The Lagos Rental Process, Step by Step: From Search to Keys

Because Lagos landlords usually want a year upfront, your budget is the full move-in sum, not your monthly salary: annual rent plus caution deposit, agency fee, legal fee and any service charge. Work this out before you start looking so you only view what you can actually take.

Use a platform with verified listings rather than roadside agents and WhatsApp groups. Shortlist by area, budget and property type, and line up several viewings so you are not pressured into the first option.

Never pay for a place you have not seen. Inspect during the day and ideally again in the evening, checking water, the prepaid meter, damp, security and the neighbourhood. Photograph everything.

Confirm the landlord owns or can let the property, then agree the rent, deposit, fees, tenancy length and notice period - in writing. Make sure anything promised verbally is captured in the tenancy agreement.

Pay through a protected, receipted method - on Flatmates Nigeria, into escrow - so your money is only released to the landlord once you confirm move-in. Then collect the keys, do a final condition check, and you are home.

Follow the steps in order and the most stressful market in Nigeria becomes a process you control.