Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Tenancy Agreement
I need a tenancy agreement for a residential property in Lagos, Nigeria, with a lease term of one year, including clauses for monthly rent payment, security deposit, maintenance responsibilities, and a 3-month notice period for termination by either party.
What is a Tenancy Agreement?
A Tenancy Agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out the terms for renting a property in Nigeria. It spells out key details like rent amount, payment schedules, duration of stay, and both parties' rights and responsibilities under Nigerian property law.
Beyond just documenting basic rental terms, this agreement protects both sides if disputes arise. It must follow local housing regulations and the Nigerian Tenancy Law, covering essential points like maintenance duties, security deposits, utility payments, and valid reasons for ending the tenancy. Most Nigerian states require these agreements in writing, though verbal contracts exist in informal settings.
When should you use a Tenancy Agreement?
Use a Tenancy Agreement before handing over or taking possession of any rental property in Nigeria. This document becomes essential when negotiating terms with potential tenants or landlords, especially for residential properties, commercial spaces, or short-term rentals in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
The agreement proves particularly valuable during property inspections, rent negotiations, or when clarifying maintenance responsibilities. It helps prevent future disputes by documenting every party's obligations upfront. Property managers and real estate agents typically prepare these agreements during tenant screening, while landlords need them before collecting security deposits or first rent payments.
What are the different types of Tenancy Agreement?
- Standard Tenancy Agreement: Most common format used for residential properties, covering basic terms and conditions with standard protections
- Simple House Rental Agreement: Streamlined version for straightforward residential rentals, ideal for single-family homes
- House Rental Lease Agreement: Comprehensive version with detailed maintenance terms and long-term occupancy provisions
- Landlord And Tenancy Agreement: Enhanced version emphasizing landlord rights and responsibilities
- Tenancy Agreement Contract: Formal version often used for commercial properties or high-value residential leases
Who should typically use a Tenancy Agreement?
- Landlords: Property owners who create and enforce Tenancy Agreements to protect their investments and outline tenant obligations
- Tenants: Individuals or businesses renting the property who must understand and comply with agreement terms
- Property Managers: Professional agents who handle agreement drafting, tenant screening, and ongoing lease administration
- Legal Practitioners: Lawyers who review, customize, and validate agreements to ensure compliance with Nigerian property laws
- Estate Agents: Professionals who facilitate rental transactions and often prepare initial agreement drafts
- Property Developers: Companies that use standardized agreements for multiple rental units in their developments
How do you write a Tenancy Agreement?
- Property Details: Gather complete address, property type, and specific features or amenities included
- Party Information: Collect full legal names, contact details, and identification documents of landlord and tenant
- Rental Terms: Determine rent amount, payment schedule, security deposit, and lease duration
- Legal Requirements: Review local Nigerian tenancy laws and property regulations for your specific area
- Usage Rules: Define permitted property uses, maintenance responsibilities, and occupancy limits
- Documentation: Prepare property inspection reports, utility agreements, and payment schedules
- Digital Tools: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound agreement that includes all required elements
What should be included in a Tenancy Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and contact information of landlord and tenant
- Property Description: Complete address and detailed description of the rental property and included amenities
- Term and Duration: Clear start date, end date, and renewal conditions of the tenancy
- Financial Terms: Rent amount, payment schedule, security deposit, and utility responsibilities
- Usage Rights: Permitted activities, occupancy limits, and subletting restrictions
- Maintenance Duties: Specific responsibilities for repairs and property upkeep
- Termination Clauses: Valid grounds for ending the agreement and notice periods
- Dispute Resolution: Procedures for handling conflicts under Nigerian law
What's the difference between a Tenancy Agreement and an Agency Agreement?
A Tenancy Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement, though both are common in Nigerian property transactions. While a Tenancy Agreement establishes the landlord-tenant relationship and property usage rights, an Agency Agreement defines the relationship between a property owner and their real estate agent or property manager.
- Purpose and Scope: Tenancy Agreements govern property occupation and rental terms, while Agency Agreements outline an agent's authority to market, lease, or manage properties
- Duration: Tenancy Agreements typically last 1-2 years for residential properties, whereas Agency Agreements often remain active until terminated or the property is successfully leased
- Key Obligations: Tenancy Agreements focus on rent payments and property maintenance, while Agency Agreements detail commission structures and marketing responsibilities
- Parties Involved: Tenancy Agreements bind landlords and tenants directly; Agency Agreements connect property owners with professional representatives
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.