How to Find a Rental Apartment in Lagos: A Complete Guide for Expats

By Tunde Adebayo

When my company transferred me to Lagos, they gave me a relocation allowance, a list of estate agents, and a cheerful: "Good luck finding a place!"

Three weeks later, after viewing seventeen apartments, negotiating with five agents, and almost signing a lease for a property that didn't actually exist, I finally moved into my first Lagos home. The experience taught me more about Nigerian real estate than any guidebook could.

Finding a rental apartment in Lagos as an expat is a unique challenge. The market operates differently from what you're used to. Agents have their own rules. Landlords have surprising demands. And the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake often comes down to what you know before you start looking.

This guide walks you through every step of the process – from where to search, to what to check during viewings, to understanding that confusing tenancy agreement. I've made most of the mistakes myself, so you don't have to.

📌 Before You Start: Know What You're Looking For

Before contacting any agents, get clear on your requirements. Lagos is overwhelming enough without adding apartment-hunting chaos.

Create Your Must-Have List

Answer these questions before you start:

Budget: What's your absolute maximum monthly rent? (Remember: most landlords want two years upfront – we'll discuss this later.)
Location: Which neighbourhood? Consider your commute, access to amenities, and security.
Size: How many bedrooms? Do you need a study, guest room, or servants' quarters?
Power: Does the apartment have a dedicated generator or inverter? 24-hour power supply in the estate?
Water: Is there a borehole and overhead tank? Water supply should be 24/7.
Security: What security measures exist? Guards? CCTV? Gated estate?
Parking: Covered parking? Space for multiple cars?
Pets: Do you have pets? Many Lagos landlords refuse them.

Set a Realistic Budget

Beyond rent, factor in:

Estate service charges: $100–$300 monthly (sometimes included in rent, sometimes extra)
Generator fuel: $100–$300 monthly (depending on power situation)
Maintenance: Budget 5-10% of rent for unexpected repairs
Agent fee: Typically 10% of annual rent (paid once)
Legal fee: If you use a lawyer (recommended), another 10% of annual rent

🔍 Where to Search: Finding Available Properties

Lagos doesn't have a centralized MLS (Multiple Listing Service). You'll need to use multiple channels.

1. Online Property Portals

These are good for getting a sense of prices and availability:

PropertyPro – Nigeria's largest property site
NigerianPropertyCentre – Good coverage of Lagos
Jiji – Classifieds, but verify carefully
Private Property Nigeria – Another solid option

My tip: Use these to understand the market, but don't expect every listing to be current. Many are outdated, and some are bait to get your contact details.

2. Expat Facebook Groups

This is often your best resource. Join these groups and post what you're looking for:

Lagos Expats (15,000+ members)
Expats in Nigeria
Lagos Moms (if you have family)
Lagos Business and Professional Network

Why this works: Expats leaving Lagos often post their apartments before they go. You can take over their lease, saving agent fees and getting a known quantity.

3. Estate Agents

Love them or hate them, you'll probably need an agent. The key is finding a good one.

How to find reliable agents:

Ask colleagues for recommendations
Check expat Facebook groups for agent reviews
Look for agents registered with NIESV (Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers) – these are more professional

Red flags:

Agents demanding payment before any viewing
Agents who won't give you their full name and office address
Agents who pressure you to decide immediately

4. Drive Around

In Lagos, many available properties have "To Let" signs but aren't listed online. Pick a neighbourhood you like and spend a morning driving around. Note the agent phone numbers on the signs.

👀 Viewing Properties: What to Check

When you finally get to viewings, go prepared. I once viewed an apartment that looked perfect – until I opened the kitchen cabinets and found mushrooms growing inside.

