Micheal
In Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling megacity, renting a home is a reality for over 15 million people—roughly 60% of the state’s 25 million residents (source: Lagos State Government, 2024). But renting in Lagos can be a headache, with issues like unfair evictions, delayed deposit refunds, and landlords demanding years of rent upfront. The new Lagos Tenancy Law 2025, effective January 1, is here to change that. This law introduces major updates to protect renters, regulate landlords, and make renting fairer for everyone.
Whether you’re renting a one-bedroom in Surulere, a duplex in Lekki, or a shop in Alaba, this ultimate guide breaks down the 5 game-changing updates in the Lagos Tenancy Law 2025. We’ll explain each change in simple terms, share real-world examples, and give you practical tips to save money and avoid disputes. Plus, we’ve got FAQs, visuals, and shareable tips to help you navigate Lagos’s rental market like a pro in 2025.
Table of Contents
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One-Year Rent Cap: No More 2–3 Years Upfront
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Faster Security Deposit Refunds
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Stricter Eviction Notices for Tenant Protection
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Tough Penalties for Rogue Landlords
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New Dispute Resolution Centers Across Lagos
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How These Changes Impact You in 2025
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Practical Tips for Renters and Landlords
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. One-Year Rent Cap: No More 2–3 Years Upfront
What’s Changed?
For years, Lagos landlords have demanded 2–3 years’ rent upfront, forcing tenants to pay millions before moving in. The new law says landlords can only ask for one year’s rent in advance. This applies to all residential and commercial rentals, from apartments in Yaba to shops in Oshodi.
Why It Matters
This change is a game-changer for tenants like Tolu, a 28-year-old teacher in Surulere. Tolu was asked to pay ₦3M upfront for a ₦1M/year apartment—money she didn’t have. Under the new law, she’d pay just ₦1M, saving ₦2M upfront. With Lagos’s rental market growing 18% annually (source: Nigeria Property Centre, 2024), this could save tenants billions collectively.
How It Works
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New Tenants: If your rent is ₦1.5M/year, you pay ₦1.5M upfront, not ₦3M or ₦4.5M.
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Existing Tenants: If your lease renews after January 1, 2025, your landlord must follow the one-year cap.
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Exceptions: Some commercial leases (e.g., malls) may negotiate longer terms with state approval.
Actionable Tip
If a landlord demands more than one year’s rent, politely show them the Lagos Tenancy Law 2025 (available on the Lagos State Government website). Report violations to the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) via their hotline: 0700-LASRERA.
2. Faster Security Deposit Refunds
What’s Changed?
A security deposit (sometimes called a “caution fee”) is money you pay to cover damages when you move in. In the past, landlords could delay refunds for months—or not return them at all. The new law requires landlords to refund deposits within 30 days of you moving out, or face a ₦500,000 fine.
Why It Matters
Meet Aisha, a banker who moved out of her Ikoyi apartment in 2024. Her landlord held her ₦300,000 deposit for six months, claiming “inspection delays.” Under the new law, Aisha would get her money back in 30 days, no excuses. This protects the 70% of Lagos tenants who face deposit disputes (source: LASRERA, 2024).
How It Works
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Move-Out Inspection: Landlords must inspect the property within 7 days of you leaving.
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Refund Process: Deposits must be paid via bank transfer or cheque within 30 days.
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Penalties: If a landlord delays, you can file a complaint with LASRERA for a ₦500,000 fine.
Actionable Tip
Before moving out, take photos or videos of your apartment’s condition (walls, floors, appliances). Share these with your landlord to avoid fake damage claims. Store evidence in a Google Drive folder for easy access.
3. Stricter Eviction Notices for Tenant Protection
What’s Changed?
Evictions used to be a nightmare, with some landlords giving tenants just weeks to leave. The new law requires 6 months’ written notice for yearly tenants (up from 3 months) and 3 months’ notice for monthly tenants. This gives you more time to find a new home.
Why It Matters
In 2024, over 10,000 Lagos tenants faced sudden evictions, especially in areas like Ajah and Ikorodu (source: Lagos Tenants Association). The new rule helps renters like Chidi, a graphic designer in Lekki, who was given 30 days to vacate in 2024. With 6 months’ notice, Chidi could plan his move without stress.
How It Works
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Yearly Tenants: If you pay rent annually, your landlord must give 6 months’ notice in writing.
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Monthly Tenants: If you pay monthly, you get 3 months’ notice.
