If you’re renting a home anywhere in Nigeria, it’s always a good idea to know what to expect before paying for an apartment. There are several boxes that a new place must tick in order to satisfy your needs as your dwelling.
Read more about Real Estate
Unfortunately, many tenants have lost money to shady agents, landlords, or poorly maintained buildings because they didn’t check everything they ought to. This guide is aimed at helping you avoid that outcome in your house hunting. In it, we explain what you should know when renting an apartment, what bills you’ll likely pay, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
What follows is a rundown of what you should do when looking to rent a home.
Inspect the Apartment Thoroughly
Before paying for an apartment, take a detailed physical inspection. Don’t rely on pictures or videos alone; visit the property in person. Make sure there’s regular running water; you can ask neighbours about water availability. Also, confirm that the apartment has a prepaid meter or a fair billing system.
Look for cracks, dampness, or leaks that may indicate poor maintenance. Another set of things to review are plumbing and toilets; test the taps, showers, and toilets to ensure they work properly. Finally, check the doors, windows, and general safety of the area.
If possible, visit at different times of the day to observe noise levels, lighting, and traffic around the neighborhood.
Verify the Landlord and Agent
This step is crucial when paying for an apartment in Nigeria. Always confirm that the person showing you the property is authorised to do so. You may want to ask for ownership documents like the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), deed of assignment, or survey plan.
We advise that you meet the landlord in person before making any payment (if he or she is available).
Avoid cash payments to agents; instead, pay into the landlord’s verified bank account.
You can also confirm the property’s legitimacy through local authorities or community leaders, especially in cities like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, where rental scams are common.
Understand the Rent and Other Charges
Before committing, ensure you understand every bill you’ll need to pay. You’ve probably asked the question, “What bills do you pay when renting an apartment?” The main ones include:
- Rent, which you’ll pay yearly in advance in Nigeria (in most cases).
- Agency fee, typically 5–10% of the annual rent.
- Legal fee– Often 5–10% of the annual rent, paid to the landlord’s lawyer.
- Caution fee – A refundable deposit for potential damages.
- Service charge for maintenance of shared facilities (especially in estates or flats).
Ask for written clarification of all fees before paying.
Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Review the Tenancy Agreement Carefully
The tenancy agreement defines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. It should state the rental cost and payment schedule, duration of the lease, conditions for renewal or termination, maintenance responsibilities, and rules on visitors, pets, and renovations.
Don’t sign if you don’t understand the terms. Seek legal advice if necessary. Understanding this document helps you know what to expect when renting an apartment and prevents future disputes.
Assess the Neighbourhood
The environment in which an apartment is situated matters as much as the house itself. So it’s crucial that you ascertain things such as its accessibility (are roads navigable during rainy seasons?), security (talk to residents about theft or area boys), amenities (are there nearby markets, hospitals, schools, or public transport), noise (is the area peaceful?), and sanitation (is it well-maintained?).
Living in a bad neighbourhood can make even the most beautiful apartment unbearable.
Confirm the Power Supply and Internet Access
Nigeria’s perennial challenge with power supply makes this an important point to verify. You will want to ask current tenants about power availability and the local electricity distribution company’s reliability. Also, test network signals for mobile and internet services. This helps you plan for alternatives like solar or inverter systems if needed.
Negotiate Smartly and Get Receipts
Always negotiate politely but firmly. Compare prices of similar apartments in the area before paying. As soon as you agree, make sure all payments are documented. Request official receipts signed by the landlord and keep copies of all correspondence.
Find an Apartment for Rent: The Best Place to Look
Would you like to take the stress off finding a decent apartment to rent? That’s what Connect Nigeria Real Estate is for.
Connect Nigeria Real Estate is an online listing of diverse residential and commercial spaces for rent or sale. You can view photos of properties on the platform, and contact agents and landlords through their phone numbers provided on the site. To visit Connect Nigeria Real Estate, click HERE.
Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
Final Words
If you know what to check before paying for an apartment, you’ll save yourself from regrets and financial loss. Take your time, do your due diligence, and never rush because of pressure from agents or other prospective tenants. A little caution today can save you from big problems tomorrow.
Find our comprehensive listings of businesses in Nigeria here https://businesses.connectnigeria.com/