AN ASSESSMENT OF COMPLIANCE LEVEL IN RESIDENTIAL TENANCY AGREEMENT IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the level of compliance with standard tenancy agreement provisions in Lagos State, Nigeria. The research examines the prevalence of key clauses within residential tenancy agreements, focusing on areas such as, Rent regulations and payment terms, Tenant and landlord obligations regarding repairs and maintenance, Security deposit handling and Notice periods for termination. The objective is to identify the challenges faced by both landlords and tenants in complying to the residential tenancy agreement, to assess the level of awareness of the terms of residential tenancy agreement, and to assess the terms of the residential tenancy agreement. The research design used was the descriptive study research design and the method of data collection was through the use of questionnaire. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents, a total number of 92 questionnaire was distributed and a total number of 80 questionnaire was retrieved with a total of (87%). The method of data analysis used was the mean item score(MIS). Some of the objectives are to assess the level of awareness of the terms of the residential tenancy agreement, and it was assessed that the tenants are aware the landlords should provide comprehensive documentation like an information booklet so as to enable tenants understand the terms of their tenancy agreement with a mean of 3.59. The challenges faced by landlords and tenants in complying with the terms of residential tenancy agreement was assessed to be the financial constraint on the part of the tenant with a mean score of 3.66. It was concluded that the compliance level of landlords and tenants with residential tenancy agreements in Lagos, Nigeria, is said to be a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors such as awareness, enforcement mechanisms, while some landlords and tenants diligently adhere to the terms of their agreement, while some due to the lack of awareness of their rights and obligations. It was also recommended that government should enhance and encourage the ise of mediation and alternative dispute resolution to resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants amicably, government should implement comprehensive educational program for both landlords and tenants to increase the awareness of their rights and responsibilities of the residential tenancy agreements.