₦airaland Forum

It's quite unfortunate that in Nigeria, we don't kw our right and how to exercise it or them. Meeting your Landlord and asking that the due should be tried paid and that you guys actually need the light is never a bad thing but I don't kw the manner in which you express yourself b4 him. A compound where others can't talk bcus they're afraid such a lordlord feels intimidated when one boldly talk. Cooperation is very vital and it's build lapses especially in demanding for your right. Paying a house rent and not seeing light is very annoying. The less should be light bcus most Houses don't have water na you go provide am but for light haba naw.

Stephen0mozzy:
Forget legal action jare. If ywant to stay in the house, just go and talk to him man to man.

That something is right, doesn't mean that the way we ask it is proper - you have said you "demanded", I hope you didn't use the same "attitude" that the word implied?

Anyways, while it's not right, landlords often see themselves as the Lord of the Land on which their house was built - this is a lesson, don't try to be a hero if you can't lead others to join you in doing compound thing.

If you even go to court, the landlord can say he gave you the quit notice because, having considered that the house not having light will be an inconvenience to you, he has decided to terminate your tenancy agreement so you can get a proper house that meets your demand.

Wisdom is always profitable to direct - Landlord wey hold beef with full street naim you think say intimidation by few tenants will faze? You guys could have asked for a general meeting with him and sweet talk him into paying the dues, even if it means contributing small small to assist.

Them nor dey scratch brokos the way e take itch.

This writeup is why African will continue to cower under oppressions and get stiffer oppressions, just as we are experiencing today. Getting quit notice for doing the right thing doesn't mean that one should just be a coward continuously. Quit notice is not death sentence.

phemray:
The guy did more than what he said, like his uncle or brothers have once fight landlord and he wanted to replicate. He should remember that any court case is minimum of 2yrs before judgement.

Wisdom.

Stephen0mozzy:
Forget legal action jare. If ywant to stay in the house, just go and talk to him man to man.

That something is right, doesn't mean that the way we ask it is proper - you have said you "demanded", I hope you didn't use the same "attitude" that the word implied?

Anyways, while it's not right, landlords often see themselves as the Lord of the Land on which their house was built - this is a lesson, don't try to be a hero if you can't lead others to join you in doing compound thing.

If you even go to court, the landlord can say he gave you the quit notice because, having considered that the house not having light will be an inconvenience to you, he has decided to terminate your tenancy agreement so you can get a proper house that meets your demand.

Wisdom is always profitable to direct - Landlord wey hold beef with full street naim you think say intimidation by few tenants will faze? You guys could have asked for a general meeting with him and sweet talk him into paying the dues, even if it means contributing small small to assist.

Them nor dey scratch brokos the way e take itch.

geoworldedu:
This writeup is why African will continue to cower under oppressions and get stiffer oppressions, just as we are experiencing today. Getting quit notice for doing the right thing doesn't mean that one should just be a coward continuously. Quit notice is not death sentence.

No Sir, cowardice is choosing aggression, when dialogue is an option.

smudge2079:
This is the dumbest take I have ever seen on Nairaland.

And with the caliber of people supporting his cowardice, I have to give up on this country. Too many cowards packed together in one nation. No wonder why the same set of politicians who ruled our forefathers are ruling us and will also rule our generations after.

Stephen0mozzy:
No Sir, cowardice is choosing aggression, when dialogue is an option.

Were you there to know how he spoke with the landlord?

geoworldedu:
Were you there to know how he spoke with the landlord?

A court case is an aggressive move oga.
My submission was on his next steps... Are you suggesting he should go an arrest the Landlord?

Mind you, OP may have signed a tenancy agreement that gives the Landlord the liberty to give him a notice on his own accord provided a 30 day notice is given.

The replies just show that most Nigerians will take temporary comfort against what is rightfully theirs. Just know that we will never get any decent governance of we keep thinking like this. Tufiakwa

geoworldedu:
And with the caliber of people supporting his cowardice, I have to give up on this country. Too many cowards packed together in one nation. No wonder why the same set of politicians who ruled our forefathers are ruling us and will also rule our generations after.

