Renting in Lagos: what to check before you sign

A Lagos tenancy is priced in more than rent. The difference between two apparently identical apartments is usually buried in what the service charge covers and what it quietly does not.

Ask what the service charge includes

Get it in writing, itemised. Estate security, waste, common-area power, water treatment, lift maintenance and generator diesel are the usual components. Diesel is the one that moves, ask what it cost last year, not what it is budgeted at.

Check the power arrangement

Is there a dedicated meter or a shared bill? Is the generator sized to carry your air conditioning, or only the lights and sockets? How many hours a day does it actually run? A building with '24-hour power' that means a generator from 6pm to 6am is a different product.

Confirm the water source

Borehole with treatment is the standard. Ask when the tank was last cleaned and whether the water is tested. This is not a small matter.

Understand the lease terms

Annual rent paid in advance is normal in Lagos; two years in advance is common and negotiable. Confirm the notice period, who is responsible for which repairs, and whether the agency and legal fees are one-off or recurring.

Meet the landlord or the manager

You are entering a relationship, not just a building. A managed property with a responsive facility manager is worth paying more for than an unmanaged one where every repair becomes a negotiation.