A fee paid to an agent or platform for helping a tenant secure a property. In many Nigerian markets it is charged separately from rent and caution.

BVN (Bank Verification Number)

A unique 11-digit identifier issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria that links a person to all their Nigerian bank accounts for identity verification.

C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)

A statutory land title document issued by government authorities showing the holder’s right of occupancy over land.

Can a landlord increase rent mid-tenancy?

A landlord generally cannot increase rent during a fixed tenancy. Increases usually apply at renewal and should be reasonable and properly notified to the tenant.

A refundable or condition-based sum held against damage, defaults, or unresolved obligations during a tenancy.

A tamper-evident, blockchain-style digital receipt issued instantly to both landlord and tenant the moment a rent payment is confirmed. Permanently stored in both users' accounts.

BERLVIS SPACES holds tenant rent payments in a protected wallet until the tenant has confirmed move-in via the Move-In Code. Funds release to the landlord's wallet only on successful confirmation.

The lawful process of recovering possession of a property from an occupant after the required notice and legal steps have been followed.

Normal deterioration caused by ordinary use over time, usually distinguished from negligence or deliberate damage.

Approval required under Nigerian land law for certain transfers of interests in land originally covered by a right of occupancy.

A person who agrees to take responsibility if a tenant fails to meet financial or contractual obligations.

How do I verify a C of O in Nigeria?

A Certificate of Occupancy can be verified through a charting search at the relevant state Lands Registry, which confirms the file number, the registered owner, and whether the land is under any government acquisition.

How does escrow work for rent?

Escrow holds the tenant's funds in a neutral account until the move-in is confirmed. If move-in fails within the agreed window, the funds are auto-refunded; if it succeeds, they are released to the landlord.

How long is a quit notice in Lagos?

Under the Tenancy Law of Lagos 2011, the standard notice periods are 1 week for weekly tenancies, 1 month for monthly tenancies, 3 months for quarterly or half-yearly tenancies, and 6 months for yearly tenancies, unless the agreement states otherwise.

How much is caution fee in Nigeria?

Caution fee in Nigeria usually ranges from 5 percent to 10 percent of the annual rent, depending on the landlord and property. It is refundable at move-out, less any agreed deductions.

A scheduled visit to physically view a property or space before renting, moving in, or resolving a dispute.

A flat ₦5,000 fee paid by a tenant to schedule a property inspection. If the tenant proceeds to rent the inspected property, 30% of the fee is credited toward their first rent payment.

Is shortlet legal in Lagos?

Shortlet rentals are permitted in Lagos, but landlords and operators must comply with applicable estate rules, tax obligations, and any local licensing requirements.

A 6-character code generated when a tenancy is created. The tenant must present this code to the landlord on move-in for the landlord to release rent funds from escrow. Valid for 72 hours.

A unique national address code generated for every property listed on BERLVIS SPACES, derived from the property's state, LGA, street, and unit. The N-Code is the canonical reference for the property across the platform.

A colloquial Nigerian term for members of a landowning family who claim or collect informal dues on land transactions, especially in Lagos and the South-West. Buyers and tenants should verify titles to avoid disputes.

Payment Protection Fee (PPF)

A tiered fee (₦500–₦5,000) paid by tenants on each rent transaction. Covers the digital receipt, escrow protection, and access to the dispute resolution centre.

Property Verification

A review process confirming that a property listing is real, documented, and suitable for publication or transaction.

A statutory or contractual notice requiring a tenant to deliver up possession at the end of a tenancy period or after breach.

Failure to pay rent in full or on time in accordance with the tenancy agreement.

A recurring charge covering shared services such as cleaning, lighting, waste disposal, water systems, and security in common areas.

A situation where a tenant rents all or part of a property to another occupant, usually requiring prior approval.

The document setting out the rights, responsibilities, term, rent, notices, and house rules governing a rental arrangement.

Tenancy Law of Lagos 2011

The principal Lagos State law regulating residential tenancies, covering rent, notices to quit, recovery of premises, and prohibited practices.

A structured review of a prospective tenant’s identity, affordability, references, and risk before approval.

A property listing that has passed required review checks and is approved for public discovery and trusted transactions.

What does Omo-Onile mean?

Omo-Onile literally means "child of the landowner". In Nigerian land transactions it refers to members of a landowning family who often demand informal dues during sales or construction.

What is agency fee in Nigeria?

Agency fee is a charge paid to a property agent or platform for finding a tenant a home. In Nigeria it is typically 10 percent of the annual rent and is paid in addition to the rent itself.

