15/04/2026
JUSTICE PEACE ARENA RADIO SHOW
The 131st Edition of the Kwamkur Samuel Foundation for Justice, Peace & Development, in partnership with the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC), featured Barr. TJJ Danjuma to discuss the topic: _UNDERSTANDING THE PRIVILEGES IN LANDLORD AND TENANT RELATIONSHIP_, anchored by Mr. Vina Adams.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC RIGHTS OF A TENANT UNDER NIGERIAN LAW?
The guest began by defining both parties and their relationship:
- *Who is a Landlord:* A landlord is a person to whom possession of a property reverts after the tenant’s temporary occupation ends, or the person through whom you gain access to the land/property you occupy temporarily.
- *Who is a Tenant:* A tenant is a person who enjoys temporary rights over a particular property.
Barr. Tongshina noted that tenancy in Nigeria is not governed by a single federal law. Instead, each of the 36 states has its own laws regulating tenancy. He highlighted key tenant rights to include:
1. *Right to peaceful enjoyment* of the property.
2. *Right to have the landlord inspect and maintain* the property in good, habitable condition for the tenant.
3. *Right to notice before eviction* . He added that the nature of notice can be agreed upon by both parties — either verbal or written.
ARE THERE LAWS THAT REGULATE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TENANTS AND LANDLORDS?
The guest affirmed that there are laws guiding the landlord-tenant relationship. While there’s no single national tenancy law in Nigeria, there are laws regarding rent and property recovery. In Plateau State, for example, there are “Extant Laws” which have been in existence since 1998 and remain operational.
He explained that extant laws are the laws applicable in court and they govern your relationship with tenants before any court action. These laws provide for rent books, details to be recorded when a tenant takes possession, and procedures for serving notices.
He emphasized that the landlord-tenant relationship is essentially a contract, and this contract stipulates how both parties choose to operate. Contracts can include terms not expressly stated in the law books.
He also noted that the law has evolved through “Case Law.” Courts, in their wisdom, modify interpretations over time to add a human face and ensure reasonableness for both parties.
For example, the Rent and Property Recovery Law provides for statutory notices. A yearly tenant must be given six months’ notice to quit. However, case law has modified this: once the one-year tenancy expires, the tenant becomes a “tenant at sufferance” and can be served just a seven-day notice to recover premises before the matter goes to court. At that point, the tenant is no longer a lawful tenant but is holding the landlord’s property over against the landlord’s interest.
He mentioned that the High Court and Magistrate Court have jurisdiction over such matters.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD A LANDLORD TAKE BEFORE ACCEPTING A TENANT?
Barr. Danjuma said landlords should consult the Rent and Property Recovery Laws before accepting tenants. The law keeps evolving to serve the society and both parties, not just one side.
He added that the Plateau State House of Assembly is currently working on a new Tenancy Law, now at the bill stage, to replace the existing framework. This new law will discourage verbal agreements and require written documents. It also seeks to regulate rent prices due to inconsistent pricing across Plateau State. With this law, landlords will have clear obligations to ensure peaceful coexistence.
IS IT VALID FOR LANDLORDS AND TENANTS TO HAVE UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS?
Barrister Tongshina said unwritten agreements are valid but extremely risky due to differences in upbringing, memory, and interpretation. Such agreements often stir up conflicts between parties.
He concluded: Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. It is important to follow legal procedures before entering into any tenancy agreement._
Omolola Racheal Alagbe
Advocacy Director, KSF
25th March 2026