RIGHT TO A QUIT NOTICE

*Landlord and Tenant Brouhaha: Your right as a tenant under the Nigerian Laws:*

The relationship of Landlord and tenant is contractual. It is a relationship that is recognized by law , hence, is regulated by law.

There are pletoras of rights that a tenant is entitled to as well as duties. This is true, considering the fact that where there is a right, there must be a corresponding duty.

However, this write up shall be restricted to the right to be given a quit notice.

Like I said earlier, tenancy relationship is Regulated by law and a tenant enjoys quite a number of protection under the law , one of which, is the right to be given a quit notice.

What this means is that, it is unlawful, illegal and a breach of a tenant's right if a landlord chose to terminate the relationship without the prescribed notice.

#The Lenth of notice varies depending on the nature of the tenancy. For instance, a yearly tenant ( that is a tenant who pays rent annually) is entitled to 6months notice to quit.

In otherwords, without this notice, a tenant can not be lawfully ejected from his home. The law frowns at self held.

SELF HELP:

This is a situation where rather than following due process, some landlords resort to using intimidation, thugs and other means such as locking the door of the tenant, refusing the tenant access to the apartment, constant embarrassement and also throwing the tenant load out of the accommodation.

The above situation is prevalent in Nigeria.

However, that it is common does not make it right. Thanks problem is that many people don't know their rights while many know, but do not want to enforce them. ( I don't want wahala).

Please note, that apart from the quit notice, the law has prescribed the steps that a landlord who wish to quit a tenant from his house must follow. The most interesting part is that, such steps must be followed strictly and religiously. Thus any omission or commission will render the whole process illegal.

WHAT DO I DO?

When you find your self in a situation where your landlord wants you to leave his apartment but you are helpless, either because you don't have money to leave, or that you need more time or that the landlord is abusing your right, don't just get mad, get a LAWYER.

Note further that the fact that you are owing the landlord does not change the position. Due process must always be followed.

*CONCLUSION:*

There are many more rights available to the landlord and tenant as well. There is also legal remedies available to both. Hence, equity does not suffer a wrong without a remedy.

Don't just get mad, get a lawyer.

Don't be stranded, get a lawyer.

Remember our earlier discussion on how to get the services of a lawyer for free. So don't tell me I don't have money.

Money is not every thing.

Stand up for your right. Insist on it.

Together, we can make our society more civilized.

B C OBILOR