How our escrow payment system works

When you make a payment on Flatmates Nigeria, your money does not go directly to the host. Instead, it is held in a secure escrow account managed by our licensed payment partner. The host cannot access the funds until the hold period has passed.

This system protects you in case the property does not match its listing, the host cancels at the last minute, or any other issue arises on or around your check-in date.

The escrow hold begins at your scheduled check-in time. You have a 24-hour window to inspect the property and raise any issues with Flatmates support. If you do not raise a dispute within this window, we treat your check-in as successful and release the funds.

This is why it is important not to wait - if you arrive and something is wrong, contact us the same day.

Once the 24-hour window closes without a dispute, the payment is automatically released to the host's nominated payout account. Hosts typically receive funds within 1–2 business days depending on their bank.

For longer stays, rent payments after the first month are released on a monthly schedule - not held in escrow for the full duration of the tenancy.

If you raise a valid dispute within 24 hours of check-in, the payment is frozen and our support team investigates. Possible outcomes include:

• Full refund to the guest if the listing is significantly misrepresented
• Partial refund agreed between both parties
• Full release to the host if the dispute is not upheld

Our team aims to resolve disputes within 48 hours. During this time, you should remain in or near the property unless we advise otherwise.

Is my money safe if Flatmates Nigeria closes down? Yes - escrow funds are held in segregated accounts by our regulated payment partner and are not part of Flatmates Nigeria's operating capital.

Does the host know my payment is in escrow? Yes - hosts are informed that funds are held until the check-in window closes. This is a standard condition of listing on our platform.