A Nigerian landlord has taken to social media to express his frustration after discovering extensive damage to his property caused by a tenant who had paid a ₦250,000 caution fee. The landlord shared a video showcasing the deplorable state of the duplex, including broken appliances, damaged ceilings, and spoilt door handles.
According to the landlord, the tenant had converted the residential property into a bakery without permission, leading to significant wear and tear. Despite the hefty caution fee, the landlord lamented that the amount was insufficient to cover the cost of repairs.
This incident has sparked renewed discussions about the effectiveness of caution fees in safeguarding landlords’ interests. While some argue that such fees are necessary to deter property misuse, others contend that landlords often fail to refund caution fees even when tenants leave properties in good condition.
The video has gone viral, with many social media users weighing in on the matter. Some sympathize with the landlord’s plight, while others question the tenant’s motives and the landlord’s management practices.
This case underscores the need for clear tenancy agreements and effective dispute resolution mechanisms to protect both landlords and tenants in Nigeria’s rental market.