Property and Tenancy Glossary for Nigeria

7

7-Day Owner's Intention Notice LEGAL: A short notice served after a quit notice expires, informing the tenant that the landlord intends to apply to court to recover possession. Required under Lagos tenancy law before filing.; See also:Quit Notice Recovery of Premises

A

Agency Fee FEE: A fee paid to an agent or platform for helping a tenant secure a property. In many Nigerian markets it is charged separately from rent and caution.; See also:Legal Fee Caution Fee Rent
Agreement Fee FEE: A fee charged for preparing or issuing the tenancy agreement or related documentation for a rental transaction.; See also:Tenancy Agreement Legal Fee
Allocation Letter LEGAL: A document issued by a government agency, estate developer, or community confirming that a specific plot or unit has been allocated to a named beneficiary.; See also:C of O Deed of Assignment
Annual Rent PAYMENT: The total rent payable for one full year of occupancy. Many Nigerian rentals are priced and collected annually.; See also:Rent Monthly Rent Tenancy
Apartment PROPERTY: A self-contained residential unit within a larger building, usually with its own living, kitchen, and bathroom spaces.; See also:Flat Self Contain Mini Flat
Arrears PAYMENT: Outstanding rent or charges that remain unpaid after their due date.; See also:Rent Default Late Payment
Asking Rent PRICING: The initial rent amount requested by the landlord or listing owner before negotiation or discounts.; See also:Rent Offer
Assignment LEGAL: A transfer of an existing legal interest or tenancy right from one party to another, subject to the applicable contract and law.; See also:Subletting Deed of Assignment
Auto-Refund FEATURE: A platform-initiated refund triggered automatically when conditions such as move-in failure or expired escrow are met.; See also:Escrow Release Reversal

B

Background Check TRUST SIGNAL: A review of a person’s identity, history, or risk indicators before granting access to a property or tenancy.; See also:KYC Verification Badge
Balcony PROPERTY: An external platform attached to a building level, often counted as an amenity in apartment listings.; See also:Amenities Floor Plan
Bank Transfer PAYMENT: An electronic movement of funds from one Nigerian bank account to another, typically via NIBSS Instant Payment.; See also:USSD Payment Virtual Account
Berlvis Score TRUST SIGNAL: A 0–100 trust score assigned to every User, derived from on-platform behaviour: timely payments, condition-report accuracy, dispute outcomes, and verification level. Each User has separate scores for tenant and landlord roles.; See also:Verification Badge KYC
BQ (Boys' Quarters) PROPERTY: A separate living unit, often smaller than the main house, historically used as staff quarters and now sometimes rented independently.; See also:Annex Self Contain
Broker ROLE: A person or business that connects tenants to available properties and may earn a commission or agency fee.; See also:Agent Agency Fee
Budget Range SEARCH: The minimum and maximum amount a renter is willing or able to spend on rent and related charges.; See also:Filters Asking Rent
BVN (Bank Verification Number) TRUST SIGNAL: A unique 11-digit identifier issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria that links a person to all their Nigerian bank accounts for identity verification.; See also:NIN KYC

C

C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) LEGAL: A statutory land title document issued by government authorities showing the holder’s right of occupancy over land.; See also:Governor's Consent Survey Plan
Can a landlord increase rent mid-tenancy? FAQ: A landlord generally cannot increase rent during a fixed tenancy. Increases usually apply at renewal and should be reasonable and properly notified to the tenant.; See also:Rent Review Lease Renewal
Caretaker ROLE: A person responsible for day-to-day oversight, access, or basic maintenance of a property on behalf of the owner.; See also:Facility Manager Property Manager
Caution Fee FEE: A refundable or condition-based sum held against damage, defaults, or unresolved obligations during a tenancy.; See also:Caution Deposit Condition Report
Chargeback PAYMENT: A forced reversal of a card payment initiated by the cardholder's bank after a dispute.; See also:Reversal Dispute Resolution
Co-Living PROPERTY: A shared housing model where residents have private bedrooms within a unit while sharing kitchens, lounges, and amenities.; See also:Shared Apartment Single Room
Commercial Property PROPERTY: Property used primarily for business purposes such as shops, offices, warehouses, or mixed-use business spaces.; See also:Residential Property Mixed Use
Commission FEE: A percentage of the transaction value paid to an agent, broker, or platform for facilitating a rental.; See also:Agency Fee Broker
Common Area PROPERTY: A shared part of a building or estate such as corridors, stairwells, lobbies, parking, or shared compound spaces.; See also:Service Charge Facility Management
Compound PROPERTY: The enclosed land area around a building or cluster of buildings, often used for parking, circulation, or shared outdoor activity.; See also:Common Area Parking
Corporate Let TENANCY: A tenancy where the renting party is a company or organization rather than an individual occupant.; See also:Lease Tenant

