Renting a home is a major financial commitment, and the advertised rent is only one part of the real cost. Before signing a tenancy agreement in Nigeria, prospective tenants should understand the additional charges, check what each payment covers, and get every important promise in writing. A little preparation can prevent stressful disputes after moving in.
1. Ask for a complete breakdown before paying
Request a written list of all upfront charges. Depending on the property and local practice, these may include rent, an agency fee, legal documentation fees, a caution or security deposit, and service or estate charges. The names and amounts vary, so do not assume that a fee is standard simply because someone says everyone pays it.
Ask who receives each payment, what service it covers, whether it is refundable, and whether it is a one-time or recurring charge. If a fee is unclear, pause and request clarification rather than relying on a verbal explanation.
2. Calculate the real move-in budget
Add every confirmed upfront cost to the rent, then include practical expenses such as transport, moving, utility reconnection, minor repairs and essential household items. Keep an emergency buffer for unexpected costs. A property that looks affordable based on rent alone may stretch your budget once all charges are included.
It is also useful to estimate the monthly cost of electricity, water, waste collection, security and shared facilities. Ask current residents about typical expenses where possible, while remembering that bills can change with usage and supply conditions.
3. Understand agency and legal fees
Before paying an agent, confirm their role and the service they will provide. Ask for the agreed fee in writing and request a receipt for every payment. Where a lawyer prepares or reviews documents, clarify the scope and cost of that work separately.
Do not treat a payment receipt as proof that the person collecting money has authority to rent out the property. Verify the landlord or authorised representative and make sure the person signing the agreement has the right to do so.
4. Check the condition of the property
Inspect the home in daylight if possible. Test taps, toilets, lights, sockets and doors; look for damp patches, roof leaks, cracks, poor drainage and signs of pests. Check window locks and the general condition of the building and shared areas. Ask which repairs will be completed before move-in and agree on a timeline.
Take dated photos or videos of existing damage and attach a written inventory to your tenancy records. This creates a clearer record of the property’s condition and can help prevent disagreements about deductions from a deposit later.
5. Clarify utilities and service charges
Ask how electricity is supplied and billed, whether the meter is shared or individual, and who is responsible for outstanding bills. Confirm the arrangements for water, waste collection, security, cleaning of common areas and maintenance of shared equipment. If the property is in an estate, request the current service-charge schedule and the services it is meant to cover.
Do not rely on phrases such as “everything is included” without written details. The agreement should explain which costs the tenant pays and which remain the landlord’s responsibility.
6. Read the tenancy agreement carefully
Check the start and end dates, rent amount, payment schedule, renewal terms, notice requirements, permitted use of the property, repair responsibilities and rules for ending the tenancy. Read any clauses about rent increases, guests, subletting, pets or alterations. Ask questions about terms you do not understand before signing.
Rental rules and procedures can differ by state and by the circumstances of the tenancy. If a clause seems unusual or the financial commitment is substantial, consider getting advice from a qualified local legal professional rather than relying on informal assurances.
7. Verify payment details and keep records
Whenever possible, pay through a traceable method to the verified landlord or authorised recipient. Match the account details against the written instructions, and be cautious if payment details change at the last minute. Keep copies of receipts, messages, the signed agreement, inspection photos and any promises about repairs.
Avoid rushing because someone claims another person is waiting to pay. A genuine opportunity should allow reasonable time to verify the property, the recipient and the terms.
8. Ask about repairs and emergency contacts
Find out how to report plumbing, electrical or structural problems and who to contact outside normal hours. Agree on how urgent repairs will be handled, how access to the home will be arranged and how communication should take place. Record any pre-move-in repairs that the landlord has promised.
9. Get confirmation before handing over money
Before making a substantial payment, make sure you have inspected the property, verified the person authorised to rent it, understood all fees and reviewed the agreement. Obtain a receipt that identifies the property, amount, date, purpose of payment and recipient. If a deposit is involved, ensure the agreement explains the conditions for deductions and repayment.
A practical final checklist
- Written breakdown of rent and every additional fee
- Verified landlord or authorised representative
- Property inspection with dated photos
- Clear utility, service-charge and repair arrangements
- Tenancy agreement reviewed before signing
- Traceable payments and receipts stored safely
The safest rental decision is not necessarily the cheapest listing. It is the property whose costs, condition and terms you can verify before committing. Taking time to ask clear questions can help you move in with a realistic budget and a stronger record if a disagreement arises.
Image credit: Mac Nzombola / Unsplash.
