Finding an apartment for rent in Nigeria — particularly in Lagos or Abuja — requires more preparation than simply viewing properties and picking one. Move-in costs can be two to three times the first month's rent. Scam listings are common. And the difference between a smooth renting experience and a frustrating one often comes down to a few due diligence steps most tenants skip. This guide covers the full process from budget to keys.
Step 1: Calculate Your True Move-In Budget
In Lagos and Abuja, move-in costs for a typical apartment include: one or two years of rent paid upfront (standard in the Nigerian market), estate agency fee (typically one to two years of monthly rent, paid to the agent), legal fee (typically six months of monthly rent, paid to a solicitor who drafts the tenancy agreement), and potentially a service charge, utility connections, and security deposit. Before viewing any property, calculate the full move-in amount — not just the annual rent figure in the listing.
Step 2: Choose Your Location Based on Commute
Lagos and Abuja traffic means that a 5km commute can take 90 minutes in peak hours on certain routes. Before committing to a neighbourhood, test your commute at the times you will actually travel. Proximity to Lagos Island from Surulere and proximity to Victoria Island from Lekki Phase 1 are two very different journeys depending on the time of day. Location choice has more impact on your daily quality of life than most other decision factors.
Step 3: Search on a Verified Listing Platform
Use a platform that verifies listings before they go live. Scam listings — properties that do not exist, properties already let, or properties listed by non-owners — are common on unverified classifieds sites. On Cabans, listings are reviewed before publication. This filters ghost properties and gives you higher confidence that what you are enquiring about is real and available.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions Before Viewing
Before travelling to a property, confirm by message or phone: the exact rent and payment terms (annual/semi-annual/quarterly), the full agency and legal fees, the monthly or annual service charge and what it covers, the generator provision (hours per day, who pays for diesel), and whether the property is available immediately or on a future date. Time spent clarifying these details upfront saves wasted journeys to properties outside your budget or with unexpected terms.
Step 5: Inspect Thoroughly at Every Viewing
At every viewing: check water pressure at each tap, test the electrical sockets, check the state of walls and ceilings for damp or cracks, inspect the kitchen sink and bathroom drainage, and observe the common areas and compound — these indicate how the building is managed. Ask how long the property has been vacant, how many tenants are in the building, and whether any maintenance issues are pending. Visit at least twice if you are seriously interested — preferably at different times of day.
Step 6: Verify the Landlord Before Paying
Before paying any deposit or rent: ask for the landlord's ID (passport or national ID) and proof of ownership (title document or tenancy receipt from a previous tenant). If dealing through an agent, confirm the agent's name, phone number, and agency details, and ask to meet or speak with the actual landlord before payment. Never pay rent or agency fees to someone you have not verified. In Nigeria, advance-fee property scams (paying for a property that then becomes unavailable or does not exist) typically target people who rush the verification step.
Step 7: Negotiate the Terms
Most landlords in Nigeria expect some negotiation. On rent: 5–10% below asking is a reasonable starting negotiation on many properties. On payment terms: if you can pay two years upfront, ask for a discount versus one-year-at-a-time tenants — landlords typically reward this. On agency and legal fees: these are usually less negotiable but occasionally flexible on longer-term agreements. On move-in date: if the property needs minor repairs or painting, negotiate for these to be completed before move-in rather than accepting a "we will do it afterwards" promise.
Step 8: Read the Tenancy Agreement Before Signing
The tenancy agreement governs your rights and obligations for the entire period of your tenancy. Read it fully before signing. Key things to check: the exact rent amount and payment schedule, the duration of the tenancy and renewal terms, the notice period required by both sides, the responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, the conditions for returning your security deposit, and whether you are permitted to sublet or use the property for any business purpose. If any clause is unclear, ask the solicitor to explain it or have your own solicitor review it before signing.
Summary
Finding a good apartment for rent in Nigeria requires preparation, patience, and careful due diligence — particularly on costs and landlord verification. Tenants who take these steps spend significantly less time dealing with disputes, unexpected costs, and poor-quality accommodation than those who rush the process. Start your search on a verified platform, budget for the real move-in cost, and never pay without verifying the person you are paying.