What should I do as a tenant?

Posted Wed, Jul 23, 2025 9:02 AM

Here’s how you should approach this situation legally and practically:

1. Check Your Tenancy Agreement (if any)

• If you signed a tenancy agreement in 2024, check whether electricity (NEPA) bills were included in the rent.
• If the landlord unilaterally stopped paying without notice, that’s a breach of tenancy terms.

2. Notice for Rent Increase

• Under Nigerian tenancy law (e.g., Recovery of Premises Act and similar state laws), a landlord must give proper notice before increasing rent — typically 3 to 6 months’ notice depending on the tenancy type.
• Increasing rent from ₦200,000 to ₦250,000 without proper notice is unlawful.

3. Electricity Bill Responsibility

• If the landlord previously paid but now shifts the burden to you without agreement or notice, you can challenge it.
• They must either reduce rent to reflect the new responsibility or formally notify you ahead of time.

4. What You Should Do

• Write to the landlord (keep it polite but firm) requesting clarification:
  • Why was the rent increased without notice?
  • Why did they stop covering NEPA bills?
• Document everything (messages, receipts, discussions).
• If the landlord refuses to address it:
  • You can petition the rent tribunal or magistrate court for relief.
  • In many states, tenants can seek a review of unfair rent increases and sudden charges.
  •  Call me on +2348155871155

Posted Wed, Jul 23, 2025 10:20 AM

First try dialogue with your Landlord. if that breaks down either choose to leave to another place where you can afford. You cannot not force your price on your Landlord and your Landlord cannot force you to live on his premises. I wish you the best.