PROPOSAL FOR A LAW TO REGULATE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER TENANCY AGREEMENTS

What Is This Policy?

This is a legislative proposal for a law that would regulate the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in Nigeria, establish minimum tenancy standards, and prescribe the procedure for recovering rented premises.

Who Does It Target?

Residential and commercial tenants across Nigeria Landlords and property owners renting out premises Legal practitioners and courts handling landlord-tenant disputes

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To provide a fair, balanced legal framework governing tenancy relationships that protects tenants from arbitrary eviction and abuse while also giving landlords a clear and efficient process for recovering possession of premises.

Key Features

Minimum Tenancy Standards: Proposes minimum obligations on landlords regarding the condition, habitability, and maintenance of rented premises Rent and Advance Restrictions: Proposes limits on rent advance payments to make accommodation more accessible to lower-income renters Notice Requirements: Sets minimum notice periods for rent increases, termination of tenancy, and requests to vacate Dispute Resolution: Provides for an accessible, low-cost mechanism for resolving landlord-tenant disputes without full court proceedings Recovery of Premises: Prescribes a clear, time-bound procedure for landlords to recover possession of premises after a tenancy lawfully ends

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Proposal stage; under legislative review and stakeholder consultation Coverage: Proposed to apply nationwide or as adopted by individual states Funding: To be funded through the relevant federal or state government budget

How to Access

This legislation is currently a proposal and has not yet been enacted. Stakeholders may engage with the legislative process through public consultations. Participation in public stakeholder consultation sessions announced by the responsible ministry or legislature Submission of written memoranda to the relevant legislative committee Application method: Federal Ministry of Justice or relevant state Ministry of Justice

Official Resources

Website: www.justice.gov.ng

Legal Framework

To be enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Will operate alongside the Recovery of Premises Act, the Rent Control Law of various states, the Land Use Act 1978, the Federal Tenancy Law (where applicable), and the Consumer Protection (Competition and Consumer Protection) Act 2018.