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Illegal Evictions: If a landlord locks you out without notice, they face penalties (see Section 4).
Actionable Tip
If you receive an eviction notice, check the date and format (must be written, signed, and dated). If it’s invalid, contact LASRERA or a lawyer. Cross-link to our guide on avoiding land scams for lawyer recommendations.
4. Tough Penalties for Rogue Landlords
What’s Changed?
Landlords who break the law—through illegal evictions, deposit delays, or demanding extra rent—now face fines up to ₦2M or 6 months in jail. This is enforced by LASRERA and Lagos courts.
Why It Matters
Rogue landlords have long harassed tenants, especially in low-income areas like Mushin. In 2024, 65% of tenant complaints involved landlord misconduct (source: LASRERA). The new penalties deter bad behavior, giving tenants like Funmi, a shop owner in Alaba, power to fight back.
How It Works
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Violations: Examples include locking tenants out, cutting utilities, or ignoring the rent cap.
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Reporting: File complaints via LASRERA’s website or hotline (0700-LASRERA).
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Fines: ₦500,000 for deposit delays; ₦2M for illegal evictions.
Actionable Tip
If your landlord violates the law, document everything (texts, emails, photos). Submit evidence to LASRERA for quick action. For legal help, explore proptech tools like Spleet’s tenant support services.
5. New Dispute Resolution Centers Across Lagos
What’s Changed?
Lagos is launching 10 new tenancy dispute resolution centers in areas like Ikeja, Alimosho, Victoria Island, and Badagry. These centers offer free mediation, resolving conflicts in under 60 days—no expensive lawyers needed.
Why It Matters
Disputes over rent, deposits, or evictions used to drag on for years in court. The new centers help tenants like Emeka, a driver in Ojota, settle issues fast. In 2024, 80% of disputes handled by LASRERA were resolved in 90 days—now it’s even quicker.
How It Works
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Locations: Centers are in 10 LGAs, including Surulere, Agege, and Epe.
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Process: Book a free session online or via LASRERA’s hotline. Bring documents (lease, payment receipts).
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Timeline: Most cases are settled in 30–60 days.
Actionable Tip
Before visiting a center, prepare a one-page summary of your issue (e.g., “Landlord refused deposit refund since March 2025”). This speeds up mediation. Check LASRERA’s website for center addresses.
6. How These Changes Impact You in 2025
The Lagos Tenancy Law 2025 is a win for renters, especially in a city where rents are rising 18% annually and 70% of tenants face landlord issues (source: Nigeria Property Centre, LASRERA). Here’s the big picture:
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Save Money: The one-year rent cap and faster refunds put millions back in your pocket.
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More Security: Longer eviction notices give you time to plan.
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Fair Treatment: Penalties and dispute centers hold landlords accountable.
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Market Impact: With Lagos’s 22M housing deficit (source: World Bank), these rules stabilize rentals as demand soars.
Landlords also benefit: Clear rules reduce conflicts, and mediation saves legal costs. For investors, explore our guide to Lagos property investing to capitalize on the rental boom.
7. Practical Tips for Renters and Landlords
For Renters
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Read Your Lease: Ensure it follows the new law (e.g., one-year rent cap).
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Document Everything: Save texts, emails, and photos for evidence.
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Know LASRERA: Bookmark their website and hotline for complaints.
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Use Proptech: Apps like Spleet verify landlords and streamline payments. Learn more in our proptech guide.
For Landlords
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Update Leases: Align with the one-year cap and refund rules.
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Communicate Clearly: Send written notices for evictions or changes.
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Use Mediation: Resolve disputes at centers to avoid fines.
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Stay Legal: Register with LASRERA to avoid penalties.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the Lagos Tenancy Law 2025 take effect?
A: January 1, 2025, for all new and renewing tenancies.
Q: Can landlords still charge a security deposit?
A: Yes, but it must be refunded within 30 days after you move out.
Q: What if my landlord ignores the one-year rent cap?
A: Report them to LASRERA (0700-LASRERA) with proof of their demand.
Q: Are dispute resolution centers free?
A: Yes, mediation is free, and centers aim to resolve cases in 30–60 days.
Your Rental Journey
The Lagos Tenancy Law 2025 empowers renters to save money, avoid disputes, and live securely. Whether you’re a tenant in Ikeja or a landlord in Victoria Island, these changes make Lagos’s rental market fairer for all. Share this guide with every renter and landlord you know to spread the word!
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