Rent receipts, deposits and unlawful eviction under the Lagos Tenancy Law

Many tenancy disputes come down to one question: what can each side prove? The Tenancy Law of Lagos State 2011 requires landlords to give receipts, and it prohibits eviction without a court order.

Every rent payment needs a receipt

Under section 5(1), a landlord must issue a rent receipt every time a tenant pays rent. Under section 5(2), the receipt must state:

• the date the rent was received;
• the names and addresses of the landlord and the tenant;
• a description and the location of the premises;
• the amount paid; and
• the period the payment covers.

Under section 5(3), a landlord who fails to issue a rent receipt is liable on conviction to a fine of 100,000 naira.

Deposits and service charges need a separate receipt

Some landlords collect more than rent: a security deposit for damage and repairs, payment for services and facilities, or service charges for shared areas. Under section 10, the landlord or agent must issue a separate receipt for these payments.

Self-help eviction is an offence

A landlord cannot lawfully remove a tenant by changing the locks, removing the roof, cutting off access or using threats. Under section 44, it is an offence to:

• demolish, alter or modify a building in order to eject a tenant without the court’s approval;
• forcibly eject a tenant, or attempt to; or
• threaten or molest a tenant, by action or words, in order to eject them.

The lawful route is a valid notice to quit (where one is required), then a seven-day notice of the owner’s intention to recover possession, and then a court order.

Practical tips

• Tenants: keep every receipt, and pay by bank transfer so there is a record.
• Landlords: use a standard receipt that includes all five details listed above, and keep copies.

This article is general information, not legal advice. If you are facing eviction, contact our Real Estate and Tenancy team.