What to Check Before Paying for Any Apartment in Nigeria

We've all heard the stories: a renter pays for a beautiful flat in Lagos or PH, only to move in and find that the water is brown, the sockets don't work, and the roof leaks whenever it drizzled. In the Nigerian real estate market, 'Buyer Beware' applies to renters too. Here is your definitive inspection guide.

The Infrastructure: Beyond the Paint

A fresh coat of paint can hide a multitude of sins. During your tour, look past the colors and focus on the skeleton of the apartment.

• Water Quality and Flow: Turn on the taps. Is the water clear? Is the pressure consistent? Check the flush on the toilets immediately.
• Electrical Integrity: Check the distribution board. Are there burnt wires? Does every room actually have working sockets? Ask to see the meter and verify if it's prepaid.
• Dampness and Mold: Look at the corners of the ceiling and the bottom of the walls. Musty smells or peeling paint near the floor are signs of serious rising dampness.

The Neighborhood Intelligence

The best time to inspect an apartment isn't when the agent says so—it's right after a heavy rain or at night.

• The Rain Test: Does the street flood? Does water pool in front of the gate? This is the number one cause of rental regret in Nigeria.
• The Security Check: Is the street too quiet? Are there too many 'hangers-on' near the gate? Your peace of mind is worth more than a fine parlor.
• The Power State: Ask the neighbors (not the agent) about the 'light' situation. Agents will always tell you it's 24 hours.

Pro Tip: If possible, visit the property unannounced on a different day to see the true environment without the 'showing prep'.

The Paperwork Trace

Before money leaves your account, you must see the 'mandate'. Ensure you are paying into a corporate account or directly to the landlord's verified account. Avoid 'third-party cash collections'.

Taking an extra 30 minutes to run through this checklist can save you years of legal battles and repair costs. If a landlord refuses to let you test these things, they are hiding something. Walk away.