Exactly what I just said

Stephen0mozzy:
A court case is an aggressive move oga.
My submission was on his next steps... Are you suggesting he should go an arrest the Landlord?

Mind you, OP may have signed a tenancy agreement that gives the Landlord the liberty to give him a notice on his own accord provided a 30 day notice is given.

A court, aggressive move? I give up on this backward continent.

IbrahimSola:
YOU SHOULD TAKE HIM UP, SO THAT OTHER LANDLORDS CAN LEARN. I am a landlord, and it costs a lot to build, especially now that cement goes for 12K and above. But that does not take away the right of the tenant, and neither has it created a shortcut from the law.

If you are a yearly tenant, he is TOTALLY wrong, except your Tenancy Agreement said he can serve you notice within ONE MONTH. If the Agreement did not clearly state so, the quit notice can be vacated by the court. As a yearly tenant, he needs to give you 6 months notice, nothing less. Anything less than that is an abuse and can't stand in law.

Find a lawyer and talk to first before you react. This step is very important. Any wrong step you take kills your case.

After the expiration of the 6 months and you're not able to leave his property, the law demands him to issue you 7 days notice of his Intention to Recover Possession. It is after the 7 days that he will approach the court to file processes to evict you. The court will serve you summon, informing you of the intention of the court to kick you out and pack your loads to court premises. If within 7 days you fail to show cause (at the court) why you should not be evicted, the court bailiffs will arrive your house and pack your things to the court premises. If you fail to go and claim them, after some period, they will auction them off and you can't do shishi. If you go to claim them, the court will charge you for the period that those properties have been with them (i'm not so certain about this step). But if there is any rent remaining for the period you stayed, the court will cause you to pay (it is called mesne rent) before you can recover your loads.

But get it clear, the landlord has NO BUSINESS in packing out the loads of his tenants like throwing them outside. Or changing the padlock, or removing zinc (like one used to do in a property to close mine), or taking any action outside the legal processes of evicting a tenant. IT IS ONLY THE COURT THAT IS ALLOWED TO EVICT A TENANT BY FORCE.

So in my final thought, if anyone reading this has received a notice from a landlord that is short from the presumed period (6 months for yearly tenants; 3 months for quarterly tenants; 1 month for monthly tenants; 7 days for weekly/tenants-at-will, etc), then you can challenge the notice in court. But ensure that if your landlord is a spiritual man that you also become a spiritual man (lol). Otherwise you can win him anytime anyday in court.

For landlords, please ensure you have an agreement in place, stating clearly that as a yearly tenant, you can serve them 1 month or 3-month quit notice. If this is the signed agreement by both parties, it stands.

Oh, based on the issue at hand, the landlord can also demand that you give him money to go and pay, and not to give you defective quit notice. The motive is wrong, but you cannot prove the motive for him giving you the notice. But you can prove that his quit notice is defective and is poopoo before the law. You should talk to a lawyer. Even a 2nd year law student can handle this case.

Oga Landlord, is the duty of the Communities to buy Transformers when they are not Share Holders in NEPA or Disco? That other people are sitting on their rights should not be my business. That's why he asked the Tenant to leave his house!!!. Any issues with that? I can't afford paying for Transformer & my light was disconnected by the so called Community & I asked the Tenant to leave my house. What's the problem with that?

Do tenants have rights in Nigeria??

Bros u did the right thing at the wrong time and to the wrong person...

He dey feel say u no help am build house so u no suppose tell am how e go take stay the house...

Since u dey find landlord wen u go tell werin to do... That's why he give u quit notice...

I'm not saying u did the wrong thing o... I just dey tell u werin the landlord dey reason

Should you be pestering your landlord to pay levy for a transformer? An illegal fee imposed by a community to buy a transformer which PHCN ought to replace. I don't support the way the landlord gave you quit notice but I've to say you overstepped your boundaries of legality & commonsense

Mistermoon:
Please, I need advice on what to do.
The community disconnected electricity supply to our compound because the landlord did not pay a community electrification due (money for transformer) that predates our tenancy and the landlord gave only me a quit notice with 30 days ultimatum because I was the only one brave enough to demand that he pays the due so that electricity can be restored to the house.

