I’m not owing rent
It is not necessary for notices to contain reasons. As for extension, discuss with your landlord
Goodmorning ma really appreciate u for ur legal advice may God cntd to strengthen u.
Pls I was given a quit notice to leave by my landlord via watsapp message on march 25,no formal notice or letter been served,reason for his quit notice is because I caution em abt his wrong doings,So e now came up with his excuse that e want to make use of d apartment.Sometimes my landlord will travelled tenants will not hv a place to fetch water,we will stay weeks or month without having water.He also treat tenants as if they re leaving @his mercy.Through out my years hv never violated on anything I paid my rent wen due.My rent will expire by October 5th and I have my rent ready to pay before expiration period.Kindly advice me on this should I proceed with d payment since formal notice was issued to me
A notice must not be in paper form, it can be sent electronically. If it has the correct length of notice for your type of tenancy, it is valid
Please kindly advise me, I am a yearly tenant, I paid October 2024 to expire September 2025, my landlord gave me quite notice, which i received 14th April 2025, the notice was backdated March 2025,saying i should vacant premises the day my rent expire.
except for backdating the notice, otherwise that’s a valid 6 months notice
Madam I was issued a 2 months quit notice to vacate my shop. Is 2 months enough for a yearly rental tenant. Which I have also be served the 7 days notice too
In some circumstances it may be. but, it is not generally. Consult a lawyer
Hi, please I moved into a yearly apartment on the 2nd of January 2024 in which the landlord failed to connect the electricity(Nepa)to the house and we all live in darkness till the year 2024 runs out even though the light issues have been brought to his notice several times… Jan. 2025 i got a call from someone who identified himself as his lawyer and when i told him i have a lots of complaints about the house he responded with” i don’t want to dwell on it” so with the belief that they might sort the electricity issues and water out for us to have a habitable the living this year 2025 i renewed the rent 15th Jan. 2025, after so many complaints about the same problems to both the landlord and his lawyer who is in charge to maintain the house, the landlord sent a letter to everyone dated 25th September 2025 stated the rent now increases from 350k-600k once the running rent is due and anyone who is not ready to pay such should take the letter as a notice to vacate… pls your kind advice🙏
It is unfortunate that you are in this situation. Under Nigerian law, a landlord cannot unilaterally increase rent. So, you can absolutely challenge that. Or you can just vacate since you are not even satisfied with the living conditions in the building. All the best
Good evening ma’am. Thanks for the good work you’re doing.
I pay a yearly rent, I renewed my rent from September to August 2026. And my landlord just brought a notice of quit 15th October 2025 to on or before March 1st 2026. Though he said he would make return for 6months. That if I don’t quit that legal action would be instituted against me.
Please what does the law says about this.
it is a defective notice since he didn’t make a refund before sending you a 6 months notice. However, be wise and start making plans to leave.
I was issued a 7days quit notice after the 6months quit notice expire what can l do?
Vacate the property or you will be taken to court
Good day
please my landlord increased my rent without noticing me until when i was about to make payment , this is the 2nd time this is happening , what is your legal advice , especially when your landlord does not respond to calls of maintenance from you with subject that concerns damage rooftop that allows water to enter your apartment and cause damages
That’s wrong! Consult a lawyer
Good morning.please I owe for a year and half and I was ought to pay 380k in total but unfortunately I paid 300k left with a balance of 80k and my landlady brought an agent to threaten me to vacate the premises within 7days without a quit notice can I challenge my eviction?
No, you can’t. Once you are in arrears, a 7 days notice can be served you.
Good day, pls my landlord called today if my rent expire this month which am about to pay another july 1, and said he will be increasing is rent after my rent expeir and amount he’s talking about is too much which I tried negotiating with him but he still insist on the said amount or I leave after my rent expire, no quit notice, just like that.
a landlord has no right to unilaterally increase rent. you should probably write him a letter disagreeing with his proposed increment
Please help with this issue
I paid for a yearly house rent on the 8th of July 2024 and the landlady reached out to me on the 15th of June 2025 issuing me a new agreement form with new rules like adding more money to the house rent which I can’t cope with it and on the 23rd of June 2025 she gave me a payment reminder notice to either pay or move out within 7days.
