CHIMA LEGAL

Is your Landlord under any obligation to refund you if you pack out of the apartment before the term expires?

Tenants, hear me out!

If you pay for one year in an apartment and you pack out by your own volition

no notice to quit, no pressure from your landlord

just you deciding to leave while your rent is still running

your landlord is under NO obligation to refund you for the remaining months.

In fact, you’re the one who breached the tenancy agreement.

You were supposed to stay for one year. You didn’t. That’s on you.

So legally? He owes you nothing.

Now, if your landlord decides to refund you anyway, that’s not your right.

That’s just him being a good person.

Don’t demand it.

The moment you walk out of that apartment before your tenancy expires by your own choice,

you forfeit any claim to a refund.

That’s simply the law.

Okay, so what's the purpose of paying tenancy agreement fee?

When you want to rent a property, you’re expected to pay rent and a legal fee,

some call it agreement fee, but it’s the same thing.

That legal fee covers your tenancy agreement.

Now here’s the problem.

Many of you are too emotional.

Especially here in Lagos, where getting an apartment can be very hard.

The moment you see an apartment you like, you pay immediately without asking to see the tenancy agreement first.

Then after paying, you start demanding for it.

Big mistake!

Because by then, the agreement won’t favour you.

And the moment you complain, your landlord serves you a quit notice.

So what’s the best move?

Always ask to see the tenancy agreement before you pay anything.

Read it. Study the terms. Know whether it favours you or not.

That’s the only way to protect yourself.

Once you’ve paid and moved in without seeing that agreement, your bargaining power shrinks.

You’re at the mercy of your landlord.

And because you don’t want to lose your money, you just sign whatever they put in front of you.

Don’t do that to yourself. See the tenancy agreement.

Understand the terms. Sign it.

Then pay.

In that order. Always.

When a seller tells you “No Refund. No Return.”

They’re counting on one thing:

That you don’t know it’s not the law, particularly not in Nigeria.
Let me tell you what most vendors hope you never find out—

Continue from the CS please. 👇





​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

CHIMA LEGAL

Did you know you have a LEGAL RIGHT to demand Notice called a Seizure Receipt from any Custom Officer who seizes your goods?

Yet most Nigerians don’t even know this document exists?

Pls continue from the comment section👇








©️CHIMA LEGAL

BREAKING!!! Lagos State House of Assembly Just Proposed a New Tenancy Bill.

Here’s what the latest tenancy proposed bill in Lagos State means for you

If you’re a tenant in Lagos, you know the struggle: scraping together two or three years’ rent upfront, dealing with shady agents who collect commissions from both you and your landlord, paying mysterious “service charges” that are never accounted for, and living in fear that your landlord could lock you out without warning.

But something significant just happened. In July 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly introduced the Tenancy and Recovery of Premises Bill, 2025.

A comprehensive legislation designed to repeal the largely ineffective 2011 law. This bill proposes to fundamentally restructure how rent advances work, cap agent commissions, streamline eviction processes, and mandate transparency in service charges.

The reaction has been explosive. Tenants see this as a potential lifeline. Landlords and developers are sounding alarm bells about reduced investment.

Agents worry about shrinking margins. And everyone’s asking: Can the Lagos State Government actually enforce this, or will it become another ignored law?

Let’s break down what this means for you.

Who Does This Law Cover? (Section 2)

📌Section 2 states that this law applies to “all premises within Lagos State, including business and residential premises” unless specifically exempted.

Exemptions include employer housing, educational institution accommodation, emergency shelters, and care facilities.

Why this matters: Whether you’re renting in Yaba, Lekki, or Mushin, you’re covered. But tenant advocates worry the exemptions could be abused—what stops landlords from disguising regular residential premises as “staff housing” to evade regulation?

The Game-Changing Provisions
📌No More Crippling Rent Advances (Section 5)

🧷New tenants: Maximum one year rent upfront (Section 5(3)-(4))
🧷Sitting tenants: Only three months for monthly tenancies or one year for annual tenancies (Section 5(1)-(2))
🧷Penalty for violation: ₦1 million fine or 3 months imprisonment (Section 5(5))

The controversy: This tackles Lagos’ biggest rental pain point. Right now, demanding 2-3 years upfront (often ₦2.4-3.6 million for modest apartments) locks out middle-class families.