I want to take him up legally but I need guidance on how to go about it plus L do not personally know a lawyer.

Juliearth:
We are both saying the same thing. The right line of action would have been a meeting on how to resolve the issue.

Exactly.

However, your first line was off, totally off.

NOETHNICITY:
When you are on rent in someones house learn to know that you are in no position to make demands

Build your own house and fix everything up for yourself, until then learn to be diplomatic with your landlord. Diplomacy goes a long way. This I know because I was once a tenant

Honestly, many tenants don't know the pain of every landlord. It takes a good amount of investment to build a house for rent with very lean ROI. Sometimes, repair eat deep into rents that one hardly fine anything tangible as take home.

Some tenants have a very bad attitude, yet still want to stand on a right. Just because they paid a microscopic amount to stay in a house

Juliearth:
We are both saying the same thing. The right line of action would have been a meeting on how to resolve the issue.

You look good btw

goodman55:
It's quite unfortunate that in Nigeria, we don't kw our right and how to exercise it or them. Meeting your Landlord and asking that the due should be tried paid and that you guys actually need the light is never a bad thing but I don't kw the manner in which you express yourself b4 him. A compound where others can't talk bcus they're afraid such a lordlord feels intimidated when one boldly talk. Cooperation is very vital and it's build lapses especially in demanding for your right. Paying a house rent and not seeing light is very annoying. The less should be light bcus most Houses don't have water na you go provide am but for light haba naw.

Oga let's us also take a look at Landlord side: Is it his duty to be paying for Disco Transformer when he is not a Shareholder in the Company?

Mistermoon:
Please, I need advice on what to do.
The community disconnected electricity supply to our compound because the landlord did not pay a community electrification due (money for transformer) that predates our tenancy and the landlord gave only me a quit notice with 30 days ultimatum because I was the only one brave enough to demand that he pays the due so that electricity can be restored to the house.

I want to take him up legally but I need guidance on how to go about it plus L do not personally know a lawyer.

you cannot fight a house owner and win except he did something against the law like forcefully breaking into your house. Landlord can wake up and fire you from his property for reasons best known to him. He is not Called lord for jokes. Learn to approach issues diplomatically and save yourself unnecessary and avoidable stress.

I am a landord here in lekki. With what u wrote here, I would have given u a quit notice myself.

PlasmaTV:
See talk
Naija fit una wella

That's why even if NEPA doesn't give you electricity for a month, bills will still come in. Naija is "I don't care country" that's why when they complain about the Government, I will just be laughing! If he doesn't pay, his neighbor will be calling him names ... Trouble maker!

Clapping for your oppressors is the order of the day! No mind them jare!

Stockholm syndrome.

Mistermoon:
Please, I need advice on what to do.
The community disconnected electricity supply to our compound because the landlord did not pay a community electrification due (money for transformer) that predates our tenancy and the landlord gave only me a quit notice with 30 days ultimatum because I was the only one brave enough to demand that he pays the due so that electricity can be restored to the house.

I want to take him up legally but I need guidance on how to go about it plus L do not personally know a lawyer.

What you described raises two separate issues:

the electricity disconnection caused by a debt that existed before your tenancy, and
the landlord giving only you a quit notice after you challenged him.

In Nigeria, tenants generally have legal protection against retaliatory actions by landlords, especially where the tenant is simply demanding that the landlord fulfill obligations connected to the property. A landlord also cannot lawfully evict a tenant just by issuing a 30-day notice and throwing the person out immediately afterward; there is still a legal eviction process through the court.

Here’s a practical way to approach this.

1. Start gathering evidence immediately

Before taking any legal step, preserve evidence carefully.