And I told her I can’t cope and I will move out.
And she said I have to leave within 7days.
Is this right ?
Your rent is still running, which means that you are still a tenant . Thus, you are entitled to a proper notice
Good day, I paid yearly which my rest expired this last June, And have never owned rent since I packed in..And i informed him to give me till August ending which he declined…His next action was to give a 7days noticed….(Not my property so I cant
have issues with him)
Have informed my lawyer
My Landlord gave me a quit notice and I signed on it. Do I have a grace period if the quit notice expires and I haven’t gotten another accomodation.
If the quit notice is not up to 6 months because it’s a yearly rent, can I contest this.
Thank you.
You can contest an inadequate quit notice, but consult a lawyer and tell him the whole story.
Hello, I received a quit notice today, the 25th of July but it was dated 20th of July to move out before the ending of October and my annual rent will be due by 1st of December. What should I do concerning the period of notice?
If you are a yearly tenant and there are no special terms concerning notices in your tenancy agreement, then the notice is defective
I just paid my yearly rent on may 1st and my landlord servers me rent on August 2nd, asking me to vacate on January 31st with no reason stated? Is it valid because my rent is still remaining 9 month before it expires, it like just wasting my money. I suspect that it was because I challenged because of a the matter of dustbin he reported to my husband that travelled instead of just coming to me directly and it was because we didn’t find someone to throw the dirty fast, but he didn’t state it as the reason.
So I just want to know if the quit notice is valid or it after my rent expires that the quit notices can be valid, sorry for the long note
Any quit notice that elapses before the expiration of your rent is invalid
Hello ma , if you you are given 7days quick notice, how I am going to count it ? It’s only working day or include weekend. Please am explain.
every day counts
Hello, my rent expires in October 2025. I was given a Notice of “Non-renewal of rent” in May 2025, which stated that the landlord has decided not to renew my rent upon expiration, and I’ll need to vacate the premises upon expiration of my rent. Is this right? Or do I have the right to stay till November 2025, which completes 6 months?
Yes you do. But, you should write him contesting the inadequate notice
Good day ma, please my yearly rent expired by April this 2025. The landlord and I had agreement that I’d pay him by July but due to low income I couldn’t meet up. So court papers were brought to me this morning being August 13, 2025 that I should appear in court the following day being August 14, 2025. Without even issuing the 7days quit notice. Please what can I do to overcome this issue before any form of harassment occurs? Thanks!
Consult a lawyer
If my landlord claimed to have issued me a quit notice that I didn’t received with signature of acknowledgement. What should I do?
write him saying that you did not receive any notice from him
Good morning, I need your expert advice on how to go about a situation with my landlord. My rent is due at the end of September and My landlord told me in August that he expects me to leave the building by the end of September, and if not, I should pay for Oct-Dec. My Issue is that the time frame given to me is too short, and with the current stress of house hunting, agreement & commission prices which i didn’t plan for. Have tried talking to him about the time frame, and paying extra won’t help aid my house hunting process and he should be patient till i get an apartment, but he seems adamant on the money, which i do not think he’s being fair.
by the terms of your tenancy agreement, has he given you adequate notice? If no, get a lawyer to write him. But, bear in mind that you should leave. You are just buying time and you should pay all outstanding rent before leaving
Good,day,I pay my rent yearly,and towards the end of last month my landlord verbally told me he want to recover his property, after the expiration of my rent by the end of August 2025. He said the lawyer will serve me a notice of one month quit notice. I ask him to give me adequate time he said no. Please is this quit notice justifiable in the eyes of the Law. To me I would want to leave but the notice is too sudden and short please advise.
Generally, it is not, but some circumstances like the terms of your tenancy agreement can make it adequate
My rent is due in 2months, I am expecting my landlord to increase the rent but I have not heard from him nor received notice. What do I do when the rent is due again? Do I need to notify him that I want to renew near the due date? Of course I don’t want to pay more but I also don’t want to set myself up for headache by waiting for them to act.
When it is due, pay the old rent
After expiration of rent, should i only give 7-days notice to the tenant
Good Evening.
