Renting in Nigeria too often means paying quickly and asking questions later. Reverse that. A few checks before you commit will save you a year of regret.
Verify who you are paying
Is the person collecting rent the owner — or an agent with authority? Ask for proof of ownership or a written mandate from the landlord, and confirm the name on the tenancy agreement matches.
Read the tenancy agreement — properly
The agreement should state the rent, the duration, the renewal terms, notice periods, who maintains what, and any service charges. If a clause seems designed to confuse, ask for it in plain language before signing. Underage or expired agreements cause problems at renewal.
Inspect with your phone out
Photograph everything: taps, sockets, locks, kitchen units, the roof, the borehole, the generator. Record the meter readings. Attach the photographs as an inventory. When you eventually leave, this inventory is what protects your deposit.
Test the practical things
- Run the taps and showers — check pressure and drainage
- Check electricity: meter type, prepaid or estimated, and who pays for what
- Ask about generator arrangements and fuel costs
- Visit at night: is the street lit? Is there noise?
- Ask neighbours about flooding, security and power in the area
Agree the renewal before you need it
Rent review terms should be in the agreement. If they are not, agree expectations in writing before you move in. A good landlord values a good tenant; a professional letting agent will have this conversation early — happily.
A letting agent who resists these steps is telling you something. Work with one who encourages them.