EFFECT OF TENANTS’ BEHAVIOURS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY RENTAL OBLIGATION COMPLIANCE IN AKURE, NIGERIA

Purpose: Understanding the behavioural factors influencing tenants' adherence to lease agreements is crucial for landlords, property managers, and policymakers seeking to foster a positive and sustainable private rental sector. The aim of this study is to investigate and understand the impact of tenants' behaviour on their compliance with rental obligations in the private rented sector in the construction industry in Akure.

Design/methodology/approach: To achieve this aim, evaluations were carried out on tenants with existing leases in the management portfolio of the Estate Surveying and Valuation firms in Akure and have completed at least one year after the commencement of their tenancy, allowing for the observation of various behavioural patterns that might affect their commitment to rental obligations. Descriptive research design was employed and data relating to information on the demography and tenant's behaviour concerning compliance with lease obligations were obtained from the twenty-five (25) Estate Surveying and Valuation firms in Akure. Copies of questionnaire were administered to the Estate surveying and valuation firms in the study area, while qualitative and quantitative statistical tools were utilized in the analysis of the retrieved data.

Findings: The result of the study showed that evading payment of bills, such as electricity and waste disposal fees, was a prominent behaviour among tenants. In addition, the continuous evasion of bills by a tenant reduced the likelihood of compliance with lease obligations.

Research limitations/Implications: The limitations include the use of only tenants with existing leases in the management portfolio of the Estate Surveying and Valuation firms in Akure with at least one year of residency. The contribution to knowledge is that this study established the influence tenants' behaviours on compliance with residential property lease obligation.

Practical implications: ¬It is recommended that property managers should consider incorporating measures to address bill evasion and promote responsible payment practices among tenants.

Originality/value: The study revealed the most prominent behaviour among tenants to be an evasion of payment of bills such as electricity, waste disposal bills, etc in Akure metropolis.