How to Rent an Apartment in Nigeria Without Getting Scammed

House hunting in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt can be stressful — and fake agents are everywhere. Here is how to find a place, understand the fees and protect your money.

Illustration of a house, keys and a warning sign

💸 Understand the costs

Besides rent, many landlords and agents ask for extra payments. Ask for a full written breakdown before you agree to anything.

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Rent

Often paid yearly in advance, sometimes for more. Some states, like Lagos, have tenancy laws that limit advance rent in certain cases — ask a lawyer if unsure.

Main cost

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Agency fee

Commonly a percentage of the yearly rent, paid to the agent.

Negotiable

⚖️

Legal / agreement fee

For preparing the tenancy agreement.

Ask what it covers

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Caution deposit

A refundable deposit for damages — get the refund terms in writing.

Refundable

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Service charge

For estates: security, waste, water or generator.

Monthly or yearly

🚩 Red flags of a fake listing

The price is far below other houses in the same area.
The “agent” asks for money before you have seen the inside of the house.
They say the landlord is abroad and you should pay to them directly.
They pressure you: “Five other people want it — pay today.”
The same photos appear on other listings with different addresses.

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See it before you pay

Never pay rent or fees for a house you have not physically inspected, and never pay into a personal account without confirming who owns the property.

🪜 Step-by-step safe renting

Inspect in personVisit during the day and again in the evening. Check water, power, drainage, phone signal and the neighbourhood.
Meet the landlord or caretakerAsk current tenants or neighbours who owns the house and what living there is like.
Verify the agentAsk for their office address and registration where applicable, and look for reviews.
Read the tenancy agreementCheck rent, duration, increases, repairs, notice period and what happens to your deposit.
Pay into a traceable accountUse bank transfers in the landlord’s or company’s name, never cash without a receipt.
Get receipts for everythingRent, agency, legal and caution fees should each have a signed receipt.

💡

Document the house

Take dated photos and a video of every room on the day you move in. They are your proof if there is a dispute about the caution deposit later.

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Join the conversation

What is the craziest thing an agent asked you to pay for? · Which city in Nigeria has the hardest rent market right now?

Frequently asked questions

What fees do tenants pay in Nigeria?

Besides rent, tenants often pay agency, legal (agreement) and caution fees, and sometimes service charges in estates. Always ask for a written breakdown.

Should I pay an inspection fee?

Some agents charge one, but many scams start with it. Pay only small, reasonable amounts to agents you have verified.

How do I know an agent is real?

Visit their office, ask for references, speak to the landlord or caretaker directly and never pay before inspecting the property.

Written by the askJBoss team from public information and our own research; last updated October 2026. Prices, dates and rules change — always confirm with the official source. Spotted something that has changed? Tell us in the comments.