In this article (6 sections)
- When you rented your house, you probably paid a caution fee, also called a caution deposit. It is meant to be refundable. Yet many tenants in Nigeria never see that money again, often because nothing was written down. This guide explains how to get your caution fee refund, what a landlord can fairly deduct, and what to do if they refuse.
- What is a caution fee?
- What a landlord can and cannot deduct
- How to get your caution fee refund: step by step
- 1. Before you move in: protect yourself
- 2. During your tenancy
- 3. When you are ready to move out
- What if the landlord refuses to refund the caution fee?
- Moving soon?
- Frequently asked questions
When you rented your house, you probably paid a caution fee, also called a caution deposit. It is meant to be refundable. Yet many tenants in Nigeria never see that money again, often because nothing was written down. This guide explains how to get your caution fee refund, what a landlord can fairly deduct, and what to do if they refuse.
What is a caution fee?
A caution fee is a refundable deposit paid at the start of a tenancy. The landlord holds it as security in case the tenant:
• damages the property beyond normal wear and tear;
• leaves unpaid bills such as electricity, water or service charge;
• leaves without giving proper notice, where the agreement says so.
If none of these happens, the caution fee should be returned in full when the tenant moves out.
What a landlord can and cannot deduct
Fair deductions usually include:
• broken doors, windows, sinks, toilets or fittings that you damaged;
• holes or heavy stains on walls beyond normal use;
• unpaid electricity (prepaid meter debt), water or service charge;
• missing items listed in the agreement (keys, remotes, fittings).
Unfair deductions usually include:
• normal wear and tear: paint that has faded, small marks, carpet worn by everyday use;
• repairs that were already needed before you moved in;
• general repainting the landlord does for every new tenant, unless the agreement clearly says the tenant pays for it;
• improvements the landlord wants to make for the next tenant.
How to get your caution fee refund: step by step
1. Before you move in: protect yourself
The best time to secure your caution fee refund is on day one.
• Get it in writing. Your tenancy agreement or receipt should state the caution amount and that it is refundable.
• Record the condition of the house. Take dated photos and a short video of every room, including walls, floors, doors, taps, toilets and fittings. Send a copy to the landlord or agent by email or WhatsApp so there is a record they received it.
• Report existing damage in writing within the first week.
2. During your tenancy
• Report repairs promptly and in writing, so problems do not get worse and get blamed on you.
• Keep receipts for any repairs you paid for with the landlord’s permission.
• Pay utility bills as you go.
3. When you are ready to move out
• Give proper notice as stated in your agreement.
• Clean the house thoroughly and fix small damage you caused.
• Settle all bills (electricity, water, waste, service charge) and keep the receipts.
• Do a joint inspection with the landlord or caretaker on the day you move out.
• Take another set of photos and videos of every room.
• Hand over all keys and get written confirmation that you have handed them over.
• Ask for the refund in writing, stating the amount and your account details.
What if the landlord refuses to refund the caution fee?
1. Ask for an itemised list of deductions with costs. A landlord who keeps a deposit should be able to explain why.
2. Respond with your evidence: move-in photos, move-out photos, receipts and messages.
3. Negotiate. Many disputes end with a partial refund once the landlord sees you have records.
4. Send a formal demand letter, ideally through a lawyer, giving a deadline to pay.
5. Consider the small claims court or a multi-door courthouse. Several states, including Lagos, have small claims courts that handle money claims quickly, and multi-door courthouses offer mediation. Ask a lawyer which option fits your amount and location.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your tenancy agreement and your state’s tenancy law decide the details.
Moving soon?
If you are moving out, start your search early. Browse verified homes for rent on HouseTracker and save the ones you like. Before you pay for your next place, read our guide to agency and legal fees in Abuja so you know which charges are normal.
Frequently asked questions
Is caution fee refundable in Nigeria?
Yes. A caution fee is a refundable deposit. The landlord can deduct the cost of
damage beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid bills, and should return the rest
when you move out.
How long does it take to get a caution fee refund?
There is no single national deadline, so agree a time in writing, ideally in
the tenancy agreement. Many landlords refund after inspecting the house and
confirming bills are paid.
Can a landlord use my caution fee for repainting?
Only if you damaged the walls beyond normal use, or if your agreement clearly
says the tenant pays for repainting. Ordinary fading and small marks are normal
wear and tear.
What evidence do I need to get my caution fee back?
Dated move-in and move-out photos or videos, your tenancy agreement or receipt
showing the caution amount, utility receipts, and written messages with the
landlord.
