What is a caution fee in Nigeria, and how do you get it back?
A caution fee is a refundable deposit you pay your landlord when you move in. It covers damage beyond normal wear and any bills you leave unpaid. When you move out, the landlord should return it, minus agreed deductions for real damage. Recording the home on the day you move in is the best way to make sure you get it back.
What a caution fee covers
The caution fee, sometimes called a security deposit, protects the landlord against two things: damage beyond normal wear and tear, and bills left unpaid when you go. It is not rent and not a fee for the landlord to keep. The landlord sets the amount, so check it before you agree to the home.
What a landlord can fairly deduct
| Fair to deduct | Not fair to deduct |
|---|---|
| A cracked sink or broken door | Paint that has faded with time |
| A hole in the wall | Light scuffs and marks from furniture |
| Missing fittings or keys | Worn grout or carpets after normal use |
| Unpaid electricity, water or service charge | Repainting or upgrading for the next tenant |
A fair deduction covers the cost of putting right real damage, not making the home better than it was.
How to get your caution fee back
- On move-in day, photograph every room, the meters and anything already broken. Share the photos with your landlord.
- Report repairs as they happen, so nobody can say later that you hid damage.
- Give notice, and settle your last bills.
- Do the move-out check with your landlord, and agree any deductions there and then, with photos.
- Ask for the balance to be paid to your account, with the deductions in writing.
How Vaqnt handles caution fees
The caution fee is shown on every listing and paid in the app before you get your keys. It is held separately, not passed to the landlord to spend. Your move-in photos are saved to your lease with their dates. At move-out you book the check in the app and agree deductions with your landlord; the rest is refunded to you. If you can’t agree, either of you can raise a dispute, add evidence, and a Vaqnt mediator proposes a fair outcome.
For more on deductions, read Caution fees: what a landlord can fairly keep.
Common questions
What is a caution fee?
A refundable deposit paid to the landlord at move-in. It covers damage beyond normal wear and unpaid bills, and the rest should be returned when you move out.
Is a caution fee refundable in Nigeria?
Yes. It should be returned when you move out, minus agreed deductions for real damage or unpaid bills.
Can a landlord keep my caution fee for repainting?
Not for normal wear such as faded paint. A fair deduction covers real damage, not getting the home ready for the next tenant.
How do I get my caution fee back?
Photograph the home on move-in day, report repairs as they happen, settle your last bills, and agree any deductions with your landlord at the move-out check.
Who holds the caution fee on Vaqnt?
Vaqnt holds it separately from the rent. At move-out, agreed deductions go to the landlord and the rest is refunded to you.