Every day, thousands of people are evicted from properties they rent in Nigeria. These properties could be residential or commercial spaces. Unfortunately, many of these evictions are not carried out properly, putting landlords at risk of legal action if tenants choose to challenge the eviction in court. To prevent such issues, it is crucial for landlords to issue eviction notices correctly. This guide will teach you how to write an eviction letter that is both concise and legally binding.

What Is an Eviction Letter?

An eviction letter, also known as an eviction notice or quit notice, is a legally binding document issued by a landlord to a tenant, informing them to vacate the property within a specified period. The notice can be given with or without cause. The primary reason for issuing an eviction notice is typically the breach of a tenancy contract by the tenant. Common reasons for eviction include:

Multiple defaults in paying rent
Significant or repeated damage to the property
Frequent disputes with other tenants or the landlord
Sub-leasing or accommodating others without the landlord's consent
Failure to vacate the property at the end of the lease term

In these situations, the landlord may offer the tenant a chance to rectify the situation within a specific timeframe to avoid eviction. If the tenant fails to do so, they are required to vacate the property, regardless of their willingness to make amends.

In other cases, the landlord may simply want the property back for personal reasons, even if the tenant has not breached any terms of the tenancy. Regardless of the reason, delivering a properly written eviction letter is not just a formality—it is essential for ensuring that the eviction process is legally sound.

Essential Components of an Eviction Letter
To draft an effective eviction letter, it must include the following components:

1. Tenant's Name
The eviction notice must be addressed to the tenant using the exact name listed on the original tenancy agreement. This is important because an eviction notice addressed to a different name could be challenged in court, rendering it null and void.

2. Eviction Notice
The eviction notice itself should be clear and direct. Begin by informing the tenant that they are required to vacate the property. Specify whether the eviction is with or without cause. If there is a specific reason for the eviction, such as non-payment of rent, it should be stated clearly to provide the tenant with the grounds for the eviction. While being firm, the language used should remain professional and non-offensive to avoid any legal disputes over the manner in which the notice was issued.

3. Time Frame
The notice must provide a reasonable timeframe for the tenant to vacate the property, in accordance with the tenancy laws of the state. For example, in Abuja:

Tenants who pay rent weekly or do not have a fixed-term agreement are entitled to a one-week notice.
Monthly tenants must be given a one-month notice.
Yearly tenants are required to receive six months' notice.

Issuing a notice shorter than the legally required period could violate Nigerian property laws, leaving the landlord vulnerable to legal action.

4. Landlord's Name, Signature, and Contact Information
The eviction letter must include the landlord's full name, exactly as it appears in the tenancy agreement. The letter should be signed by the landlord, and if possible, sealed. This adds to the legal validity of the notice and helps prevent potential issues related to fraud or impersonation.

The landlord's contact information, such as a phone number or email address, should also be included to allow the tenant to seek clarification or discuss the situation further. In some cases, the contact details of the landlord's legal representative may also be provided.

If possible, the letter should be printed on official letterhead to give it a more professional appearance.

Sample Eviction Letter

Below is a sample eviction letter that can serve as a template:

Musa Adewale Obiora,
No. 5, Nigerian Street,
Abuja, Nigeria,
01/10/24

Chioma Tola Hauwa,
No. 1, Federal Road,
Abuja, Nigeria

Dear Chioma Tola Hauwa,

Re: Notice of Eviction

This letter serves as formal notice of your eviction from the property located at No. 1, Federal Road, Abuja, Nigeria. This action is being taken due to non-payment of rent for six months.

You are required to vacate the premises on or before Friday, 01/11/24. Failure to comply will result in further legal action.

Please return all keys to the property to Musa Adewale Obiora on or before the eviction date. For more information, you may contact Mr. M.A. Obiora at 08012345678 or via email at maobiora@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

[Signature]
Musa Adewale Obiora


This letter can be handwritten, but it is preferable to type it. It can be delivered as a hard copy or sent electronically via email. Before issuing the letter, it is advisable to have it reviewed by a property lawyer to ensure it is compliant with all relevant tenancy laws and is professionally written.

Writing an eviction letter doesn't have to be complicated. Follow these guidelines, and you'll be well on your way to ensuring a smooth and legally sound eviction process. For more property-related articles and solutions, stay connected with A.I. Realant Global—your number one source for property in Abuja.

Click link for more educative articles - https://airealent.ng/how-to-write-an-ideal-eviction-letter/