Renter's Knowledge Base

Lagos is a city of opportunity — and unfortunately, also a city of rental scams. From ghost apartments to double-renting, the tricks are endless. Here's how to protect yourself.

1. The price is suspiciously low If a 3-bedroom flat in Lekki Phase 1 is listed for ₦800k per annum, it's a scam. Know your market. SureMove shows you verified market-rate prices so you have a reference point.

2. The agent refuses to let you see the property first No legitimate agent should ask you to pay before you can inspect a property. An inspection fee (like SureMove's ₦20,000) should unlock a *scheduled viewing*, not replace it.

3. The photos are too perfect Reverse image search any listing photos. Many scammers steal images from UK or US property sites.

4. No documentation of ownership Ask to see the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor's Consent. A verified agent should have copies or be able to request them from the landlord.

5. Pressure to pay immediately "Someone else is about to take it" is a classic pressure tactic. Legitimate landlords don't mind you doing due diligence.

6. No formal tenancy agreement You should always receive a written tenancy agreement before handing over any rent. It protects both parties.

7. Communication only via WhatsApp Reputable agents have offices, email addresses, and verifiable identities. If you can only reach them on WhatsApp, be careful.

At SureMove, every listing is verified by our field agents before it goes live. You only pay an inspection fee after we've confirmed the property is real and available.

The Lekki-Ajah corridor is one of Lagos' most sought-after residential belts. But the two areas feel quite different in day-to-day life.

Lekki Phase 1 & 2 - Premium location close to the island - Higher rents (₦2.5M–₦8M for 3-bedrooms) - Better road infrastructure inside the estate - Home to many banks, schools, malls, and restaurants - Heavy traffic on the Lekki-Epe Expressway during rush hour

Ajah (Badore, Sangotedo, Abijo) - More affordable (₦1.2M–₦3.5M for 3-bedrooms) - Quieter and more spacious - Growing fast — new malls, schools, and hospitals opening every year - Longer commute to the island, but manageable with early starts - Great value for families and remote workers

Our verdict If you work on the island and value proximity, Lekki is worth the premium. If you're remote-first or value space and value, Ajah offers significantly more for your money.

SureMove currently lists verified properties in both areas — browse our listings to compare side by side.

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract. In Nigeria, most people sign whatever the agent hands them without reading it. That's a mistake.

Key clauses to understand

Tenancy period This specifies how long the lease lasts (usually 1 year). Make sure the start and end dates are clearly stated.

Rent and payment terms Some agreements say rent must be paid annually in advance; others allow quarterly. The agreement takes legal precedence over verbal promises.

Maintenance responsibilities Who pays for plumbing repairs? Electrical faults? The agreement should spell this out. In most Lagos agreements, minor repairs fall on the tenant; major structural repairs fall on the landlord.

Notice period Both parties typically need to give notice before terminating — usually 1–3 months. If you leave without notice, you may forfeit your deposit.

Caution fee (security deposit) This is typically 1–2 months' rent and should be refundable at the end of the tenancy, subject to property condition.

Agency fee This is a one-time fee paid to the agent, typically 10% of annual rent. SureMove charges a flat 5% — half the market rate.

What SureMove provides When you pay an inspection fee and proceed to rent through SureMove, we generate a pre-filled tenancy agreement using your name and the property details. You can download it as a PDF and review it with a solicitor before signing.