Renting in Lagos: What Nobody Tells You Before You Sign

Lagos has its own rental language

If you're moving to Lagos for the first time — or relocating from another state — the rental market will feel like it has its own rules. Because it does. Here's what to know before you start looking.

Upfront payments are standard

Almost every landlord in Lagos asks for rent in advance. Most ask for one year upfront. Some ask for two. Budget for this from day one — it is not negotiable in most cases, though it's always worth trying.

Agency fees and legal fees

When you rent through an agent, expect to pay:

• Agency fee — typically 10% of annual rent, paid to the agent
• Legal fee — typically 10% of annual rent, paid to a lawyer who drafts the tenancy agreement
• Caution deposit — usually one month's rent, refundable when you leave (in theory)

So on a ₦800,000/year flat, you're paying ₦800k rent + ₦80k agency + ₦80k legal + ₦66k caution = roughly ₦1.026m to move in.

Things to check before you sign

1. Is there a functioning prepaid meter? — No meter means you pay estimated bills or beg the landlord for units.
2. Water source — Borehole, well, or LSWC mains? Ask if it's ever run dry.
3. Generator and fuel arrangement — Who pays for diesel? What hours does it run?
4. Drainage — Visit during or after rain if you can. Flooding is not obvious from photos.
5. Landlord's title — Ask to see proof of ownership. You don't want to be evicted because someone else owns the land.

Negotiate the renewal

Before you sign, ask what the rent increase policy is. Many Lagos landlords raise rent by 20–30% at renewal with little notice. Get something in writing, even informally.

HouseRun agents go through all of this on your behalf before they send you a property. You only go once — to a place already vetted.