Why Every Tenant Should Know the Tenancy Law in Their State

By
Image
Most tenants sign rental agreements without ever reading or knowing their state’s tenancy law. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness often leads to exploitation, unfair eviction, or payment disputes . In states like Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers, tenancy laws are in place to protect both tenants and landlords. 1. What Are Tenancy Laws? Tenancy laws are state-specific regulations that outline: Rights and obligations of tenants and landlords Processes for rent review and eviction Guidelines for property maintenance and dispute resolution Example: The Lagos Tenancy Law 2011 forbids landlords from demanding more than one year’s rent in advance from new tenants in certain property categories. 2. Why It Matters for Tenants Protection Against Exploitation: Helps you know if charges or requests from a landlord are legal. Eviction Protection: Understand legal eviction processes, so you are not illegally locked out. Fair Rent Reviews: Know your rights when landlords attem...
Post a Comment

The Rise of Fake Property Documents: How Tenants Can Verify Ownership

By

The demand for rental homes in Nigeria has fueled an alarming increase in property fraud. One common tactic? Fake property documents. Unsuspecting tenants pay rent only to find out later the “landlord” had no legal claim to the property. Here’s why fake property documents are on the rise and how tenants can protect themselves.

Why Fake Property Documents Are Increasing

  1. High Housing Demand: Scarcity of affordable housing creates desperation.
  2. Lack of Centralized Data: Many regions lack accessible land or property ownership databases.
  3. Unregulated Rental Market: Few legal checks make it easy for fraudsters to thrive.

Common Fake Documents to Watch Out For

  • Forged Deeds of Assignment
  • Fabricated Certificates of Occupancy (C of O)
  • Falsified Receipts of Ownership

How Tenants Can Verify Ownership

  1. Request Original Documents. Always ask to see the original C of O or Deed of Assignment—not photocopies alone.
  2. Cross-Check with Government Agencies. Verify property details at state lands registries. Lagos, for example, has online verification options, Landonline Lagosstate.
  3. Use Licensed Estate Surveyors. A professional can detect fake documentation and confirm legitimate ownership.
  4. Insist on a Formal Tenancy Agreement. This provides legal recourse in case of disputes.

Statistics Highlight

  • Over ₦5 billion is lost annually to rental scams in Nigeria (EFCC, 2024).
  • 40% of property fraud cases involve fake documentation.

Conclusion

Fake property documents are a growing threat, but due diligence can protect tenants from costly mistakes. Always verify, cross-check, and work with professionals.


4-Ways-Tenants-Can-Spot-Fake-Property-Documents


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How One Renter Lost Money to a Fake House Agent in Lekki — And What Every Nigerian Should Learn

By
Image
When a Dream Apartment Turns Into a Nightmare He was searching for a modest, well-lit two-bedroom in Lekki, tiled floors, reliable electricity, and within his budget. A crisp Instagram listing offered exactly that, and at a surprisingly low price. The agent seemed professional on the call, fast response, friendly, convincing. But then came the request: a ₦5,000 inspection fee paid upfront, even before he could step foot in the property . It sounded odd, but he went ahead and sent the money.
Read more