Metro

5 Things To Do When Your Landlord Increases Rent

Published

1 year ago

January 25, 2025

Receiving notice of a rent increase can be a challenging experience for tenants, often stirring feelings of anxiety and concern about the future. Rent represents a significant portion of many individuals’ or families’ monthly budgets, and any rise can lead to financial strain. Understanding the implications of a rent increase and the options available to tenants is vital for navigating this often unsettling scenario.

In many cases, landlords may increase rent to keep up with market trends or cover rising property maintenance and management costs. This practice is particularly prevalent in urban areas where demand for rental properties frequently outstrips supply, leading to competitive pricing and higher rents.

The emotional impact of a rent increase cannot be overlooked. Many tenants may feel a loss of stability or security, especially if they have lived in the property for an extended period. For some, the prospect of a rent increase goes beyond financial concerns—it can signify a forced move and the stress associated with relocating. Finding a new home, packing belongings, and adapting to a new environment can be overwhelming, particularly for those with established routines or families.

Ultimately, it is essential for tenants to adopt a proactive approach when dealing with a rent increase. Understanding the rental market, knowing their rights under tenancy laws, and fostering open communication with landlords empower tenants to respond effectively to financial challenges. While a rent increase can be a source of stress, it may also serve as an opportunity to reassess one’s living situation and financial priorities, leading to more informed housing decisions for the future. This reflective approach not only addresses immediate challenges but can also pave the way for greater financial stability in the long run.

Here are five things you can do when your landlord increases rent:

Review the initial agreement

According to a Lagos-based dispute resolution lawyer, Ayokunmi Alabi, tenants who receive notice of a rent increase should revisit the terms and conditions of their tenancy agreement to confirm whether the increment or the process for determining it aligns with the rent review clause.

“If it does align, then there is no problem. It equally means the tenant was most likely carried along because a rent review clause will include the method of initiating the review, the time frame for the review, the method of calculating the review, and the procedure for resolving disputes.

“Therefore, in times of dispute where there is a rent review clause, the resolution will also be in line with the agreement, and the onus is on the landlord to show that they complied with the agreement,” he explained.

Seek formal negotiations

Where the agreement does not include a provision for a rent review clause, or if there is no agreement at all, a landlord should not unilaterally increase the rent.

Alabi said, “If this happens, it is essentially an offer to the tenant, who can either accept, reject, or officially write to the landlord seeking to negotiate the rent to something reasonable. Where attempts to resolve the dispute reach a deadlock—whether an agreement exists or not—the tenant has the option to apply to the court to declare the rent increment unjustifiable.”

‘Reason’ the landlord

A corporate practice lawyer, Maxwell Adigun, noted that communication is crucial in managing rent increases. According to him, engaging with the landlord can foster mutual understanding and potentially open the door to negotiations.

He said having a respectful conversation about the reasons behind the increase, the prevailing economic conditions, or the tenant’s history of timely rent payments could reveal opportunities for compromise. Such compromises might include a smaller increase or additional maintenance work to justify the higher cost.

“A good tenant-landlord relationship can often alleviate tensions and lead to outcomes that benefit both parties,” he explained.

Explore financial assistance elsewhere

In instances where the rent increase is unavoidable and negotiation is not fruitful, exploring financial assistance may be wise. So, if you are struggling to meet the new demands, consider exploring other financial assistance options.

Adigun added, “You can obtain a loan, reach out to friends or your family members to provide support. Many may feel hesitant to ask for help and view it as a sign of weakness or embarrassment. However, open communication with trusted loved ones can lead to support systems that provide temporary relief.”

Be open to alternatives

A financial advisor, Oluwole Oyeniyi, suggested that if the new rent exceeds your budget and negotiations with the landlord prove unproductive, it may be time to explore long-term alternatives.

He explained that this could involve searching for rental properties that align with your financial capacity.

“While relocating can be daunting, it may ultimately offer greater stability and affordability. Additionally, consider your future housing needs. If rental prices in your area are consistently rising, it might be worthwhile to explore property ownership or moving to a more affordable locality in the long run,” he advised.

(PUNCH)

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.