D

Deed of Assignment LEGAL: A legal document used to transfer ownership rights or beneficial interest in land or property from one party to another.; See also:C of O Governor's Consent
Deed of Sublease LEGAL: A legal document by which a tenant transfers part or all of their leasehold interest to a third party for a period within the original lease.; See also:Subletting Lease
Default LEGAL: Failure by a party to meet an agreed obligation such as paying rent, maintaining property conditions, or complying with terms.; See also:Arrears Breach
Deposit PAYMENT: An upfront amount paid to secure a booking, reserve a unit, or cover specific obligations under a tenancy arrangement.; See also:Caution Fee Reservation Fee
Detached PROPERTY: A standalone house occupying its own plot with no shared walls.; See also:Semi-Detached Duplex
Diesel Levy FEE: A charge collected from residents of a building or estate to fund fuel for shared generators powering common areas.; See also:Service Charge Estate Dues
Digital Listing PLATFORM: A property record published online with photos, pricing, location details, and availability information.; See also:Property Listing Explore
Digital Receipt FEATURE: A tamper-evident, blockchain-style digital receipt issued instantly to both landlord and tenant the moment a rent payment is confirmed. Permanently stored in both users' accounts.; See also:Rent Payment N-Code
Dispute Resolution FEATURE: A structured process for handling disagreements between landlord and tenant using records, payments, timestamps, and documented evidence.; See also:Escrow Condition Report
Dispute Window FEATURE: The fixed period after a transaction or move-in during which either party can raise a formal dispute for review.; See also:Dispute Resolution Condition Report
Due Date PAYMENT: The date by which rent or another obligation must be fulfilled to remain compliant with the agreement.; See also:Late Payment Arrears
Duplex PROPERTY: A residential building arranged over two floors and occupied as a single dwelling, often with bedrooms upstairs and living areas downstairs.; See also:Terrace Semi-Detached
Dwelling Unit PROPERTY: A residential space intended for occupancy by one household, whether as a full apartment, room, or self-contained unit.; See also:Apartment Self Contain

E

Escrow FEATURE: BERLVIS SPACES holds tenant rent payments in a protected wallet until the tenant has confirmed move-in via the Move-In Code. Funds release to the landlord's wallet only on successful confirmation.; See also:Move-In Code Wallet
Escrow Hold PLATFORM: Funds locked in a neutral account pending an outcome such as inspection confirmation, move-in, or dispute resolution.; See also:Escrow Auto-Refund
Escrow Release PLATFORM: The act of paying funds out of escrow to the rightful party after agreed conditions such as successful move-in or dispute resolution have been met.; See also:Escrow Auto-Refund
Estate LOCATION: A planned residential or mixed-use development with controlled access, internal roads, and common infrastructure.; See also:Gated Estate Service Charge
Estate Dues FEE: Charges paid by residents or occupiers for shared estate services such as security, cleaning, lighting, and access control.; See also:Service Charge Estate
Eviction LEGAL: The lawful process of recovering possession of a property from an occupant after the required notice and legal steps have been followed.; See also:Quit Notice Recovery of Premises
Excision LEGAL: A government release of specific land from acquisition back to the original community or owner. Excised land can then be granted a Certificate of Occupancy.; See also:Gazette C of O

F

Face-Me-I-Face-You PROPERTY: A common Nigerian residential layout where multiple rooms face each other along a shared corridor and tenants often share facilities.; See also:Room and Parlour Shared Facilities
Facility Manager ROLE: A person or company responsible for operating, maintaining, and coordinating building services for a property or estate.; See also:Property Manager Service Charge
Fair Wear and Tear LEGAL: Normal deterioration caused by ordinary use over time, usually distinguished from negligence or deliberate damage.; See also:Condition Report Damage
Family House PROPERTY: A residential property designed for occupation by one household, often with multiple bedrooms and private facilities.; See also:Detached House Duplex
Family Receipt LEGAL: An informal acknowledgement of payment issued by a landowning family, often used in untitled land transactions in Nigeria. It is weaker than a registered title and carries risk.; See also:Omo-Onile Family House
First-Year Rent PAYMENT: The rent payable for the first occupancy cycle, which may differ from subsequent renewal pricing.; See also:Subsequent Rent Annual Rent
Fit-Out PROPERTY: The finishing, furnishing, or customization work carried out inside a space before use or occupancy.; See also:Finishing Shell Space
Flat PROPERTY: A complete residential unit made up of several rooms within a building, commonly used interchangeably with apartment in Nigeria.; See also:Apartment Mini Flat
Floor Plan PROPERTY: A diagram showing the layout of rooms, walls, circulation, and spaces within a building or unit.; See also:Floor Layout Space
Furnished PROPERTY: A property offered with furniture and, in some cases, appliances already installed for immediate use.; See also:Semi Furnished Unfurnished

