How to Rent an Apartment in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renting in Nigeria can feel like a maze of agents, fees and rushed decisions. It gets much easier when you do things in the right order. Here is the full process, from first search to the day you collect your keys.

1. Set a budget that includes the upfront costs

Most landlords ask for a year's rent (sometimes more) in one go, and that is only the start. Add the agent fee, legal or agreement fee, caution deposit and any service charge. Then add moving costs and a few weeks of buffer for things you will need to buy.

A simple rule: work out the total cash you need on day one, not just the rent. If that figure stretches you, look at a smaller place or a nearby area rather than agreeing to a payment plan you cannot keep up.

2. Decide what actually matters

Write down your must-haves before you start browsing, or every listing will look tempting:

• Commute time to work or school (check it at rush hour, not on a Sunday)
• Water, power and security situation
• Number of rooms, and whether you need parking
• Whether the place is self-contained or shared

3. Search on more than one channel

Use a property platform like 9jaFinder to compare many listings in one place, filter by area and price, and see what is available near you. Ask friends and colleagues as well. Be careful with listings that have no address, no real photos or a price far below the area average. We cover this in how to avoid rental scams.

4. Contact the agent or landlord and ask questions

Before you travel to see a place, ask:

• Is it still available, and who owns it?
• What is the total you need to pay upfront, itemised?
• Is the rent fixed for the year? Are there service charges?
• What are the neighbours and the compound like?

A genuine agent answers clearly. Vague replies or pressure to "pay now to hold it" are warning signs.

5. Inspect in person

Never pay for a place you have not seen. Go in daylight, test the taps, sockets, locks and windows, and check for leaks or damp. Our inspection checklist has 25 things to look at. You can also book an inspection directly from a listing.

6. Verify who you are paying

Ask to see proof the person can rent out the property: a letter of authority from the owner if they are an agent, or ownership documents if it is the landlord. Pay into an account in the name of the landlord or a registered agency, and be wary of personal accounts you cannot trace.

7. Read the tenancy agreement before you sign

Check the rent amount, duration, renewal terms, who pays for repairs, notice periods and the caution deposit conditions. Do not sign anything you have not read, and do not rely on verbal promises. See what to look for in a tenancy agreement.

8. Pay with a paper trail

Pay by bank transfer, keep the receipt, and get a written acknowledgement of every payment. Rent paid through 9jaFinder's in-app wallet comes with receipts and a payment history stored in one place.

9. Take photos on move-in day

Photograph every room, fixture and existing damage before you bring in your things, and send copies to the landlord. This protects your caution deposit when you leave.

Quick checklist

• Budget for the full upfront total
• Visit in daylight, more than once if you can
• Verify the person you are paying
• Read the agreement
• Keep every receipt and photo

Ready to start looking? Browse available properties or find an agent near you.