Legal & compliance
Caution deposit best practices
3 min read
The caution deposit protects you against damage beyond normal wear and tear. Set it fairly and you'll get more applicants; set it too high and good tenants look elsewhere.
One to two months' rent is the norm
Most Lagos and Abuja listings ask for one month. Two months is reasonable for furnished units with higher-value fittings.
State exactly what it covers
Damage beyond normal wear, unpaid utility bills, and missing fixtures. Be specific in your listing so there's no argument later.
Deductions need evidence
Photograph the property at move-in and move-out. If you deduct from the deposit, you'll need to show what changed.