But landlords argue upfront rent is their only security in a country with no functional mortgage system, no credit bureaus, and courts that take years to process evictions.

Developers warn this could discourage new housing construction when Lagos needs it most.

📌Agent Fees Capped at 5% (Section 3)

🧷Agents must be registered under LASRERA (Section 3(1))
🧷Maximum commission: 5% of one year’s rent (Section 3(4))
🧷Cannot collect from both landlord and tenant
🧷Penalty: ₦1 million fine or 2 years imprisonment (Section 3(5))

The reality check: Currently, agents charge 10-15% plus hidden fees. On ₦1.5 million annual rent, that’s ₦150,000-225,000 from tenants alone.

This provision could save tenants significant money but an estimated 60% of Lagos agents operate informally. Will they simply go underground?

📌No More Illegal Evictions (Sections 7, 9 & 10)
Section 7 guarantees “quiet and peaceable enjoyment” including:

🧷Privacy and freedom from unreasonable disturbance
🧷Exclusive possession during tenancy
🧷Use of common areas.

📌Section 10 prohibits landlords from:

🧷Cutting utilities to force you out
🧷Seizing your property
🧷Harassment or making premises uninhabitable.

📌Section 7(2) also grants compensation for improvements made with landlord consent.

Why this matters:

“Self-help eviction” landlords removing doors, cutting electricity, throwing belongings out is epidemic in Lagos.

This makes it explicitly illegal with real penalties. But landlords worry restrictions go too far when court evictions take months or years.

📌Mandatory Receipts and Transparent Service Charges (Sections 6 & 12).

Section 6: Every rent payment needs a detailed receipt showing amount, parties, property description, and period covered.

📌Section 12:
🧷Service charges documented separately
🧷Written accounts of expenditure every six months
🧷Security deposits must be refunded (minus documented damages only).

The impact: Service charge disputes and withheld deposits are among the most common rental conflicts. This creates paper trails and accountability—finally.

📌Standardized Eviction Notice Periods (Section 14). Section 14(1) sets clear notice periods:

🧷One week (tenants at will)
🧷One month (monthly tenancies)
🧷Three months (quarterly/half-yearly)
🧷Six months (yearly tenancies)

The controversial part (Section 14(2)-(4)):

If you fall behind two months’ arrears for monthly tenants or three for quarterly, your tenancy lapses and landlords only need seven days notice to quit.

Why this is contentious

With unemployment exceeding 33%, property developers and investors warn this could trigger homelessness.

Landlords counter they can’t subsidize non-paying tenants indefinitely when they have their own expenses.

📌How Notices Must Be Served (Sections 15-19)
Sections 16-17 modernize notice delivery:

🧷Personal delivery to tenant
🧷Delivery to any adult occupant
🧷Courier service with proof
🧷Affixing to premises if other methods fail

📌Section 19: Tenants refusing to leave after expiration get a seven-day recovery notice.

The challenge: Even with clear rules, Lagos sheriffs are overwhelmed. Practical enforcement remains a bottleneck.

📌Legal Grounds for Eviction (Section 21)
Courts can order possession for:

🧷Rent arrears
🧷Breach of agreement terms
🧷Landlord’s genuine personal use
🧷Unsafe/structurally unsound premises
🧷Illegal activities
🧷Abandonment
🧷Unauthorized subletting
🧷Intolerable nuisance
🧷Refusal of access for repairs
🧷Expiration of tenancy term

The reality: This creates clear legal framework, but Lagos courts are already backlogged. Cases can take 6-18 months, which is why many landlords resort to illegal self-help eviction.

📌Rental Income Now Taxed (Section 11)
Section 11 applies Withholding Tax to all rental income, formalizing tax collection from a sector that’s operated off-the-books for decades.

Landlord reaction:
They view this as double taxation on top of Land Use Charges and development levies. Some fear it will push the rental market further underground with cash-only transactions.

The Big Question: Will This Actually Work?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth…

Lagos had a 2011 Tenancy Law that was supposed to protect tenants. It’s been largely ignored.

