12/08/2026
Before You Rent That Apartment in Lagos, Check These 7 Things,
Finding an apartment in Lagos can be exciting—but it can also become one of the most stressful experiences if you make a decision based only on beautiful tiles, fresh paint, a low rent, or pressure from an agent to “pay now.”
A house may look perfect during a 20-minute inspection and still have problems that become obvious after you move in.
At Fitfab Properties, we believe renting a home should be more than finding four walls and a roof. It should be about finding a property that is suitable, accessible, reasonably maintained, properly assessed and appropriate for your needs.
Here are 7 important things every prospective tenant should check before paying for an apartment in Lagos.
1. CHECK THE LOCATION — NOT JUST THE HOUSES
Before you fall in love with the apartment, take time to understand the neighbourhood.
Ask yourself:
How easy is it to get transportation from the area?
How close is the property to your workplace, school or business?
What is the road condition?
Is the area accessible during heavy rainfall?
Are there markets, hospitals, schools and other essential services nearby?
What is the general security situation?
Is the neighbourhood excessively noisy?
Does the area become difficult to access at night?
A beautiful apartment in a location that makes your daily life stressful may not be a good bargain.
Remember: You are not only renting the building—you are also choosing the environment in which you will live.
2. CHECK FOR FLOODING AND DRAINAGE 🌧️
This is one of the most important checks for anyone renting in Lagos.
Don't ask only, “Does this house flood?” Ask better questions.
Inspect:
The drainage around the building
The street drainage
The entrance to the compound
The level of the building compared with the road
Evidence of previous flooding
Dampness or water marks on walls
The flow of rainwater around the property
Whether drains are blocked with waste
Lagos State's building-control guidance identifies effective drainage of foul and surface water as an important consideration for buildings, while the State Government has repeatedly warned residents against dumping waste into drains and drainage channels because of the environmental and flooding implications. �
LASBCA +1
Pro tip: If possible, visit the area during or shortly after rainfall. You may learn more in 30 minutes than you would from several conversations.
3. CHECK WATER SUPPLY AND PLUMBING 💧
Never assume that because you saw a water tank, the apartment has reliable water.
Ask:
Where does the water come from?
Is it:
Borehole?
Public water supply?
Well?
Water tanker?
A combination of sources?
Then check:
Is water actually running from the taps?
How often is water available?
Is the water storage tank functional?
Are the pipes leaking?
Does the toilet flush properly?
Are the bathroom drains flowing properly?
Is there a bad smell from the drainage system?
Is there adequate water pressure?
Lagos State's building-control guidance includes adequate wholesome water supply, suitable toilets/bathroom facilities and effective drainage among considerations relevant to fitness for habitation. �
LASBCA
Don't wait until after moving in to discover that “running water” means water runs only twice a week.
4. CHECK ELECTRICITY AND OTHER UTILITY COSTS ⚡
Before paying, find out exactly how electricity works in the building.
Ask existing tenants or the landlord:
What is the average electricity situation?
Is there a prepaid meter?
Is the meter individual or shared?
How are electricity bills divided?
Is there a generator?
Is there an estate/service charge?
Who pays for generator fuel?
Are there additional monthly charges?
Also inspect the condition of sockets, switches, lights and other visible electrical fittings.
Don't be afraid to ask for clarity about all recurring costs.
An apartment that appears affordable at first can become expensive when you add electricity, water, security, waste disposal, service charges, repairs and transportation.
5. CHECK THE BUILDING AND GENERAL CONDITION 🔎
Don't let fresh paint distract you from the condition of the property.
Look beyond appearance.
Check:
Walls for cracks or dampness
Ceiling for water stains
Roof condition
Doors and windows
Bathroom fittings
Kitchen sink and plumbing
Floor condition
Ventilation
Lighting
Staircases and railings
Compound drainage
General cleanliness
Signs of pest infestation
If you notice a serious defect, ask whether it will be repaired before you move in and make sure the agreement reflects important commitments where appropriate.
Lagos State Building Control Agency lists building fitness, structural integrity, serious disrepair, dampness, lighting, ventilation, water supply and drainage among areas considered in building inspections.
LASBCA
6. ASK ABOUT THE LANDLORD, TENANTS AND MANAGEMENT 👥
Your experience in a property isn't determined by the building alone.
The management culture matters.
Ask:
Who manages the property?
Is there a caretaker?
How quickly are repairs handled?
Who handles plumbing and electrical problems?
Are there house rules?
Are pets allowed?
Are there restrictions on visitors?
How many people live in the compound?
Are there businesses operating within the building?
How are disputes handled?
Who is responsible for maintaining common areas?
If possible, speak privately with one or two existing residents.
They may tell you things that won't necessarily come up during a formal inspection.
A good property manager can make living in a property significantly easier. Poor management can turn a decent apartment into a daily headache.
7. UNDERSTAND THE TOTAL COST AND DOCUMENTATION BEFORE YOU PAY 💰📑
This is where many prospective tenants make mistakes.
Don't ask only:
“How much is the rent?”
Ask:
“What is the TOTAL amount I will pay before I can move in?”
Get a clear breakdown of:
Annual rent
Agency fee
Agreement/legal fee
Caution/damage deposit
Service charge
Security fee
Waste disposal charges
Water charges
Other applicable charges
Lagos State has publicly raised concerns about rent increases and unnecessary fees and has stated its commitment to rent arrangements of not more than one year, subject to the applicable legal framework and implementation. �
Lagos State Website
Most importantly, do not make substantial payment simply because someone is putting you under pressure.
Verify the property, the parties involved, the terms and the relevant documentation before committing your money.
🚨 BONUS: NEVER IGNORE THESE RED FLAGS
Be extra careful when you hear:
❌ “Someone else is coming to pay right now.”
❌ “Just transfer the money; we'll explain everything later.”
❌ “You don't need to inspect it again.”
❌ “The landlord is not available, but I'm authorised.”
❌ “Don't worry about the agreement.”
❌ “There are no extra charges,” only to discover several additional payments later.
❌ “The flooding happened only once,” without checking the surrounding area.
❌ “The water is always available,” without testing it.
Pressure should never replace proper verification.
🏠 RENTING A HOME IS A DECISION, NOT A RUSH
The biggest mistake a tenant can make is choosing a property based on appearance alone.
Before paying, look at the bigger picture:
Location + Drainage + Water + Electricity + Building Condition + Management + Total Cost & Documentation
If these seven areas check out, you are in a much better position to make an informed decision.
And if they don't?
Walk away before the property becomes your problem.
🤝 HOW FITFAB PROPERTIES CAN HELP
At Fitfab Properties, we understand that finding the right property in Lagos can be stressful.
Our goal is to make the process more straightforward by helping clients with their property needs, including:
1.Property Rentals & Leasing
2.Property Inspection & Assessment
3. Documentation & Processing Support
4.Property Management
5.Property Maintenance & Renovation
6.Building & Procurement Services
7. Interior Improvement & Property Upgrades
We don't believe in simply helping you find a house.
We believe in helping you make a better property decision.
FITFAB PROPERTIES
Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate & Property Management
📱 WhatsApp: 081-212-29-292
080-365-57-825
📧 Email: [email protected]
Looking for an apartment, managing a property or planning a property investment in Lagos? Talk to Fitfab Properties.
@Rukedge