During Daylight Hours

Always view in daylight first. You need to see:

Natural light and ventilation: Lagos is hot; good airflow matters
Water pressure: Turn on taps in kitchen and bathrooms
Damp or mould: Check ceilings, corners, behind furniture
Cracks in walls: Structural issues can be expensive
Plumbing: Flush toilets, check for leaks
Electrical: Test lights, switches, and sockets

Ask These Questions

"How many hours of public power supply do you get?" – The answer determines your generator fuel costs.
"Is the generator included? What's its capacity?" – Some landlords include it; others expect you to provide your own.
"How often is the estate generator refuelled, and who pays?" – Some estates pool fuel costs; others bill individually.
"What's the water situation?" – Borehole? Public supply? How reliable?
"Who handles repairs?" – Landlord responsibility? Tenant pays first and claims back?
"Are there any planned major works?" – Construction next door could mean months of noise.
"What's the neighbourhood really like at night?" – Ask neighbours, not the agent.

Evening Viewing (If Possible)

If you're serious about a property, try to see it at night. You'll learn:

Is the street well-lit?
Is it noisy? (Bars, churches, generators)
Is security visibly present?

📝 The Offer and Negotiation

Found a place you like? Now comes the negotiation.

Understand the Price

Rental prices in Lagos are often quoted in US dollars (especially in expat areas) but paid in Naira at the current exchange rate. Clarify:

Is the price fixed in dollars or naira?
What exchange rate applies?
Is the price negotiable?

Negotiation Tips

Don't appear too eager – even if you love it.
Ask about longer lease – offering three years upfront might lower the annual rate.
Request inclusions – maybe the landlord includes the generator, or adds air conditioners.
Check service charges – sometimes these are negotiable too.

Typical Payment Terms

This is the shocker for most new expats. In Lagos, landlords typically demand:

Two years' rent upfront (sometimes three)
One year's rent (rare, mostly for very high-end properties)
Plus agent fee (10% of annual rent)
Plus legal fee (if you use a lawyer, another 10% of annual rent)
Plus caution deposit (usually one month's rent, refundable)

Example: For an apartment at $2,500/month:

Two years' rent: $60,000
Agent fee (10% of annual): $3,000
Caution deposit: $2,500
Total upfront: $65,500

Yes, you read that correctly. Budget accordingly, and ensure your employer's relocation package covers this.

⚖️ Legal Review: The Tenancy Agreement

Never sign a tenancy agreement without reading it carefully. Even better, have a lawyer review it.

Key Clauses to Check

Parties: Correct names and addresses of landlord and tenant
Property description: Accurate address and description
Term: Start date, end date, renewal options
Rent: Amount, currency, payment schedule, due dates
Security deposit: Amount, conditions for refund
Use of property: Residential only? Can you run a business from home?
Maintenance and repairs: Who pays for what?
Utilities: Who pays for electricity, water, waste disposal?
Generator: Who provides fuel? Who maintains it?
Alterations: Can you paint? Install ACs?
Subletting: Allowed? (Usually not)
Termination: Notice periods, penalties for early exit
Governing law: Nigerian law applies

Red Flags in Agreements

Vague descriptions of the property
No mention of the security deposit refund process
Landlord can enter without notice
Tenant responsible for all repairs, including structural
No clear dispute resolution process

Getting a Lawyer

Spending ₦100,000–₦200,000 ($150–$300) on a lawyer to review your tenancy agreement is money well spent. They'll spot issues you'd miss and can negotiate better terms. Ask your expat network for lawyer recommendations.

💰 Making Payment

Once the agreement is signed, it's time to pay. This is a high-risk moment – payment scams happen.

Secure Payment Process

Confirm bank details – Ensure the account name matches the landlord's name (or the agent's escrow account if using one).
Use bank transfer – Avoid cash. You need a paper trail.
Get a receipt – The landlord should issue a receipt acknowledging payment.
Stamp the agreement – At the nearest Internal Revenue Service office. Stamping makes the agreement legally enforceable. (Your lawyer can handle this.)

What If the Landlord Lives Abroad?

Many Lagos landlords are diaspora Nigerians. Payment might go to a foreign account. This is fine, but:

Ensure the agreement specifies this
Get proof of identity
Confirm the property truly belongs to them (your lawyer can check land registry)

🔑 Moving In: The Handover

Before you move your furniture in, do a thorough handover inspection.