Courts are backlogged.

Enforcement is weak.

The informal rental market (majority of Lagos housing) operates by its own rules. Many Lagosians don’t even know their rights.

This bill has stronger penalties and clearer provisions. But without serious enforcement mechanisms it risks becoming another beautifully written toothless law.

Have you experienced any of these rental issues in Lagos or else where? Share your story below.

Look Out for Continuation (PART 2)

Why That “Cheap Family Land” Might Cost You Everything (And Your Peace of Mind).

You know that uncle who’s been promising to sell you family land at a “special price”? Or that community land deal that seems too good to be true?

Hold on…

Before you start planning where the boys’ quarters will be, let me tell you something…

Buying family or communal land in Nigeria is like walking through a legal minefield blindfolded.

One wrong step, and boom your investment vanishes.

Here’s the thing most people don’t know: family land doesn’t belong to one person. Not even the family head.

He’s just the manager (holding it in trust), not the owner. So when Uncle Emeka says “I’m the eldest, I can sell it,” he’s either lying or ignorant.

Without consent from other principal family members, that transaction is void. As in, legally dead on arrival.

And communal land? Same wahala.

The entire community has to approve through their traditional rulers or council of elders. No shortcuts.

The difference?

Family land belongs to a specific lineage inherited property held in trust by the family head for everyone’s benefit.

Communal land belongs to an entire community, managed collectively. But here’s the kicker:

Legally, they’re treated almost the same way. Both require collective approval, and both can cause serious headaches if mishandled.

So what should you actually do?

First, verify everything. Talk to the land registry, community leaders, and multiple family members (not just the one selling).

Check for existing disputes at the land registry and the high court.

Because trust me, you don’t want to finish building only to discover three other families claiming the same land.

Second, physically inspect the land with professionals—lawyers, surveyors, and engineers.
Some problems are hiding underground or in documents that your eyes alone won’t see.

During that visit, check the topography, soil quality, drainage patterns, and land boundaries. These things affect construction costs and whether your property will even stand the test of time.

Third, and this is critical: get collective consent!

Not just the family head. Not just the men. Include the women interests, and document everything properly.

The Supreme Court has made it clear…

any family member can challenge an improper sale years later. One aggrieved cousin can scatter your entire investment with a single court case.

Fourth, the Governor’s consent is non-negotiable!

Under Section 22 of the Land Use Act, any land transfer without the Governor’s approval is illegal and void.

This isn’t optional or negotiable. No consent, no legal ownership. Simple.

Finally, ensure proper documentation: survey plan from a licensed surveyor, family/community receipt with the correct names matching the sellers, deed of assignment, and registration at the land registry.

Each document serves as your shield in case of future disputes.

Look, I know this sounds like plenty work, but here’s what’s worse…

losing millions to a land dispute that could have been avoided. Or discovering after five years that your Certificate of Occupancy means nothing because proper procedures weren’t followed.

Bottom line?

Family and communal land transactions require patience, proper legal guidance, and thorough due diligence.

Don’t let anyone rush you. Don’t cut corners. And please, for the love of your future peace, hire a real estate lawyer before signing anything.

Your dream property shouldn’t become your worst nightmare.

Need help navigating a family or communal land purchase?

Drop a comment or send us a DM. Let’s make sure your investment is legally bulletproof. 💼⚖️

Pls follow CHIMA LEGAL

CAN YOUR “HE PROMISED ME” ACTUALLY HOLD UP IN COURT? 🤔⚖️

Picture this:

Your landlord agrees verbally to reduce your rent by ₦150,000. You shake on it. No WhatsApp. No text. Just good old “my word is my bond.”

Next month, he shows up demanding full payment like that conversation never happened. You’re furious.

He’s denying everything. Now what?

Here’s the twist that surprises most Nigerians:

Verbal agreements ARE legally binding under Nigerian law! Yes, you read that right.

That “I promise” or “He promised me” can actually stand up in court. BUT (and this is a massive BUT), you have to PROVE it happened.

So How Do You Prove Something That Was Just Spoken?

