Rental Agreement Template for Nigeria

A Rental Agreement is a binding contract between a property owner (landlord) and a tenant that sets out the terms for renting residential or commercial space in Nigeria. It spells out key details like rent amount, payment schedule, duration of stay, and each party's rights under Nigerian tenancy laws.

Beyond basic rental terms, the agreement covers crucial aspects like maintenance responsibilities, security deposits, and utilities payment. Under Nigerian property law, this document provides legal protection for both parties and serves as evidence in tenancy tribunals. Most Nigerian states require written agreements for tenancies lasting longer than one year.

Use a Rental Agreement whenever you plan to rent out or occupy property in Nigeria, ideally before any money changes hands or keys are handed over. This applies to both residential homes and commercial spaces like offices, shops, or warehouses.

The agreement becomes essential when dealing with long-term rentals (over one year), multiple occupants, or properties with specific usage restrictions. Nigerian law requires written documentation for most rental arrangements, particularly in urban areas like Lagos and Abuja where property disputes are common. Having this agreement in place protects both parties from misunderstandings about rent increases, maintenance duties, and eviction procedures.

• Home Rental Lease Agreement: Used for residential properties, covering tenant occupancy rules and maintenance duties
• Land Lease Agreement: Specifically for undeveloped land rentals, often used in agricultural or development contexts
• Landlord Tenant Contract: Comprehensive version for commercial properties with detailed business terms
• Sublease Agreement: For tenants renting out part or all of their rented space to another party
• Landlord And Tenant Agreement: Simplified version for short-term rentals with basic terms and conditions

• Property Owners/Landlords: Create and enforce Rental Agreements to protect their property rights and ensure steady income from tenants
• Tenants: Review and sign agreements to secure their right to occupy the property and understand their obligations
• Estate Agents: Draft and negotiate agreements on behalf of landlords, often serving as intermediaries
• Legal Practitioners: Review and modify agreements to ensure compliance with Nigerian property laws
• Property Management Companies: Manage multiple rental agreements for different properties and owners
• Guarantors: Sign agreements as financial backers for tenants, common in Nigerian rental markets

• Property Details: Gather exact address, property type, size, and included amenities or fixtures
• Party Information: Collect full legal names, contact details, and identification documents of all parties
• Rental Terms: Determine rent amount, payment schedule, security deposit, and lease duration
• Usage Rules: List permitted activities, occupancy limits, and any restrictions on property use
• Documentation: Obtain property ownership proof, tax clearance, and necessary permits
• Local Requirements: Check specific Lagos or state-level rental regulations that apply
• Draft Review: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound agreement, then verify all details match your needs

• Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and contact information of landlord and tenant(s)
• Property Description: Detailed description of premises, including address and boundaries
• Term and Duration: Clear start date, end date, and renewal conditions
• Financial Terms: Rent amount, payment schedule, security deposit, and utility responsibilities
• Maintenance Clauses: Specific duties of landlord and tenant for property upkeep
• Usage Rules: Permitted and prohibited activities, subletting terms
• Termination Rights: Conditions for ending the agreement and notice periods
• Dispute Resolution: Process for handling disagreements under Nigerian law
• Signatures: Space for dated signatures of all parties and witnesses

A Rental Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in Nigerian property law. While both documents govern property-related relationships, their core purposes and applications are distinct.

• Primary Purpose: Rental Agreements establish direct landlord-tenant relationships for property occupation, while Agency Agreements authorize a third party to act on behalf of property owners in managing rentals
• Duration and Scope: Rental Agreements typically cover specific lease periods and property use terms, whereas Agency Agreements often have broader timeframes and cover multiple properties or transactions
• Legal Obligations: Rental Agreements focus on tenant-landlord duties like rent payment and maintenance, while Agency Agreements outline agent responsibilities, commission structures, and representation authority
• Parties Involved: Rental Agreements are between property owners and occupants directly. Agency Agreements involve property owners and professional agents or property managers