Thinking of renting an apartment in Nigeria? Don’t rush!

Many people have moved into “dream houses” that quickly turned into nightmares, from leaky roofs to hidden charges and even fake landlords. The first time Chika tried to rent an apartment in Lagos, everything seemed perfect. The walls were well painted, the landlord sounded friendly, and the agent kept assuring her that “people are rushing the house.”

Out of excitement, she hurriedly paid the fees. But after moving in, the roof began to leak, the electricity bills were suspiciously high, and the landlord became a constant source of stress.

Sadly, Chika’s story is not unusual because many Nigerians have been tricked into renting apartments that later turned into regrets.

If you don’t want to fall into the same trap, you need to know what to look out for. Here are five red flags you should never ignore when renting an apartment in Nigeria.

1. No Written Tenancy Agreement for your Apartment

A written tenancy agreement is more than just a formality. It is your legal shield as a tenant. Without one, you are at the mercy of the landlord’s words, which can change at any time.

Imagine paying for a one-year rent only to have the landlord ask you to leave after six months. Or discovering hidden rules like “no visitors after 8 p.m.” that were never discussed.

A tenancy agreement outlines the responsibilities of both parties, the duration of the rent, renewal terms, and other vital conditions. If a landlord tells you “don’t worry, we don’t do paper here,” that’s your cue to run.

2. Upfront Charges That Don’t Make Sense for the Apartment

Rent in Nigeria is already expensive, and some landlords and agents take advantage of desperate tenants by adding suspicious charges.

While fees like rent, caution fee, agency, and legal fees are fairly standard, others such as “inspection fee,” “development levy,” “security contribution,” or even “waste disposal fee” before you’ve moved in are questionable.

Some agents may also ask for multiple months’ rent upfront beyond what is legal or reasonable. Always request a detailed list of charges, compare with industry norms, and don’t be pressured into paying for things that are not clearly explained or receipted.

3. Poor Building Condition

Many Nigerians have moved into apartments that looked good on the surface but turned out to be disasters within weeks.

Fresh paint and tiled floors can be deceptive. Always inspect the plumbing, check if water flows properly and if taps leak. Test the electrical sockets and ensure wiring is not exposed.

Ask about flooding during rainy seasons; many houses in low-lying areas turn into swimming pools once it rains. Pay attention to the neighborhood too: poor drainage, unstable electricity supply, or lack of security can make life unbearable.

If the landlord has not bothered to fix obvious problems before putting the house up for rent, it’s unlikely they will address your complaints once you move in.

4. Shady Landlords or Agents

A difficult landlord or a dishonest agent can make your stay miserable, no matter how beautiful the apartment looks.

Be cautious if an agent insists you must “pay now because others are already interested,” without allowing proper inspection.

Also, beware of landlords who refuse to meet you directly or seem overly aggressive during discussions. Some landlords in Nigeria are known to change rent conditions suddenly, harass tenants for minor issues, or lock up premises when disputes arise.

Talk to current or past tenants if possible. They are the best source of honest feedback about how the landlord handles tenants.

5. No Proof of Ownership

This is one of the most dangerous red flags, and many unsuspecting tenants have fallen victim. In Nigeria, some fraudsters pose as landlords or caretakers and collect rent for properties they don’t own.

Others sublet apartments illegally without the owner’s consent. Before making any payment, ask for proof of ownership such as a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), deed of assignment, or allocation letter.

At the very least, confirm from neighbors, caretakers, or community leaders that the person you’re dealing with is the true landlord.

If you can, involve a lawyer to verify documents before parting with money. It may seem like an extra expense, but it can save you from losing hundreds of thousands of naira.

Final Thoughts

House-hunting in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted, but with patience and vigilance, you can avoid costly mistakes.

At the end of the day, renting a house should give you peace of mind, not endless battles. Protect yourself, do your due diligence, and rent smart.

Don’t let desperation or excitement push you into ignoring the warning signs. If there’s no written agreement, strange charges, poor building condition, shady landlord behavior, or no proof of ownership; walk away. Another apartment will always come up.

MyPlace.ng connects tenants with reputable landlords and agents who offer transparent listings, making your apartment search easier and more successful.