Think of it like this…

The law recognizes your handshake deal, but the court isn’t a mind reader. You need to show evidence that the agreement existed.

Here’s what actually works:

📌Messages & Emails – That follow-up text saying “Thanks for agreeing to reduce the rent” is GOLD in court. Screenshots are your best friend.

📌Witnesses – If your friend was there when the agreement happened, their testimony counts. Choose your witnesses wisely.

📌Your Actions – Did you already start performing your part? Like if someone promised to pay you for painting their house and you’ve already painted it? That’s evidence.

📌Payment Records – Bank transfers, bounced cheques, receipts, invoices—anything showing money changed hands proves something was agreed.

📌Their Behavior – Did they send you a reminder? A demand notice? Even their own actions can prove the contract existed.

The beautiful thing?

Nigerian courts will enforce these verbal agreements IF you can prove them. The painful thing? Most people can’t.

But Wait… there’s a Catch!

Not ALL agreements can be verbal. If you’re dealing with:

🧷 Buying or selling LAND
🧷 Mortgage agreements
🧷 Guaranteeing someone else’s debt
🧷 Anything involving land in a Will

These MUST be written. No exceptions. No stories. The law says: put it in writing or forget about it.

Here’s My Advice…

Stop gambling with “he said, she said.” Yes, verbal agreements are binding, but why stress yourself trying to prove what could’ve been documented in 2 minutes?

Do this TODAY:

If you have any verbal agreement hanging over your head whether it’s about rent, business, loans, or services, send a message summarizing what you agreed on.

Something like…

“Just to confirm our discussion today: You’ll deliver 50 bags of rice by Friday for ₦150,000. Payment on delivery. Thanks!”

That simple message? That’s your evidence. That’s your protection.

That’s what saves you ₦1,000,000 in legal fees later.

Your word may be your bond, but your WhatsApp message is your evidence.😃

Got a verbal agreement situation you’re worried about? Drop a comment or DM. Let’s figure it out together.

Stay sharp. Stay protected. 🙏

SOMEONE owes you money and they’re ghosting?

Here’s what you actually need to know about debt recovery in Nigeria…

Look, we’ve all been there. Your friend or business partner says “I’ll pay you back next week,” and suddenly three months pass with excuses and silence.

So what do you do?

Before you call your uncle in the police force (and trust us, there’s a better way!), let’s talk about how debt recovery actually works in Nigeria.

First things first: For something to count as a legit debt, three things must be true. The amount owed must be specific and fixed, there’s got to be a due date that’s already passed, and there must be an agreement between you (the creditor) and the person who owes you (the debtor).

If any of these are missing, you might have a problem on your hands.

So how do you actually recover your money?

It’s not as complicated as it seems. Start with what we call “amicable settlement” — basically, sit down and talk to them like adults. Sometimes people are just disorganized, not necessarily trying to cheat you out of your money. A calm conversation about payment terms might just solve everything.

If talking doesn’t work, it’s time to call in the professionals. Get a lawyer involved and provide them with all your documents- invoices, agreements, everything that proves they owe you.

Next step?

Send a formal demand letter. This isn’t a text message or a call; it’s an official legal notice. You’d be surprised how many people suddenly remember they owe you or take you seriously after getting one of these!

Still no luck?

If there’s a mediation clause in your original agreement, use it. Mediation can actually save you time, money, and stress compared to going to court.

But if they’re still refusing to cooperate, then yes, you take them to court. Whether that’s the Magistrate Court, State High Court, or Federal High Court, depending on the amount.

Here’s something important…

You’ve got exactly six years to recover a contractual debt in Nigeria. After that, the law won’t help you. So don’t sleep on it!

Now, here’s what NOT to do:

Don’t call the police to recover debt. Seriously. The police are there to prevent crime, not settle money disputes.

If you drag them into your civil matter, you could actually end up liable for misusing them. This has been tested in Nigerian courts, so learn from others’ mistakes.

Debt recovery is a process that works when you follow the right steps. You don’t need drama, connections, or dodgy tactics just patience, documentation, and the law on your side.

Have you ever had trouble recovering a debt? Drop your experience in the comments below or send us a message. We’re here to help! 💼