CribCheckThe restriction
The Lagos Tenancy Law 2011 provides that a landlord shall not demand or receive rent in excess of one year in advance from a sitting monthly or yearly tenant, and a tenant shall not offer more. It is aimed squarely at the two-year demand.
Why you are still asked
Enforcement is largely a matter for the parties and the courts, and demand for housing is high. Many landlords treat a prospective tenant differently from a sitting one, and agents pass the demand on without challenge.
How to respond
- Offer one year and a clean payment record instead of two years.
- Ask for a rent-free period or completed repairs in exchange for a longer commitment.
- Insist on a written agreement and a receipt naming the landlord, not just the agent.
- Never pay a two-year sum into a personal account you have not verified.
General information for house hunters, not legal advice. Tenancy law differs by state and reforms are debated regularly — confirm the current position in your state, and take advice from a lawyer before acting on a dispute.