Relative Incidence of Tenant Eviction in Residential and Commercial Properties in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria between 1998 – 2007

Abstract

In property management, some reasons would make it imperative to terminate some tenancies so, tenant eviction is almost inevitable. It is a global phenomenon, occurring in all parts of the world, both developing and developed countries. The main thrust of this study is to assess the relative incidence of eviction in residential and commercial properties in Ilorin metropolis. Primary data for this study including records of tenant evictions from residential and commercial properties within the ten-year period were collected by self-administered questionnaires administered on the 16 practising firms of Estate Surveyors and Valuers within Ilorin metropolis during the period covered by the study. There were increasing trend in eviction during the period. Results showed that evictions from residential properties accounted for 67.35 % while commercial properties accounted for 32.65%. The incidence of tenant eviction was higher on residential properties while low income earners residing in tenement and block of flats are mostly affected. The paper provides a basis for comparing the occurrence of evictions from residential and commercial properties with a view to guiding policy makers, property managers and tenants.