Keep copies or screenshots of:

Your tenancy agreement or rent receipts
The quit notice
Any WhatsApp chats, SMS, emails, or recordings with the landlord
Messages from the community association about the transformer/electricity due
Proof that the debt predates your tenancy
Evidence that the entire compound lost power
Names/contact of neighbors willing to confirm what happened

Also write down:

Dates electricity was disconnected
Dates you complained
When the quit notice was issued
Any threats or intimidation

This timeline becomes very important if the matter reaches court.

2. Do not move out immediately because of the notice alone

A quit notice is usually only one step in the eviction process.

In most Nigerian states, a landlord still generally needs:

valid notice,
recovery of premises procedures,
and a court order before forcible eviction.

So unless a court has ordered eviction, the landlord cannot legally:

lock you out,
remove your property,
disconnect services specifically to force you out,
or harass you into leaving.

If he attempts self-help eviction, that can strengthen your case against him.

3. Send a formal written response first

Before filing a lawsuit, it is often better to send:

a formal complaint letter, or
a lawyer’s demand letter.

This serves three purposes:

creates a paper trail,
shows seriousness,
may pressure him to settle,
and can later help in court.

The letter should state:

the electricity debt predates your tenancy,
the disconnection affects habitability,
you believe the quit notice is retaliatory,
and you want restoration of electricity and withdrawal of harassment.

You do not necessarily need a senior lawyer for this stage.

4. Where to get affordable or free legal help in Lagos

You said you do not personally know a lawyer. You still have several options.

Legal Aid Council of Nigeria

They provide assistance to people who cannot easily afford private lawyers.

Legal Aid Council of Nigeria

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches

You can contact the local NBA branch for referrals to lawyers handling landlord-tenant disputes.

Nigerian Bar Association

Citizens Mediation Centre (Lagos)

Since you are in Lagos, this is especially useful. They handle landlord-tenant disputes and mediation at low or no cost.

Lagos Citizens Mediation Centre

Mediation can sometimes get electricity restored faster than litigation.

Office of the Public Defender (Lagos State)

They provide legal assistance to residents of Lagos in certain civil matters.

Lagos State Office of the Public Defender

5. If you decide to sue

Possible claims may include:

unlawful interference with quiet enjoyment of the property,
retaliatory eviction,
harassment/intimidation,
unlawful attempt at eviction,
damages for loss of electricity or inconvenience.

A lawyer can tell you which applies best under your state tenancy law.

In many cases, merely receiving a lawyer’s letter or mediation invitation causes landlords to back down.

6. Be strategic emotionally and practically

Since you are the only tenant who challenged him, avoid confrontational exchanges going forward.

Keep communication written and polite.
Avoid insults or threats.
Do not stop documenting events.

Also think practically about:

whether you ultimately want to remain there,
or negotiate time/compensation and relocate peacefully.

Sometimes the legal goal is not necessarily “winning a lawsuit,” but:

restoring electricity,
stopping harassment,
recovering costs,
or buying enough time to move safely.

Mistermoon:
Please, I need advice on what to do.
The community disconnected electricity supply to our compound because the landlord did not pay a community electrification due (money for transformer) that predates our tenancy and the landlord gave only me a quit notice with 30 days ultimatum because I was the only one brave enough to demand that he pays the due so that electricity can be restored to the house.

I want to take him up legally but I need guidance on how to go about it plus L do not personally know a lawyer.

There is no such thing as community electrification due.

This is a shakedown by nepa workers and your landlord was refusing to play along.

It’s an unofficial and illegal fee in a lawless country and you don’t have a right to challenge anyone to pay it. Most people pay because they are choosing their battles.

Mistermoon:
Please, I need advice on what to do.
The community disconnected electricity supply to our compound because the landlord did not pay a community electrification due (money for transformer) that predates our tenancy and the landlord gave only me a quit notice with 30 days ultimatum because I was the only one brave enough to demand that he pays the due so that electricity can be restored to the house.

I want to take him up legally but I need guidance on how to go about it plus L do not personally know a lawyer.

Mistermoon:
Please, I need advice on what to do.
The community disconnected electricity supply to our compound because the landlord did not pay a community electrification due (money for transformer) that predates our tenancy and the landlord gave only me a quit notice with 30 days ultimatum because I was the only one brave enough to demand that he pays the due so that electricity can be restored to the house.

