Section 20 Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law

Section 20 of the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of Lagos State 1997 is about Hearing of summons. It provides as follows:

(1) If the tenant fails at the hearing of the summons to show good cause to the
contrary, then on proof by the landlord of—

(a) the defendant still neglecting or refusing to deliver up the premises;
(b) the yearly rent of the premises;
(c) the holding;

(d) the expiration or other determination of the tenancy within the time and manner;
(e) the title of the landlord, if such has accrued since the letting of the premises; and
(f) the service of the summons if the defendant does not appear thereto.
The Tribunal may order as in Form J, K or L whichever is applicable to the case, that
possession of the premises mentioned either forthwith or on or before such day as
the Tribunal shall think fit to specify.

(2) If the plaintiff at the time named in the summons or at any adjournment thereof
shall fail to obtain an order under subsection (1) above, the defendant shall be
entitled to judgment and may be awarded costs such judgment and award being as
in Form M.

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