Landlord, tenancy and other private civil-dispute complaints

Understand the problem before writing

A private civil dispute is not automatically a criminal case or a matter for every public complaints institution. Identify the parties, agreement, property location and the precise disagreement. A tenancy dispute may involve a landlord, property manager, tenant or agent, while a separate commercial disagreement may require negotiation, mediation or court guidance.

For rent or repair problems, preserve the tenancy agreement, payment receipts, communications, photographs and any notice received. A large rent increase is not, by itself, proof that the increase is unlawful; the relevant agreement, local jurisdiction and applicable legal process must be examined.

An eviction or access dispute should be described factually. Explain what notice was delivered, who took the action and whether access or services were affected, but do not label an incident constructive eviction unless the evidence supports that conclusion. Where personal safety is threatened, seek appropriate emergency or legal assistance.

Mediation can be appropriate when both sides are willing to participate and the dispute is within the mediator's remit. If mediation fails, the correct court or registry depends on the property location, value, claim type and applicable procedure.

Build an evidence checklist

Use records that relate directly to your complaint. Put events in date order, identify the organisation involved, and keep copies of every message or acknowledgement. Describe what your documents actually show; do not present an allegation as a proven finding.

• Names and roles of the private parties
• Property address or location of the underlying dispute
• Agreement, rent receipts, invoices or payment records
• Notices and dated communications
• Photographs or repair records where relevant
• Any prior mediation, negotiation or court reference

Choose the institution that can respond

Address the individual or organisation actually involved in the dispute and consider a verified mediation service where appropriate. Choose the state or Federal Capital Territory route that corresponds to the property or transaction location.

A company mentioned in a statement, address, receipt or background document is not automatically the institution responsible for the complaint. Identify who provided the disputed service, who made the decision, and who can supply records or correct the problem.

Decide whether escalation is justified

If reasonable discussion or mediation does not resolve the issue, seek advice about the competent court, filing registry or recognised alternative-dispute-resolution institution. Do not confuse a disciplinary complaint, police report and private civil claim when they address different issues.

Before escalating, keep the original complaint reference, the institution's written answer where available, and a concise explanation of what remains unresolved. Check the current instructions published by the relevant authority instead of assuming that one deadline applies to every type of complaint.

Worked example: applying the route in practice

A tenant disputing a withheld security deposit should identify the tenancy period, amount paid, property condition, move-out date, landlord's explanation and the requested reconciliation or refund.

Avoid common mistakes and protect personal data

Do not invent a statutory notice period, assert that any percentage rent increase is illegal, name an unknown landlord or use criminal accusations to pressure a private party in an ordinary contract disagreement.

Remove passwords, one-time passcodes, card security codes and unrelated medical, financial or family information. Request a specific remedy supported by your evidence, such as an explanation, correction, investigation, refund or written decision.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources and contact starting points

These links point to the organisations' published websites or complaint resources. Check that the channel and procedure remain current before sharing your complaint or evidence.

• Abuja Multi-Door Court
• Lagos Citizens' Mediation Centre