There is a tenant in an apartment I caretaker. He came in through an Agent. His rent fell due July 11th. The Landlord does not tolerate payment of rent in arrears which I have consistently reminded him b4 his rent fell due. Though Relationship has turned sour. A 6 months notice to quit was prepared.. He became evasive, the rep to the solicitor sent him a soft copy which he acknowledged but still haven’t collected the hard copy( Till date). He is still in the , apartment. The landlord is still dissatisfied and got another lawyer to issue him a 7-day (today 3rd Sept) notice to recover his property. Which of these two documents is valid and what is the position of the law on this?
Thank you so much
both lawyers are right. each acted in context of the facts before him. However, since there already a valid 6 months notice, the landlord should’t have ignored that to give the second notice. That will be used against him
Hello, my lease is still active, and it is scheduled for renewal on March 1st, 2026. My landlord has provided me with a six-month notice, beginning in August 2025, indicating that I am required to vacate by February 28th, 2026.
Could you please clarify whether the six-month notice period should conclude before the end of my current lease term, or if it should extend beyond it, potentially until September 2026?
He did the right thing. Notice expiring with the rent is good practice
Ma in addition,Before the expiration of rent last year he sent a message abt rent increment which d effect date is this year 2025 no issues on it because it is in line with the tenancy agreement fee I paid to him when I parked in that a review of rent will be made after 3 years.Ma I await ur legal advice
Please I just want to be more clarify, can a landlord issue a notice of quit to his tenant after his expiration of his rent and still expect rent for that period of time?
Once notice is issued, landlord is not supposed to ask for rent, as payment of rent renews the tenancy and invalidates the notice. However, if the matter goes to court, the court will ask the tenant to pay the arrears that has accrued.
So I parked in 2024 February which the house was sold after 5 months and we were asked to leave after our rent expires and fast forward to 2025 we where retained so 31th of August comes another notice to leave after the rent expires by February with the saying that we are overcrowding and we refuse the agent to enter our apartment which I’m not even aware of this meaning is a lie and the notice comes with wrong date lol so what’s you advice in this please
You need a lawyer. By the way, a landlord can decide to evict you at any time. He only needs to give you adequate notice
I was given a 7 days quit notice and I’m a yearly tenant, because I’m owing two months arrears…..
why was it like that
Well, there is a supreme court decision that permits giving just 7 days notice to someone in arrears of rent
Thank you for educating people on this topic. I’d love to see more of this.
you are welcome
I made my rent deposit on the 24th of November 2024 and later completed it around December 15th, during the time I planed to pack in my landlord told me to wait till the formal occupant vacat which she later did around January 2025 I requested for a written statement or receipt (after paying 100 thousand for agreement) for my payment which he only provided for the first part deposit and refused to provide it after the complete payment 2025 after paying 320 thousand for rent, 100 thousand for agreement, 100 thousand naira for Caution and 50 Agent.
Now he is asking me to evict the apartment by October ending without a written quit notice
What should I do
He is a crook. You need a lawyer
I gave my house on rent to a lady,though i told her she can be evicted if peace is maintained in the house because i live there,she has lived for eight month,and i cannit count the number of issues
We’ve had,i refunded her for four months and the court gave her one month notice,is it valid?
I’ve been staying in an apartment for almost three years but my Landlord gave me a quit notice almost 3 months to expiry date and after I tried to plead with him for a three month extension after expiry to find a good place as he was supposed to give me the notice at least 6 months, he said he can’t give me any extension that the 6 months is not valid that we have a fixed term agreement, after back and forth, he said I will pay him for the 3 months. Before I pay, Is this true that the law doesn’t apply to him because we have a fixed term which I don’t know what it means because our agreement says I’ll be paying yearly upon expiry. I just need to be sure I’m not being cheated. Thanks
if there is optional of yearly renewal, then it can’t be a fixed term agreement. Consult a lawyer
My rent is yearly and it expired after which I discussed with the landlord for an extension which I plane to relocate to another state but unable to get accommodation in the new state and I have paid for the two months extention and my landlord issued a 7days eviction notice please what can I do
He ought to give you adequate notice before the 7 days notice as you are not in arrears. Go and discuss with him for further extension
For the past 3 years I always pay my rent to my landlady without any agent involved.My wife say quit notice letter at the entrance of our gate which was sent trough her agent that was not introduce to any tenant.my point is that I want to denied that I didn’t received any letter to quit the apartment.
it doesn’t matter how the notice was sent, and it is useless for you to deny it as he can prove serving you the notice by pasting on the entrance. Be wise and leave!