G

Gated Estate PROPERTY: A controlled-access development where entry is restricted by gates, guards, or estate management systems.; See also:Estate Security
Gazette LEGAL: An official government publication listing land that has been excised or allocated. A property listed in a gazette is generally considered free of government acquisition.; See also:Excision C of O
Governor's Consent LEGAL: Approval required under Nigerian land law for certain transfers of interests in land originally covered by a right of occupancy.; See also:C of O Deed of Assignment
Guarantor LEGAL: A person who agrees to take responsibility if a tenant fails to meet financial or contractual obligations.; See also:Tenant Screening Verification

H

Handover PROCESS: The formal transfer of access, keys, codes, and practical control of a property or space to the incoming occupant.; See also:Move-In Code Clearance Code
Highbrow Area LOCATION: An upscale neighborhood with premium pricing, established infrastructure, and a concentration of luxury developments.; See also:Island Gated Estate
Holdover Tenant TENANCY: A tenant who remains in occupation after the agreed tenancy has expired without a new agreement being signed.; See also:Statutory Tenancy Quit Notice
Homeowner ROLE: A person who legally owns a residential property, whether or not they occupy it directly.; See also:Landlord Property Owner
House Rules LEGAL: Specific conduct, safety, or usage rules that apply to a property, building, or estate beyond basic rent obligations.; See also:Rules Tenancy Agreement
How do I verify a C of O in Nigeria? FAQ: A Certificate of Occupancy can be verified through a charting search at the relevant state Lands Registry, which confirms the file number, the registered owner, and whether the land is under any government acquisition.; See also:C of O Governor's Consent
How does escrow work for rent? FAQ: Escrow holds the tenant's funds in a neutral account until the move-in is confirmed. If move-in fails within the agreed window, the funds are auto-refunded; if it succeeds, they are released to the landlord.; See also:Escrow Auto-Refund
How long is a quit notice in Lagos? FAQ: Under the Tenancy Law of Lagos 2011, the standard notice periods are 1 week for weekly tenancies, 1 month for monthly tenancies, 3 months for quarterly or half-yearly tenancies, and 6 months for yearly tenancies, unless the agreement states otherwise.; See also:Quit Notice Tenancy Law of Lagos 2011
How much is caution fee in Nigeria? FAQ: Caution fee in Nigeria usually ranges from 5 percent to 10 percent of the annual rent, depending on the landlord and property. It is refundable at move-out, less any agreed deductions.; See also:Caution Fee Refundable Deposit

I

Inspection PROCESS: A scheduled visit to physically view a property or space before renting, moving in, or resolving a dispute.; See also:Inspection Fee Condition Report
Inspection Fee FEE: A flat ₦5,000 fee paid by a tenant to schedule a property inspection. If the tenant proceeds to rent the inspected property, 30% of the fee is credited toward their first rent payment.; See also:Inspection Rent Payment
Inspection Window FEATURE: A defined time period during which a renter can inspect a property after booking, before the platform releases escrow.; See also:Inspection Escrow Hold
Inventory PROCESS: A record of movable items, fittings, appliances, or provided assets in a rented space at the time of handover.; See also:Condition Report Furnished
Is shortlet legal in Lagos? FAQ: Shortlet rentals are permitted in Lagos, but landlords and operators must comply with applicable estate rules, tax obligations, and any local licensing requirements.; See also:Shortlet Serviced Apartment
Island LOCATION: The islands of Lagos including Lagos Island, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki, traditionally associated with higher rents.; See also:Mainland Highbrow Area

J

Joint Tenancy TENANCY: An arrangement where two or more tenants occupy and share responsibility for the same rented property.; See also:Co-Tenant Tenancy Agreement

K

Key Collection PROCESS: The step where the incoming tenant receives the keys, codes, or access devices required to enter the property.; See also:Handover Move-In
KYC (Know Your Customer) TRUST SIGNAL: Identity verification using NIN, BVN, and a liveness check. All Users must complete KYC before transacting on BERLVIS SPACES.; See also:NIN Verification Badge
KYC Tier TRUST SIGNAL: A graded level of identity verification (Tier 1, 2, or 3) determining the limits and features available to a user on a financial or rental platform.; See also:KYC BVN

