WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING BUILDING OCCUPIED BY TENANTS  IN NIGERIA

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING BUILDING OCCUPIED BY TENANTS  IN NIGERIA

“Barrister,  I just bought a property (land with building) and there are still Tenants in the house. How do I eject them?”

Buying a property does not automatically give you the right to throw out existing Tenants. Even as the new owner, the law protects them.

Here is the proper and legal way to quit tenants you inherit from the Landlord you bought from in Nigeria:

1. Step into the shoes of the former Landlord: You inherit the tenancy. The tenants do not become illegal occupants just because the ownership changed.

2. Serve the correct notice: The type of notice depends on their rent structure:

Monthly tenant → 1 month notice; Quarterly tenant → 3 months notice; Yearly tenant → 6 months notice.

This notice must be properly drafted, preferably by an experienced Property Lawyer, served and with evidence of serving them.

3. Wait for the notice to expire: Do not rush. Patience here saves you legal trouble later.

4. Then serve a 7-day notice of owner’s intention to recover possession.

5. Go to court if they refuse to leave. Only the court can lawfully order eviction.

What you must NOT do:

Disconnecting light or water; police intimidation; locking up; removing doors or roof, harassment or other self-help. These acts are illegal and can land you in trouble.

Before buying a tenanted property, always negotiate to have vacant possession or handing over existing Tenants.

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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
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