A tenancy caution fee is a refundable caution fee paid by a tenant to a landlord as a form of security against potential damages to the property or breach of lease terms during the tenancy.
Yes, it is refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided there are no damages to the property and all terms of the tenancy agreement are met.
The caution fee usually ranges from 5% to 10% of the annual rent, depending on the landlord or the property type. It can also be a fixed amount in some cases.
It is typically paid at the beginning of the tenancy, along with the first rent and agency/legal fees.
* Repairs for damages caused by the tenant
* Unpaid utility bills (in some cases)
* Unpaid service charges
* Breach of any clauses in the tenancy agreement
**6. Can a landlord refuse to refund the caution fee?**
A landlord can withhold part or all of the caution fee if the tenant:
* Damages the property
* Leaves unpaid bills
* Violates the tenancy agreement terms
However, this must be properly accounted for and justified.
No, it is not legal. If the property is returned in good condition and no tenancy agreement terms were broken, the landlord is obligated to refund the caution fee via TCF. Tenants can report to TCF if a landlord is claiming the caution fee unfairly.
Refunds from TCF are expected within 7–30 days after the tenant vacates the property, depending on the agreement between the tenant and landlord.
No, the caution fee is not meant to cover rent. It is for damages or defaults only. Attempting to use it for rent may result in forfeiture or legal issues.
The TCF registration fee ranges from 3.5% to 4.9% of the caution fee, depending on the property’s annual rent.
* ₦3,500 flat fee for caution fee below ₦100,000
* 3.5% for caution fee below ₦500,000
* 4.9% for caution fee above ₦500,000
No, the only approved pages and website for TCF are:
* Website: www.tenancycautionfee.com
* Instagram: @tenancycautionfee
* Twitter: tenancycautionfee
* TikTok: tenancycautionfee
* Facebook: tenancycautionfee
* Phone number: 0916 121 5653
* Email: help@tenancycautionfee.com
Currently in Lagos, unregulated caution fees have been declared unlawful and exploitative. TCF replaces these illegal practices with a transparent system that protects landlords and tenants, reduces disputes, and builds trust.
Landlords (or their agents) or tenants register the caution fee on the TCF platform. The caution fee is transferred to TCF’s secure account, held until tenancy ends. Upon agreement between landlord and tenant, funds are released. Disputes are resolved impartially by TCF.
TCF, a government-regulated body, holds all caution fees in trust. The funds are kept secure in a designated account, ensuring they are not accessed by either party during the tenancy.
Yes, once implemented, TCF becomes mandatory.
Landlords gain improved trust with tenants, reduced conflicts, and access to a free dispute-resolution service. TCF ensures that any deductions must be justified and agreed upon, streamlining tenancy closure processes.
TCF holds the caution fee in a secure account and safeguards it until the end of tenancy. It guarantees the funds remain untouched unless deductions are properly justified and agreed.
If there is disagreement, TCF freezes the caution fee. Both parties submit evidence, and a TCF adjudicator makes a binding, fair decision.
Once final inspection and agreement on deductions are complete, the refund is processed within a few weeks, as stated in TCF’s rules.
Valid deductions include repair costs beyond normal wear, unpaid rent, and cleaning if the property is left very dirty. Landlords must provide receipts, photos, or other evidence.
Yes. TCF requires landlords to provide a clear, itemized breakdown of any deductions. Tenants can access this through the TCF platform.
TCF uses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through trained adjudicators who review both parties’ evidence and make a final, binding decision — free of charge.
Landlord or tenant logs into the TCF platform, enters tenancy details, and transfers the caution fee to TCF’s account. Both parties receive confirmation once registration is complete.
Landlords who fail to register may face legal penalties, including fines or loss of rights to the caution fee. Tenants can report non-compliance to housing authorities.
Yes. The entire platform is digital, allowing landlords and tenants to manage caution fees anytime via a secure online portal.
Minimal charges apply for securing the caution fee, based on the caution fee amount (see question 11 for rates).
TCF offers email, phone, and live chat support through its official website for any assistance regarding registration, payments, or disputes.
A tenancy caution fee is a refundable caution fee paid by a tenant to a landlord as security against damages or breach of the lease.
Yes, it is refundable if the tenant meets the terms of the tenancy and returns the property in good condition.
Typically 5%–10% of the annual rent or a fixed amount, depending on the landlord or property.
At the beginning of the tenancy, usually with the first rent and other charges.
It covers damage repair, unpaid bills or service charges, and breaches of the tenancy agreement.
Only if justified by property damage, unpaid bills, or a breach of the lease — and this must be documented.
* Keep the property in good condition
* Clear all bills and charges
* Conduct inventory checks
* Keep all payment records
No. If no lease terms were broken, the landlord must refund the caution fee. Tenants can report unfair withholding to TCF.
Yes. Refunds are expected within 7–30 days after moving out, depending on the agreed terms.
No, it's not intended for rent and doing so could lead to legal issues or forfeiture.
Depends on the caution fee amount (see landlord FAQ #11).
No. The only valid TCF contact points are listed on the official site.
To protect tenants from unfair deductions and to ensure landlords handle caution fees transparently.
Caution fees are paid to TCF, held securely, and only released after both parties agree or a dispute is resolved fairly.
TCF, a regulated body, holds the caution fees in trust and ensures fair handling of all funds.
Yes. It is mandatory once fully implemented.
* Protection from unfair deductions
* Transparent tracking of your caution fee
* Faster, fair dispute resolution
* Confidence in caution fee refunds
Held in a secure account by TCF and not accessible to landlords during tenancy.
TCF freezes the caution fee, reviews evidence from both parties, and makes a fair, final decision.
Usually within a couple of weeks once all agreements and inspections are completed.
Major damages, unpaid rent, or cleaning costs — but must be proven with receipts or photos.
Yes. TCF provides a full breakdown of all deductions on your account.
Via TCF’s free ADR (Alternative dispute resolution) process, where trained adjudicators review evidence and give a binding decision.
You or the landlord register the tenancy and caution fee on the TCF platform and receive confirmation once completed.
The landlord may lose the right to keep it and face penalties. Tenants should report this to housing authorities.
Yes. TCF is fully digital and accessible 24/7.
See the TCF caution fee breakdown (question 11).
Visit the official website for live chat, email, or phone support.
Phone Number
+2349161215653
Email
Help@tenancycautionfee.com
Address
Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria
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