L

Land Use Act LEGAL: The 1978 Nigerian federal law that vests all urban land in each state Governor, who issues rights of occupancy. It is the foundation for the Certificate of Occupancy system.; See also:C of O Governor's Consent
Land Use Charge LEGAL: A government-imposed property-related charge that may apply to landowners depending on local regulations and location.; See also:Landlord Property Tax
Landlord ROLE: The person or entity that grants occupancy rights over a property or space in exchange for rent and agreed conditions.; See also:Tenant Property Owner
Late Payment PAYMENT: A payment made after the due date, sometimes attracting penalties or affecting trust and compliance records.; See also:Arrears Default
Lease LEGAL: A formal agreement granting a tenant the right to occupy and use a property for a defined period under stated terms.; See also:Tenancy Agreement Rent
Lease Renewal PROCESS: The process of extending or continuing occupancy after the original lease or tenancy term is nearing expiry.; See also:Renewal Notice Subsequent Rent
Legal Fee FEE: A charge associated with preparing, reviewing, or formalizing tenancy-related legal documentation.; See also:Agreement Fee Tenancy Agreement
Letter of Administration LEGAL: A court-issued document granting named persons authority to manage the estate of someone who died without a will, including any real property they owned.; See also:Family House Power of Attorney
LGA (Local Government Area) LOCATION: A Nigerian administrative area used to describe and filter property locations more precisely than state alone.; See also:State Address N-Code
Listing Price PRICING: The rent or amount displayed publicly on a property listing before negotiation or additional fees are considered.; See also:Asking Rent Property Listing

M

Mainland LOCATION: The portion of Lagos connected to the continental landmass, including areas such as Yaba, Ikeja, Surulere, and Magodo.; See also:Island Suburb
Maintenance PROPERTY: Work required to keep a property, unit, or facility in functional and acceptable condition during its useful life.; See also:Repairs Facility Manager
Maintenance Request PROCESS: A formal report from an occupant about a defect, repair issue, or operational problem that needs attention.; See also:Repairs Support Ticket
Managed Property PLATFORM: A property whose operational oversight, rent flow, compliance, or tenant coordination is handled through a structured management process.; See also:Property Manager Fully Managed
Mid-Range Area LOCATION: A neighborhood with moderate rent levels and a mix of formal estates and older buildings.; See also:Suburb Highbrow Area
Mini Flat PROPERTY: A small self-contained apartment, usually with a bedroom, living area, kitchen space, and private bathroom.; See also:Self Contain Flat
Mixed Use PROPERTY: A property or development combining residential and commercial uses within one building or site.; See also:Commercial Property Residential Property
Monthly Rent PAYMENT: Rent structured to be paid each month instead of annually or for another longer cycle.; See also:Annual Rent Rent
Monthly Tenancy TENANCY: A tenancy where rent is paid monthly and either party may terminate with one month's notice unless otherwise agreed.; See also:Monthly Rent Yearly Tenancy
Mortgageable Title LEGAL: A property title status showing the asset is sufficiently documented to be considered for secured financing.; See also:C of O Deed of Assignment
Move-In PROCESS: The point at which the tenant physically takes possession and begins occupancy of the rented property.; See also:Handover Move-In Code
Move-In Code FEATURE: A 6-character code generated when a tenancy is created. The tenant must present this code to the landlord on move-in for the landlord to release rent funds from escrow. Valid for 72 hours.; See also:Escrow 72 Hour Protection
Move-Out PROCESS: The process of ending occupancy, returning access tools, and confirming the state of the property before exit.; See also:Clearance Code Condition Report

N

N-Code ARCHITECTURE: A unique national address code generated for every property listed on BERLVIS SPACES, derived from the property's state, LGA, street, and unit. The N-Code is the canonical reference for the property across the platform.; See also:National Address Database
NIN (National Identification Number) TRUST SIGNAL: A unique 11-digit number issued by the National Identity Management Commission to every registered Nigerian, used widely for KYC and government services.; See also:BVN KYC
Notice to Quit LEGAL: A formal written notice from landlord to tenant (or vice versa) requiring the tenant to vacate at the end of the notice period prescribed by law or contract.; See also:Quit Notice 7-Day Owner's Intention Notice

O

Occupancy LEGAL: The actual possession or use of a property by a person or entity under a lawful arrangement.; See also:Lease Tenancy
Offer PROCESS: A proposed set of terms by which a tenant expresses interest in taking a listed property or space.; See also:Asking Rent Negotiation
Office Space PROPERTY: A commercial unit configured for administrative, professional, or business operations.; See also:Commercial Property Shop
Omo-Onile LEGAL: A colloquial Nigerian term for members of a landowning family who claim or collect informal dues on land transactions, especially in Lagos and the South-West. Buyers and tenants should verify titles to avoid disputes.; See also:Family House Family Receipt Land Use Act
Operational Framework ARCHITECTURE: The first of BERLVIS SPACES' two structural layers. Encompasses all product features that make the rental process function: rent collection, automatic receipts, KYC, dashboards, escrow protection, move-in codes, condition reports, dispute resolution, and wallet management.; See also:Social Bridge Two-Structure Architecture
Outstanding Balance PAYMENT: Any unpaid amount still owed on rent, fees, utilities, or related obligations.; See also:Arrears Due Date

