Lagos landlords: una no fit collect rent in dollars, make I explain am one time

My brother, this one wey I dey hear say some landlords for Lekki dey ask tenants to pay rent in dollars... see ehn, that one no dey work under Nigerian law. A tenancy agreement is a contract, and the Rent Control and Recovery of Premises Law governs how rent is set and collected. Rent is a naira obligation unless both parties freely agree otherwise, and even then, a court can look at whether the agreement is unconscionable.

I remember one matter wey come before us for Ikeja, landlord put a clause say rent must be paid in dollars. Tenant defaulted, landlord wanted to eject. Oga judge looked at the agreement and said, ah, this clause is contrary to public policy and the currency of the realm. Case dismissed. Landlord lost his legal fees on top. Na so e be.

So if your landlord is threatening you with dollar rent or a ridiculous increase, you get right to challenge am. The law says rent must be reasonable and the notice must be proper. Abeg, read your tenancy agreement before you sign anything.

My question for una: if your landlord insists on dollars for a flat in Surulere, you go pay or you go pack go somewhere else?