Renting a home in Nigeria is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make — and yet many tenants sign agreements without asking the right questions. The result? Flooded kitchens, locked gates after midnight, surprise service charge increases, and landlords who disappear the moment something breaks.
You deserve better. Whether you are renting in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or anywhere else in Nigeria, these 10 questions will protect you before you hand over any money.
1. What exactly is included in the rent?
Many Nigerian tenants assume rent covers everything then discover they must separately pay for water, generator fuel, estate charges, and security. Always ask what is and is not included. Get the answer in writing before you pay.
2. How much is the service charge, and what does it cover?
Service charge is a common addition to rent in many Nigerian properties, especially in estates and apartment complexes. Ask for a full breakdown: generator maintenance, security guards, cleaning, water supply, and so on. Also ask whether the charge is fixed or can increase.
3. How long is the tenancy, and what are the renewal terms?
In Nigeria, most landlords request one or two years of rent upfront. Know how long your tenancy lasts and what happens at renewal whether rent will increase and by how much, how far in advance you need to notify the landlord, and whether the landlord can terminate the agreement early.
4. Is there a caution fee? How and when is it refunded?
The caution fee (also called a security deposit) is standard in Nigerian rentals. But many tenants never see it again. Ask exactly how much it is, what conditions must be met to get it back, and how many days after you vacate it will be returned. If the landlord is vague, that is a red flag.
5. Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?
This is where most tenant-landlord conflicts start in Nigeria. Clarify who fixes broken pipes, burst water tanks, damaged ceiling fans, and faulty wiring. Ideally, this should be written into your tenancy agreement.
6. What is the water situation?
Running water is not guaranteed in most parts of Nigeria. Ask whether the property has a functioning borehole, a water tank, LSWC connection, or relies on water vendors. Find out how frequently water is available and who bears the cost.
7. How is electricity managed? Is there a prepaid meter?
Electricity management varies widely across Nigerian properties. Ask whether there is a prepaid meter in your name or a shared meter. Find out how generator costs are split, how many hours of power are provided per day, and if there have been recent PHCN/DisCo disputes.
8. Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Many Nigerian landlords have informal rules that are not written in the tenancy agreement — no visitors after 10pm, no cooking gas, no pets, no children, or no church activities. Ask directly so there are no surprises. If a restriction seems unreasonable, it is better to know now.
9. How much notice must I give before I leave?
Most Nigerian tenancy agreements require between one and three months notice before a tenant vacates. Know this figure upfront so you are not penalised for leaving without proper notice, and so you understand how much flexibility you have.
10. Can I speak to current or previous tenants?
This is the most powerful question you can ask — and the one most tenants skip. A landlord who is confident and honest will have no problem with this. Talking to people who have lived in the property will tell you more in five minutes than any contract will. You can also check tenant reviews on platforms like Review a Home (reviewahome.com.ng) to see honest ratings from people who have rented from the same landlord or lived in the same property.
Final Thoughts
Renting in Nigeria does not have to be a gamble. The right questions, asked before you pay, can save you months of stress. And when you eventually leave a property, consider leaving a review on Review a Home you will be helping the next tenant make a smarter decision.