Can a landlord decided to give a Tennant a quit notice more than 6months say 10months .4more additional months
Does that make the notice defective
No, it doesn’t make it defective. You can give a longer notice if you wish.
Good afternoon,
My house rent expires in November, and the Landlord told me to vacate by December 1st. I was not given 6 6-month quit notice. Can I challenge this?
Thank you
it dependson the circumstances. I suggest you consult a lawyer
Were you given any notice at all? length of notices depends on the type of tenancy. If you weren’t given any notice and you are a paying tenant, then he is wrong and you can challenge it. Consult a lawyer
Will a tenant not appear in court before he is ejected
If your landlord sues you, as he should, the court will serve you processes to appear before it
Will I not appear in court before being ejected? I have been served 6 months, and it expires today. I am yet to find a house which I will soon. Apart from the landlord, Will the court not serve me a notice?
I have been living in the house for years. We had no written agreement, as he has not for once given me rent receipt. i only transfers to him, so it has always been. He only came with a quit notice six months ago. what rights do I have here
Good Afternoon, Please in your need your advice. My rent is expiring this December. I was to renew by January. My Landlord sent me a quick notice that will elapsed by June. So, my question is, am I supposed to renew my rent or stay still June and evacuate the house. Please kindly advise. Thank you
You are supposed to still pay for the 6 months
Good Afternoon, Please in your need your advice. My rent is expiring this December. I was to renew by January. My Landlord sent me a quick notice that will elapsed by June. So, my question is, am I supposed to renew my rent or stay still June and evacuate the house. Please kindly advise. Thank you
The right thing to do is to pay till June. Nothing gives anyone right to live rent free except with the express permission of the landlord
Please my rent will expire 30 April next year and my landlord just brought a notice to me on the 3rd of December stating the notice commenced from 25th October whereas he just issued it to me this month December.
Without any issue, no reason stated in the notice then when I asked him he said he wants to make use of the apartment.
Is this right, what can I do
He has the right to evict you for whatever reason, but the notice is inadequate
Good afternoon, in my compound, my landldy gave all the tenants quit notice. She brought the notice in September 2025 while our rents will expire in December 2026. She wants us to leave by January 2026 and still pay for it. We tried to call and reach her through her lawyer but didn’t respond.
She didn’t even give you people adequate notice. However, you are supposed to pay your rent even while your notice runs. There is no free accommodations anywhere. You live, you pay!
My tenant paid one month and since he move in he always disturb me with noise at night and have called him several times he never change and the last time I called him he said we should go to station and I should pay him the remaining money left for his one year so what advice can you give me
I am an annual rent tenant. I was given a notice of four months and 19 days. The date on the e-notice was August 19, 2025, but I received the notice on September 3, 2025. I was asked to vacate the apartment on December 31, 2025. My rent expires on December 31, 2025. What can I do?
His notice is inadequate. As a yearly tenant , you deserve at least a 6 months notice
My landlord gave me quit notice 5th of December 2025 stating I need to move out as soon as possible without a specific month stated in the write up and my current rent elapsed 31 December 2025. i paid yearly,how many days did I have to use before moving out.
That’s an inadequate notice. Get a lawyer to write him
Hi, my name is rahmat my shop rent due December but I could not meet up with the payment due to the increment and low sales and transport expenses he called me on the 2nd January 2026 but I told him I would like to move out to a closer place to my residence cause the expenses is much I can’t meet up that he should give me 3-4months to look for another shop and I pay rent yearly for 3years now but he said he gave me two weeks to pack out I pleaded that i cant see a shop within two weeks
He can’t evict you in 2 weeks without running foul of the law. He can commence eviction processes against you though. I suggest you go to him and ask to pay for 3 months to enable you get a new place.
All the best
I even tiled the shop myself in and out cause it was a bare floor