Tenancy or lease renewal in Nigeria
Renewing a tenancy or lease agreement in Nigeria typically involves both the landlord and tenant agreeing to extend the rental period under new or existing terms. This process often culminates in signing a new agreement or an addendum to the original one.
Most people initiate the renewal process a few months before the current lease expires. This allows sufficient time for negotiations, agreement on new terms (such as rent adjustments), and the drafting and signing of new documents, preventing a lapse in the agreement.
Start 90 days ahead
This timeframe allows for discussion of new terms, potential rent reviews, and preparation of new legal documents well in advance of the current agreement's expiration.
The process
- 1Review the existing tenancy agreement to understand notice periods and renewal clauses.
- 2Initiate communication with the landlord (or their agent) to express interest in renewal.
- 3Negotiate and agree upon the new terms and conditions, including rent, duration, and any changes to responsibilities.
- 4Request a draft of the new tenancy agreement or lease extension document.
- 5Review the draft document carefully, seeking legal advice if desired, to ensure it reflects the agreed terms.
- 6Sign the new tenancy agreement or lease extension document with the landlord (or their authorized agent).
- 7Ensure both parties retain a signed copy of the renewed agreement.
What to bring
- Current tenancy or lease agreement
- Identification documents (e.g., National Identity Card, passport) for verification purposes
- Proof of rent payment (if requested by the landlord to verify good standing)
Who handles it
Landlord and Tenant (and their legal representatives if applicable)
The cost for renewal may include legal fees if a solicitor is engaged to draft or review the new agreement, and potentially a new agency fee if facilitated through an agent. There is no standard government fee for renewing a private tenancy agreement.
What commonly goes wrong
- Failure to communicate intent to renew within the notice period specified in the original agreement could lead to automatic termination or a month-to-month tenancy.
- Not thoroughly reviewing new terms, especially regarding rent increases or changes in tenant responsibilities, before signing.
- Allowing the original agreement to expire without a new one in place, which can create uncertainty regarding tenancy status.
- Not obtaining a signed copy of the renewed agreement after completion.
Sources
No source page could be confirmed for this one, so treat every specific above as something to check with Landlord and Tenant (and their legal representatives if applicable).
Other documents in Nigeria
Tenancy or lease renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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