First Time Renter
The first rental checklist every Lagos apartment hunter should use
A practical pre-inspection checklist covering hidden fees, power realities, water pressure, access roads, and landlord questions before you commit.
Start with the money story
In Lagos, the headline rent rarely tells the whole story. Before you fall in love with a flat, ask for the annual rent, agency fee, legal fee, caution fee, service charge, and any recurring estate levy in one place.
If a lister cannot state those numbers clearly, that confusion will usually get worse after payment, not better.
Inspect the building like you will live there
Stand in the compound, not just the living room. Check drainage, parking behaviour, refuse handling, stairwell lighting, and whether the building feels maintained when no one is trying to impress you.
Small operational details reveal whether the property will stay calm after move-in.
Ask the uncomfortable questions early
How many hours of power are realistic? What is the water source? Who pays for repairs? Is there a house rule that will affect visitors, generators, pets, or parking?
Serious landlords and agents should answer clearly without acting offended.