How to Write a Tenancy Agreement in Nigeria: Complete Guide (2026)

Every year, thousands of tenancy disputes end up in Nigerian courts and rent tribunals — many of them over issues that a properly written tenancy agreement would have prevented entirely. Whether you are a landlord letting out a property for the first time, or a tenant about to sign for a new home, understanding what should actually be in this document protects both sides.

What a Tenancy Agreement Actually Is

A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the terms under which a property is rented — for how long, at what rent, and under what conditions. In Nigeria, tenancy agreements are typically annual (rent paid yearly in advance is the norm in most cities), though monthly and quarterly arrangements exist, particularly for shorter-term lets or shop/office space.

Unlike a full "lease" (a term often used more loosely in everyday Nigerian usage — see our companion article on the difference between tenancy and lease agreements), a standard tenancy agreement usually covers a shorter, renewable period rather than a long fixed term measured in years.

The Core Clauses Every Agreement Should Have

1. Full identification of both parties

Full legal names, current addresses, and contact details for both the landlord and tenant. If the landlord is represented by an agent or property management company, that relationship should be stated clearly, including whether the agent has authority to accept payments and sign on the landlord's behalf.

2. A precise description of the property

The property address, unit/flat number if applicable, and a brief description of what is included — number of rooms, whether it is furnished, and any fixtures explicitly included (e.g. air conditioning units, water heater, kitchen cabinets). Vague descriptions are a common source of later disputes about what the tenant is actually entitled to use.

3. Rent amount, frequency, and payment method

The exact rent figure, whether it is payable annually, quarterly, or monthly, and how payment should be made (bank transfer to a named account is now standard practice, and is safer for both parties than cash). State clearly what happens if a payment is late.

4. Caution deposit / security deposit

Most Nigerian tenancies require a refundable caution deposit to cover damage beyond normal wear and tear. The agreement should state the amount, what it can be used for, and the timeline for its refund after the tenant vacates (30 days is common practice).

5. Agency and legal fees

Where an agent is involved, agency and legal fees (commonly around 10% each of the annual rent in many markets) should be clearly stated as separate, one-time charges — not folded silently into the rent figure. See our dedicated article on what is standard for these fees.

6. Duration and renewal terms

The start and end date of the tenancy, and what happens at the end — does it automatically become a periodic tenancy, or does it require a fresh agreement? Renewal terms (and whether rent can be reviewed at renewal) should be explicit rather than assumed.

7. Notice to quit

How much notice either party must give to end the tenancy. This is not just a matter of convenience — statutory minimum notice periods exist under Nigerian law and vary by tenancy type and state. See our dedicated article on notice-to-quit rules for the details.

8. Maintenance and repair responsibilities

Who is responsible for what — typically the landlord handles structural repairs and major maintenance, while the tenant is responsible for day-to-day upkeep and any damage they cause. Ambiguity here is one of the most common sources of landlord-tenant friction.

9. Restrictions on subletting and alterations

Whether the tenant may sublet all or part of the property, and whether they need the landlord's written consent before making alterations (painting, fixtures, structural changes).

10. Termination and breach

What constitutes a breach serious enough to justify termination (persistent non-payment, property damage, illegal use of the premises), and what process must be followed before eviction can occur.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying on a verbal agreement — even between family or long-standing acquaintances, disputes over "what was agreed" are far harder to resolve without a written document.
• Copying a generic template without adapting it — a template written for a different state or property type may reference the wrong notice periods or omit clauses relevant to your specific situation.
• Not specifying who pays for what utility — electricity, water, waste disposal, and estate service charges should be explicitly assigned.
• Skipping a proper inventory for furnished lets — if the property comes furnished, attach a signed inventory list so there is no dispute later about what was originally provided.
• Leaving the caution deposit refund process vague — state the exact conditions and timeline, not just "refundable."

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a tenancy agreement need to be registered or stamped?

In several states, tenancy agreements above a certain value or duration should be stamped by the Stamp Duty office to be fully enforceable as evidence in court. Requirements vary by state — confirm the current position for your location before finalising a high-value agreement.

Can a tenancy agreement be changed after both parties have signed?

Yes, but any variation should be agreed by both parties in writing and ideally signed as an addendum, rather than relying on a verbal side-agreement that contradicts the signed document.

Do I need a lawyer to write a tenancy agreement?

Not strictly required for a standard residential tenancy, but a lawyer's review is strongly recommended for high-value properties, commercial lets, or any situation where the parties do not already have a straightforward, trusting relationship.

What happens if there is no written tenancy agreement at all?

The tenancy still exists in law, but proving the agreed terms — rent amount, notice period, responsibilities — becomes far harder if a dispute arises. A written agreement is not just formality; it is the evidence both sides rely on if things go wrong.

What Makes an Agreement Legally Enforceable

Writing down the right clauses is only part of the picture — the document also needs to be executed properly to hold up if it is ever relied on in a dispute. A few practical points matter more than people often realise:

• Both parties must actually sign, and ideally date their signatures — an unsigned draft, however detailed, is far weaker evidence of what was agreed.
• Witnesses strengthen the document — having at least one independent witness sign alongside each party is common practice and adds credibility if the agreement's authenticity is ever questioned.
• Stamping may be required — in several states, tenancy agreements above a certain value should be stamped by the Stamp Duty office to be fully admissible as evidence in court; confirm the current threshold and process for your state.
• Each party should retain a signed copy — not just the landlord or just the agent. A tenant who cannot produce their own signed copy is in a much weaker position if a dispute arises later.

Digital and Printed Agreements

A properly generated, printed, and signed tenancy agreement carries the same weight as one typed by a lawyer, provided it contains the right clauses and is properly executed by both parties. What actually matters legally is the content and execution of the document, not whether it was drafted by hand, in a word processor, or through an online generator — the tool used to produce the first draft is not what a court examines; the signed, agreed terms are.

Writing a proper tenancy agreement from scratch, covering every clause above correctly, takes time most landlords and tenants do not have. A generator that starts from a Nigeria-specific template — with the right structure already in place — removes most of that burden while still leaving every field editable to your specific situation.