P

Parking Space PROPERTY: A designated area allocated for a vehicle within a property, compound, or estate.; See also:Amenities Common Area
Payment Plan PAYMENT: A structured schedule showing how a tenant will settle rent or fees over time where flexible arrangements are allowed.; See also:Installment Rent
Payment Protection Fee (PPF) FEE: A tiered fee (₦500–₦5,000) paid by tenants on each rent transaction. Covers the digital receipt, escrow protection, and access to the dispute resolution centre.; See also:Escrow Digital Receipt
Penthouse PROPERTY: A premium apartment occupying the top floor of a building, often with private terraces and upgraded finishes.; See also:Apartment Serviced Apartment
Possession LEGAL: Practical control over a property, especially after lawful transfer, move-in confirmation, or court-backed recovery.; See also:Occupancy Eviction
Power of Attorney LEGAL: A legal instrument authorizing one party to act on behalf of another in defined matters, including signing or managing property transactions.; See also:Deed of Assignment Witness
Prequalification PROCESS: An early-stage assessment of whether a prospective tenant meets basic requirements before full onboarding or payment.; See also:Screening Verification
Pro-Rated Rent PAYMENT: Rent calculated for a partial month or period when a tenancy starts or ends mid-cycle.; See also:Monthly Rent Annual Rent
Property Manager ROLE: A person or company appointed to oversee letting, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and operational issues for a property.; See also:Facility Manager Landlord
Property Owner ROLE: The legal owner of a property or a party entitled to let it out under a valid interest.; See also:Landlord Homeowner
Property Type SEARCH: The classification of a property, such as residential, commercial, flat, duplex, room, or office.; See also:Filters Housing Type
Property Verification TRUST SIGNAL: A review process confirming that a property listing is real, documented, and suitable for publication or transaction.; See also:Verification Status Verified Property
Property Viewing PROCESS: A site visit arranged for a prospective tenant to inspect the location, condition, and suitability of a property.; See also:Inspection Inspection Fee

Q

Quit Notice LEGAL: A statutory or contractual notice requiring a tenant to deliver up possession at the end of a tenancy period or after breach.; See also:Eviction Recovery of Premises

R

Receipt Number PAYMENT: A unique reference assigned to a successful payment receipt for audit, proof, and retrieval purposes.; See also:Digital Receipt Payment Reference
Recovery of Premises LEGAL: The legal process by which a landlord seeks to repossess a property from a tenant in accordance with applicable law.; See also:Quit Notice Eviction
Refundable PAYMENT: A payment or charge that may be returned if specified conditions are met and no deductions are justified.; See also:Caution Fee Deposit
Refundable Deposit PAYMENT: A sum collected at move-in and returned at move-out, less any agreed deductions for damage or unpaid obligations.; See also:Caution Fee Security Deposit
Renewal Notice PROCESS: Communication issued before tenancy expiry to indicate whether rent will be renewed, revised, or terminated.; See also:Lease Renewal Subsequent Rent
Rent PAYMENT: The agreed amount paid by a tenant for the right to occupy and use a property or space for a defined period.; See also:Annual Rent Monthly Rent
Rent Control Edict LEGAL: Historical Nigerian state laws that capped rent and regulated tenancy terms. Many have been replaced by tenancy laws, but the term is still used in older agreements.; See also:Tenancy Law of Lagos 2011 Rent Review
Rent Default PAYMENT: Failure to pay rent in full or on time in accordance with the tenancy agreement.; See also:Arrears Default
Rent Review PRICING: A reassessment of rent amount, usually at renewal or after market changes, subject to law and agreement.; See also:Subsequent Rent Renewal Notice
Rental History TRUST SIGNAL: A record of a user’s previous rental behavior, payment patterns, disputes, and occupancy outcomes.; See also:Berlvis Score Tenant Screening
Reservation Fee FEE: An amount paid to temporarily hold a property or space while documentation or final payment is being completed.; See also:Deposit Offer
Residential Property PROPERTY: Property intended primarily for living or dwelling purposes rather than business use.; See also:Commercial Property Flat
Reversal PAYMENT: The return of a payment to its sender, either automatically due to failure or after a dispute or refund.; See also:Chargeback Auto-Refund
Room and Parlour PROPERTY: A common Nigerian housing type consisting mainly of one bedroom and one living room, with kitchen and bathroom arrangements varying by layout.; See also:Mini Flat Self Contain

