Quit Notice Under the Lagos State Tenancy Law

Under the Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011, a landlord cannot simply tell a tenant to leave — a lawful eviction begins with a valid notice to quit whose length is fixed by how the tenancy runs (weekly, monthly, quarterly, half‑yearly or yearly), followed by a 7‑day notice of the owner's intention to recover possession, and can only be completed by an order of court. There is no legal "self‑help": locking a tenant out, removing the roof or doors, or cutting power or water are all offences, no matter how far behind the rent has fallen.

How long must a quit notice be?

Where the tenancy agreement does not set its own notice period, the Law supplies default minimums tied to the rhythm of the tenancy. A monthly tenant is in a different position from a yearly tenant, so the notice each is owed differs. If your written agreement specifies a period, that agreed period governs instead — so always check your agreement first.

A fixed‑term tenancy ends when its term expires, so a separate notice to quit may not be needed — but the landlord still cannot evict by force and must go to court if the tenant does not leave.

The two‑step notice process

Recovering possession lawfully runs in a set order. Skipping a step — or getting the notice length wrong — usually sends the landlord back to the start.

1. Notice to quit. The landlord serves a written notice matching the tenancy type and the minimum period above (or the agreed period), correctly addressed and properly served.
2. 7‑day notice of intention to recover possession. Once the quit notice has expired and the tenant has not left, the landlord serves a further written notice giving at least 7 days before applying to court.
3. Court application. If the tenant still does not vacate, the landlord applies to the Magistrate or High Court for an order for possession. Only the court can authorise the eviction.

No self‑help: why eviction must go through court

A landlord may own the building, but cannot personally throw the tenant out. The Law makes it an offence to forcibly eject a tenant — or to try to force one out by other means — without a court order. Prohibited conduct includes:

• Changing the locks or barring entry
• Removing doors, windows or roofing, or demolishing part of the building
• Cutting off electricity, water or other utilities to drive the tenant out
• Removing or seizing the tenant's belongings
• Threats, harassment or intimidation aimed at making the tenant leave

A landlord who resorts to self‑help is liable to the tenant and can face penalties, and Nigerian courts — up to the Supreme Court — have consistently held that possession can only be recovered by order of court. The practical message for both sides: follow the notices and let the court do the evicting.

Tenant and landlord rights at a glance

A tenant is entitled to the correct length of notice for their tenancy type, quiet enjoyment of the property until a valid court order is made, a written receipt for rent paid, and protection from forced eviction, lock‑outs and utility cut‑offs.

A landlord is entitled to rent as agreed and to recover possession where there are lawful grounds (such as arrears or expiry of the term) — by serving proper notices and seeking a court order — and may claim mesne profits (compensation for continued occupation) where a tenant overstays.

Does the Law apply everywhere in Lagos?

The Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011 applies to most areas of the state, but a handful of districts are expressly exempted — commonly cited as Apapa, Ikeja GRA, Ikoyi and Victoria Island, which are often governed by separate arrangements. It also does not extend to certain special premises, such as emergency shelter or accommodation attached to hospitals and some educational institutions. If your property sits in an exempted district, confirm which terms apply before relying on a notice.

Frequently asked questions

Can my landlord evict me in Lagos without going to court?
No. Even after a valid quit notice and the 7‑day notice expire, the landlord must obtain a court order. Locking you out or forcing you out is an offence.

How much notice do I get as a yearly tenant?
Six months' notice to quit, unless your tenancy agreement states a different period that both sides accepted in writing.

What happens if I owe rent?
Arrears are lawful grounds for a landlord to seek possession, but the process is the same — proper notice, then court. You cannot be ejected by force simply because you are behind on rent.

Keep exploring

• Tenancy Agreement in Nigeria – Legal Guide & Sample Contract
• Tenancy Agreement in Nigeria: Everything You Need to Know
• Property Management in Nigeria: A Complete Guide
• What Is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in Nigeria?
• The Land Use Act of 1978 in Nigeria, Explained
• Yaba Is Under Which Local Government? (Lagos Mainland)

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General information, not legal advice. For a specific dispute, consult a qualified Lagos property lawyer.