Inventory Check

List all items provided (furniture, appliances, fixtures)
Note their condition (photos help)
Both parties sign the inventory

Meter Readings

Take photos of electricity and water meters
Agree on starting readings with landlord

Keys and Access

Count all keys
Test gates, doors, windows
Check security system (if any)
Get security guard contact numbers

Immediate Actions

Change locks if you're concerned (ask landlord first)
Test generator and learn how it works
Locate circuit breakers and water shut-off valves
Introduce yourself to neighbours

🚫 Common Pitfalls – And How to Avoid Them

Pitfall 1: The Ghost Apartment

The scam: You pay a deposit to an agent, and the apartment doesn't exist.

Prevention: Never pay before viewing. Use reputable agents. Verify the property exists (drive by) before any payment.

Pitfall 2: The Double-Charged Rent

The scam: Two tenants pay for the same apartment; landlord disappears.

Prevention: Ensure the agreement is stamped. Check with neighbours that the landlord is genuine. Use a lawyer.

Pitfall 3: The Maintenance Maze

The issue: You report a broken AC; landlord blames you; you pay.

Prevention: Get the inventory with condition notes. Specify in the agreement who pays for what. Take photos of any pre-existing damage before moving in.

Pitfall 4: The Generator Gamble

The issue: Landlord says "generator included," but it's ancient and consumes fuel like a jet.

Prevention: See the generator running. Ask its age and capacity. Clarify in writing who maintains it.

Pitfall 5: The Flooded Floor

The issue: Rainy season arrives, and your ground-floor apartment turns into a swimming pool.

Prevention: Ask neighbours about flooding history. Visit during or just after rain if possible. Avoid ground floors in flood-prone areas.

💡 Pro Tips from Experience

Start Early

Give yourself at least 3-4 weeks of full-time searching. Lagos apartment hunting is slow – agents juggle multiple clients, landlords are hard to reach, and paperwork takes time.

Use an Expat Agent Initially

For your first rental, consider using an agent who specialises in expat clients. They'll understand your needs, know which landlords accept foreign payment, and have experience with the upfront payment model. Yes, they cost more, but they save enormous stress.

Build Relationships

The agent who helped you find your first apartment might help you find your next one, or help when something breaks. Treat them professionally, pay promptly, and stay in touch.

Know Your Rights

As a tenant in Nigeria, you have rights. The landlord cannot:

Enter without notice (except emergency)
Seize your property for unpaid rent (must go through court)
Increase rent during the tenancy term

If disputes arise, the Rent Control and Recovery of Premises Law in Lagos offers protection. But legal action is slow – better to avoid disputes.

Consider Sharing

If you're single and on a budget, consider sharing an apartment with another expat. You'll split the huge upfront cost, share generator expenses, and have company. Check expat Facebook groups for "roommate wanted" posts.

📋 Final Checklist Before Signing

Use this checklist before you commit:

Property viewed in daylight and evening
Neighbours spoken to (about noise, security, flooding)
Water pressure and plumbing checked
Electricals tested
Generator seen running
Landlord's identity verified
Tenancy agreement read (and reviewed by lawyer)
Payment terms clear (currency, exchange rate)
Inventory agreed and photographed
Stamped agreement received
Receipt for payment obtained

🏁 Finding Home in Lagos

The first time I walked into my Lagos apartment after signing the lease, I felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement. The search had been gruelling – the traffic between viewings, the negotiations that went nowhere, the near-miss with a scam agent. But standing in that empty living room, watching the Lagos sunset through the windows, I knew I'd made it. I had a home.

Your apartment search might be smoother or rougher. But with this guide, you're armed with the knowledge to navigate the process like someone who's been through it before.

Remember: every expat in Lagos has a rental story. Yours will be one you tell for years. Make it a good one.

What's your worst (or best) Lagos apartment hunting story? Share in the comments – we've all been there, and your experience might help someone else.