S

Saved Search PLATFORM: A stored set of filters that re-runs on demand or notifies the user when new matching listings are published.; See also:Digital Listing Budget Range
Screening PROCESS: The review of a prospective tenant’s identity, affordability, references, and suitability before approval.; See also:KYC Guarantor
Security PROPERTY: Measures used to protect residents, assets, and access, including guards, gates, logs, surveillance, and controlled entry.; See also:Gated Estate Access Control
Security Deposit FEE: A sum held against possible damages, unpaid bills, or contractual breaches and assessed at the end of occupancy.; See also:Caution Fee Refundable
Security Levy FEE: A recurring charge for shared security services such as guards, gates, and surveillance on an estate or compound.; See also:Service Charge Gated Estate
Self Contain PROPERTY: A compact residential unit with private toilet and bathroom, usually arranged for single occupancy or a small household.; See also:Mini Flat Room and Parlour
Semi Furnished PROPERTY: A unit supplied with some furniture or fittings, but not fully equipped for turnkey occupancy.; See also:Furnished Unfurnished
Semi-Detached PROPERTY: A pair of houses sharing one common wall, each with its own entrance and compound.; See also:Detached Terrace
Service Charge FEE: A recurring charge covering shared services such as cleaning, lighting, waste disposal, water systems, and security in common areas.; See also:Estate Dues Common Area
Serviced Apartment PROPERTY: A furnished apartment let with utilities, cleaning, and sometimes hospitality services included in the rent.; See also:Furnished Shortlet
Settlement PAYMENT: The final transfer of funds from a payment processor to the recipient's bank account after a transaction clears.; See also:Bank Transfer Wallet
Shared Apartment PROPERTY: An apartment occupied by two or more unrelated tenants who share common areas while paying for their own rooms.; See also:Co-Living Joint Tenancy
Shell Space PROPERTY: A commercial or unfinished space delivered without complete internal finishes, allowing the occupier to fit it out.; See also:Fit-Out Commercial Property
Shop PROPERTY: A small commercial unit used for retail trade, often within a market, plaza, or street-facing building.; See also:Commercial Property Office Space
Shortlet TENANCY: A furnished accommodation arrangement offered for short stays, often charged daily, weekly, or monthly.; See also:Furnished Booking
Single Room PROPERTY: A single rented room within a house, typically sharing kitchen and bathroom with other occupants.; See also:Face-Me-I-Face-You Self Contain
Smart Lock FEATURE: A digital lock that can be opened with a code, app, or token, enabling remote and time-bound access to a property.; See also:Move-In Code Key Collection
Social Bridge ARCHITECTURE: The second structural layer of BERLVIS SPACES. Refers to the platform's deliberate redesign of the social relationship between landlords and tenants, collapsing both roles into a single unified user class with equal standing, documentation, and protection.; See also:Operational Framework User
Space PROPERTY: An individual rentable unit within a larger property, such as a room, shop, office suite, or floor-based subdivision.; See also:Property Unit
Space Status PLATFORM: The current letting condition of a space, such as vacant, reserved, occupied, or unavailable.; See also:Vacant Occupied
Stamp Duty FEE: A government tax payable on certain legal documents such as tenancy agreements and deeds. Stamping makes the document admissible as evidence in court.; See also:Tenancy Agreement Legal Fee
Statutory Tenancy TENANCY: A tenancy that continues by law after the original contractual term has ended, until validly terminated by the landlord through proper notice.; See also:Holdover Tenant Quit Notice
Studio Apartment PROPERTY: A self-contained unit where the living, sleeping, and cooking spaces share one open room, with a separate bathroom.; See also:Self Contain Mini Flat
Subletting LEGAL: A situation where a tenant rents all or part of a property to another occupant, usually requiring prior approval.; See also:Assignment Joint Tenancy
Subsequent Rent PAYMENT: The rent payable from the second cycle onward after the first-year or initial promotional pricing has ended.; See also:First-Year Rent Rent Review
Suburb LOCATION: A residential area on the outskirts of a major city, typically more affordable and less congested than the urban core.; See also:Mainland Mid-Range Area
Survey Plan LEGAL: A technical document showing the dimensions, boundaries, and location details of land or property.; See also:C of O Title Documents

