10 Things to Always Check Before Renting an Apartment in Nigeria

Renting an apartment in Nigeria can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a rush, unfamiliar with the area, or dealing with shady agents. From surprise charges to landlords who vanish after payment, many tenants learn the hard way

House hunting often feels like a full-time job. More often than not, agents won’t reveal the whole story of possible pitfalls until you’ve already paid. That’s why you need more than luck; you need a checklist.

Whether you’re searching in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or anywhere else, these 10 critical checks will help you avoid costly mistakes, disappointment, and, worst of all, regret.

Right now, a typical two‑bedroom apartment in mid‑range Lagos neighbourhoods rents for around ₦5.8 million per year, according to Nigeria Property Centre’s June 2025 data. And most of these rental agreements come with extra costs, agency fees, service charges, and caution deposits that can add 20% or more to your total budget

1. Water Supply — Don’t Assume It’s Available

Many tenants move into apartments only to discover that water doesn’t run for days or ever. Some houses rely on shared boreholes, tanks, or wells that barely function.

 What to do:

• Turn on all the taps during inspection, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
  
• Ask other tenants if they experience daily water flow and if they purchase water externally.
  
• Check for a functioning pump or borehole on-site.
  

 Visit around 6–8 AM or 8–9 PM when water demand is high. That’s when issues show up.

2. Electricity Supply — How Often Does PHCN Show Up?

No one expects 24/7 power, but some areas are better than others. It affects everything from your productivity to your fuel budget.

 What to do:

• Ask current residents how many hours of light they get daily.
  
• Use community apps like Up NEPA or Google Reviews to check outage patterns.
  
• Find out the PHCN provider (e.g., IKEDC, EKEDC) and their reputation in that area.
  

 Some houses have prepaid meters per apartment, others don’t. Always ask.

3. Flood Risk — Is the Area Safe When It Rains?

Some areas look great in the dry season, but become mini rivers when it rains.

 What to do:

• Ask about drainage. Is there a proper system in place?
  
• Look for water lines on the walls (a sign of past flooding).
  
• Google “[area name] flood” and check the results. You’ll be shocked by what turns up.
  

 Avoid ground-floor units in flood-prone neighbourhoods.

4. Security of the Area — Not Just the Apartment

Is the neighbourhood safe to return to after 9 PM? Is the street well-lit? Does your compound have a gate that actually locks?

 What to do:

• Talk to neighbours or shop owners to ask if they’ve experienced robberies or break-ins.
  
• Check for vigilante services, security guards, or estate protection.
  
• Visit the area at night to see what it’s like after dark.
  

 If you see lots of “security wire” and high fences, ask why. 

5. Hidden Charges

Rent might be ₦800,000, but with agent fees, agreement fees, service charges, and caution fees, it could easily reach ₦1.2 million.

 What to do:

• Ask for a complete written breakdown before committing.
  
• Confirm who pays for waste disposal, compound cleaning, and the light bill.
  
• Ask when the caution fee is refundable and how.
  

 Avoid “service charge pending” or vague terms. Get clarity in writing.

6. Is the Agent or Landlord Legit?

Rental scams are everywhere. Some tenants pay rent to agents who disappear the next day.

 What to do:

• Always ask for the landlord’s number. Speak with them directly.
  
• Avoid cash payments. Pay via transfer with a clear reference.
  
• Never pay full rent without a signed tenancy agreement.
  

 If something feels off, walk away. There are always other apartments.

7. Road Access & Transport

An affordable apartment isn’t worth it if it’s inside a swamp, on a dead-end street, or takes 3 buses and a bike to get to work.

 What to do:

• Check the road condition, especially after rain.
  
• Take the time to commute to your work or school during rush hour.
  
• If you don’t have a car, are there buses, keke, or bikes nearby?
  

 A cheap rent in a remote area often leads to higher monthly transport costs.

8. Noise Level — Can You Sleep at Night?

An apartment next to a generator, bar, or mosque may drive you crazy after a week.

 What to do:

• Visit at night and on a weekend. That’s when noise peaks.
  
• Listen for loudspeakers, traffic, or neighbour arguments.
  
• Ask what the noise policy is, especially in shared compounds.

9. Ventilation and Natural Light

Some apartments are built like caves with no airflow, no windows, just heat and darkness.

 What to do:

• Open windows and feel the air.
  
• Check sun direction: East-facing rooms get morning light, West-facing rooms get hot in the afternoon.
  
• Avoid back-facing rooms with zero ventilation.

10. The Rules of the House

You don’t want to move in and find out later: “No pets,” “No visitors after 8 PM,” or “You must switch off the generator by 10.”

 What to do:

• Ask about generator use, guest policy, cooking gas rules, and cleaning rotation.
  
• Meet at least one neighbour and get their honest take.
  
• Ask: “What’s the landlord like?”
  

 Some landlords are nice. Some will stress your life. Ask around.

An apartment isn’t just walls and rent; it’s your peace of mind, safety, comfort, and daily routine. Don’t let pressure from agents or Fear of Missing Out make you ignore the red flags. Ask questions, inspect more than once, and if in doubt, wait. It’s better to delay than to regret.