Rent scams are common in Lagos, especially for flats in popular areas like Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Yaba. Scammers take advantage of high demand and people searching from abroad or in a hurry. Knowing the common tricks makes them much easier to spot.
Common rent scams
- Fake landlords or agents. Someone advertises a flat they do not own or control, collects rent or an inspection fee, then disappears.
- Multiple tenants, one flat. The same flat is “let” to several people, each of whom pays in full.
- Copied listings. Photos are lifted from genuine listings and reposted at a lower price to attract quick payments.
- Pay-before-viewing. You are pressured to pay to “secure” the flat before you have seen it, often because “many people are interested”.
- Hidden charges. Extra fees appear after you have paid, or the flat is very different from what was shown.
Warning signs
- The rent is far below similar flats in the same area.
- The agent will not let you inspect, or only shows the outside.
- You are asked to pay in cash or into a personal account that does not match the landlord’s name.
- There is pressure to pay immediately.
- The person cannot show any document linking them to the property.
How to protect yourself
- Always inspect the property in person, or by live video call with someone you trust present.
- Ask for the landlord’s name and evidence that they own the property, or a written letter of authority if an agent or caretaker is acting for them.
- Speak to the current occupants, the estate management or the neighbours where possible.
- Check that your agent is a registered estate agent. In Lagos, estate agents are regulated by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
- Get a written tenancy agreement before you pay, setting out the rent, service charge, agency and legal fees, the length of the tenancy and who is responsible for repairs.
- Pay by bank transfer into an account in the landlord’s or managing company’s name, and keep every receipt.
- Never pay for a flat you have not seen, however good the deal looks.
If you think you have been scammed
Stop all further payments, keep every message, receipt and account number, report the matter to the police and your bank as quickly as possible, and speak to a lawyer about recovering your money.
Need help?
Propslisting can help you check a property before you commit. Contact our team or message us on WhatsApp, and browse current listings.
This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. Every property and transaction is different, so always get independent legal advice before you pay or sign anything.