T

Tenancy LEGAL: The legal or practical relationship created when a tenant occupies a property under agreed terms for a specified period.; See also:Lease Rent
Tenancy Agreement LEGAL: The document setting out the rights, responsibilities, term, rent, notices, and house rules governing a rental arrangement.; See also:Lease Agreement Fee
Tenancy Law of Lagos 2011 LEGAL: The principal Lagos State law regulating residential tenancies, covering rent, notices to quit, recovery of premises, and prohibited practices.; See also:Quit Notice Recovery of Premises
Tenant ROLE: A person or entity granted the right to occupy a property or space in exchange for rent and compliance with agreed terms.; See also:Landlord Tenancy
Tenant Screening PROCESS: A structured review of a prospective tenant’s identity, affordability, references, and risk before approval.; See also:Screening Guarantor KYC
Terrace PROPERTY: A row of identical or near-identical houses sharing side walls, typically built within an estate.; See also:Semi-Detached Detached
Title Documents LEGAL: The collection of documents used to establish ownership, transfer history, or legal interest in a property.; See also:C of O Deed of Assignment Survey Plan
To Let MARKETING: A listing or notice indicating that a property or space is currently available for rent.; See also:Vacant Property Listing
Trust Badge TRUST SIGNAL: A visible signal showing that a property, landlord, or process has passed defined verification or quality checks.; See also:Verification Badge Verified Property
Two-Structure Architecture ARCHITECTURE: The conceptual framework describing how BERLVIS SPACES operates simultaneously as a practical tool (Operational Framework) and as a social redesign mechanism (Social Bridge). The primary differentiator from existing Nigerian proptech platforms.; See also:Operational Framework Social Bridge

U

Unfurnished PROPERTY: A property offered without major furniture, leaving the occupant to provide most movable items.; See also:Furnished Semi Furnished
Unit PROPERTY: A single identifiable rentable section of a property, such as a room, flat, office, or shop.; See also:Space Apartment
User PLATFORM: The universal term for any person with a verified BERLVIS SPACES account, regardless of whether they are operating as a landlord or a tenant at any given moment. Every person joins as a User; roles emerge from actions.; See also:Landlord Tenant Role
USSD Payment PAYMENT: A payment initiated by dialing a short code on a mobile phone, allowing transfers without a smartphone or internet connection.; See also:Bank Transfer Wallet
Utilities PROPERTY: Essential service inputs such as electricity, water, waste disposal, and sometimes internet or gas provision.; See also:Service Charge Outstanding Balance

V

Vacant PROPERTY: A property or space that is currently unoccupied and available for inspection, reservation, or tenancy.; See also:To Let Space Status
Verification Badge TRUST SIGNAL: A status marker showing that a user or property has completed required checks and meets platform verification standards.; See also:KYC Property Verification
Verification Queue PLATFORM: The admin review pipeline where submitted properties or records wait for approval, rejection, or further checks.; See also:Property Verification Verification Status
Verification Status PLATFORM: The current review state of a property or account, such as draft, pending, verified, or rejected.; See also:Property Verification Verified Property
Verified Listing TRUST SIGNAL: A property listing whose title documents, ownership, and physical address have been checked by the platform.; See also:Verification Badge Trust Badge
Verified Property TRUST SIGNAL: A property listing that has passed required review checks and is approved for public discovery and trusted transactions.; See also:Verification Status Explore
Virtual Account PAYMENT: A unique bank account number issued to a user or transaction for the sole purpose of receiving funds that are then routed to a master account.; See also:Bank Transfer Wallet
Virtual Tour MARKETING: A digital visual walkthrough of a property using video, panoramic media, or interactive imagery.; See also:Property Viewing Photos

W

Waiver LEGAL: A voluntary decision to forgo a particular right, fee, or requirement, usually when expressly documented.; See also:Agreement Notice
Walkthrough PROCESS: A guided inspection of a property to review layout, condition, inventory, and readiness for occupancy.; See also:Inspection Condition Report
Wallet PLATFORM: A user balance held on the BERLVIS SPACES platform that can receive payments, hold escrow, and be withdrawn to a verified bank account.; See also:Withdrawal Fee Escrow
Ward LOCATION: A smaller administrative or civic area sometimes used alongside street, LGA, and state in Nigerian addresses.; See also:LGA Address
Warehouse PROPERTY: A large commercial structure used for storing goods, raw materials, or distribution.; See also:Commercial Property Mixed Use
What does Omo-Onile mean? FAQ: Omo-Onile literally means "child of the landowner". In Nigerian land transactions it refers to members of a landowning family who often demand informal dues during sales or construction.; See also:Omo-Onile Family Receipt
What is agency fee in Nigeria? FAQ: Agency fee is a charge paid to a property agent or platform for finding a tenant a home. In Nigeria it is typically 10 percent of the annual rent and is paid in addition to the rent itself.; See also:Agency Fee Commission
Withdrawal Fee FEE: A small charge applied when a user moves funds out of their platform wallet to a bank account.; See also:Wallet Bank Transfer
Witness LEGAL: A person who observes the signing of an agreement and may attest that the execution was properly made.; See also:Tenancy Agreement Legal Fee

Y

Yearly Tenancy TENANCY: A tenancy where rent is paid and renewed on an annual cycle, common in Nigerian residential lettings.; See also:Annual Rent Monthly Tenancy

Rental terms, defined.

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