I want to take him up legally but I need guidance on how to go about it plus L do not personally know a lawyer.

Most Nairaland Lawyers here didn't hear from the landlord before judging this matter.

If Landlord is not staying with you, it's your responsibility to contribute a token for community project and you are not the only one paying.

Approach your landlord with respect, the house is his property.
Even if you goto court, you will still spend money, no way the court will grant you ownership of the house, Las Las you will leave the house..

Reverse the scenario, you are the Landlord and he's your tenant.
A look at this will help you to solve this problem.

Certainly lagos landlord, they feel they are god, they always want to you to agree to everything and they say even if they say cut your one finger for they you shouldn't oppose or they will give you a quite notice.

In my former yard it later happens to be that I'm only tenant to talk or ask a common question when ever the land lord called for a meeting and as usual the meeting is never about anything other than money money money, na every year baba dey bring notice for me oo las las I just had to move oo

As rightly pointed out above, the transformer debt is a separate issue. The quit notice is another matter which you can challenge legally.

But NOBODY can force your landlord to pay transformer debt to community. At best your case can draw attention to the disco and maybe NERC's intervention. NERC has always warned against residents buying transformers. At best it's done by goodwill or donation. It's your choice to donate or not (not pay).

7 years ago, I moved into an apartment in the middle of a 6 months blackout due to transformer issues. The community have divided the money to be paid based on size of apartment and type of building. My 1bed flat then was 15k but I vehemently refused to pay on the ground that it's not my duty and I recently move in. In the end, 2 big men got separate smaller transformers and connected some of their neighbors, the community raised over half of the amount and one of the big men paid the balance. Meantime everytime PHEDC will deny that they didn't ask anyone to buy transformer. They attempted to repair the old one, it didn't work before the community finally bought theirs. In the end, the area became better and has now been upgraded to band A. More pains though. 😂

But looking back, I would have paid except that the electricity committee weren't looking like serious people then. I later became friends with most of them though.

The truth is he can give any justifiable reason to back his quit notice and give you the required notice period which is not free though.

Where you missed it is that you didn't realize that the community might not have the right to disconnect any customer from the transformer. Most times when a transformer is bought by the community, there is always a handover process of this asset to the Disco, and the community gives up ownership immediately it is inspected and energized. Most gated community enforce this levy by disconnecting residents but when followed up by some coconut head landlords, the estate management backtracks as this levy is actually difficult to enforce legally after energizing the transformer. So, if you still want to live in the compound, just make peace with your landlord or you will be paying a lawyer almost for nothing. Clearly your landlord is one of the coconut head though it isn't his duty to provide the transformer in the first place.
It is like asking him to build or contribute to building an MTN/Airtel Site in the community before he can use his Sim card.

Mistermoon:
Please, I need advice on what to do.
The community disconnected electricity supply to our compound because the landlord did not pay a community electrification due (money for transformer) that predates our tenancy and the landlord gave only me a quit notice with 30 days ultimatum because I was the only one brave enough to demand that he pays the due so that electricity can be restored to the house.

I want to take him up legally but I need guidance on how to go about it plus L do not personally know a lawyer.

Emotionss:
See comments.

No wonder politicians are having a filled day with the citizens.

A country of particular concern with docile citizens.

You have said it all. This is Nigeria for you. What is happening is that properties ownership and population are changing in Lagos and Ogun State.

You cannot get this type of idiotic and irrational comments 15 or 14 years ago. Most of those comments are just from people indirectly defending their people or their interest.

So, while the community have light and houses without contribution to transformer disconnected, he should have kept quiet and be using Generator like other tenants.

I have been at the Mediation Centre twice over my property and I know what transpired there. The tenants spent more than 6 months . I am also a victim of Landlord idiocy and foolishness in another place and that made me know the type of Landlord is dealing with.

I wonder why nobody has spoken about the legality of the 30 days quit notice and how it will be executed under Law.

From the comments given earlier, you can see why things are like this in Nigeria.