Renting in Nigeria: a practical guide for house hunters
What the common property types mean, what to budget for beyond the rent, how to recognise a rental scam, and what to ask an agent before you pay anything.
Common property types
Listings in Nigeria use a few terms that can confuse newcomers. Here is what they usually mean.
- Room & parlour
- One bedroom plus a sitting room (parlour). An affordable, practical choice for budget-conscious renters.
- Self-contained
- A compact, all-in-one unit with a private bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette that you do not share. Popular with singles and students.
- Mini flat
- A one-bedroom flat with a separate bedroom and living area, ideal for individuals or couples.
- 2- or 3-bedroom flat
- A flat with two or three bedrooms and a living room, often in a block shared with other flats. Great for families.
- Bungalow
- A single-storey house with spacious rooms, often with a private compound and outdoor space.
- Duplex
- A two-floor home, usually with living areas downstairs and bedrooms upstairs, for more privacy and space.
Plan for more than the rent
The rent on a listing is rarely the full amount you need to move in. Before you start viewing, ask for the total cost and budget for it.
Rent paid in advance
Many landlords ask for rent a year in advance, sometimes more. Plan for the full upfront amount, not a monthly figure.
Agreement and caution fees
On top of the rent, expect fees such as an agreement (legal) fee and a caution fee, a deposit against damage that is usually refundable. As a rough guide, budget an extra 10–20% of the rent for these, and ask whether there is also an agency fee.
Inspection fees
Some agents charge a fee to show you properties, and searching with several agents means paying several times. Never pay an inspection fee for a property before you have seen it.
Running costs
Ask whether there is a service charge for things like security and waste collection, how electricity is billed (for example, a prepaid meter), and where the water comes from.
Not sure what your budget covers in a particular city? Ask Twolett AI for a breakdown of property types, areas and the extra costs to plan for.
Rental scam red flags
Most rental scams follow the same patterns. Be very careful if you notice any of these:
- You are asked to pay before you have viewed the property or met the agent in person.
- You are asked to pay an inspection fee for a property you cannot see first.
- The price is far below similar homes in the same area.
- You are pressured to pay today because "other people are interested".
- The agent cannot show that they are allowed to let the property, or will not connect you with the landlord or caretaker.
- You are asked to pay into a personal account with no receipt or written agreement.
- Someone asks you to pay rent or a deposit into a "Twolett account". Twolett never collects rent or deposits, so this is always a scam.
If something feels wrong, stop and report it. On Twolett, contact support@twolett.com with the listing or agent, what happened and any screenshots, and report suspected fraud to the appropriate local authorities as well.
Questions to ask an agent before you pay
Who owns the property, and are you authorised to let it?
Ask to meet or speak with the landlord or caretaker, and check documents where you can.
What is the total cost to move in?
Ask for every fee in writing: rent, agreement, caution, agency and any service charge.
Is the caution fee refundable, and on what conditions?
Know what would cause deductions when you move out.
How are electricity and water supplied and paid for?
Check the meter type and the water source during your viewing.
Can I read the tenancy agreement before I pay?
Read the terms on renewal, rent increases and notice periods before money changes hands.
Before you sign
- View the property in person, ideally at different times of day, and check the water, power and security.
- Get a written tenancy agreement and a receipt for every payment, and keep copies.
- Pay through traceable channels, never in cash without a receipt.
- Keep your conversations with the agent in writing so you have a record of what was agreed. On Twolett, chatting in the app does this for you.
How Twolett can help
Ask Twolett AI
Get answers about budgets, areas and scams before you pay anyone.
Agent-Assisted Search
Pay one search fee and let an assigned agent search, shortlist and arrange viewings.
Rental requests
Post what you want and your budget in the app, and let agents come to you with matches.
Roommate Finder
Find a compatible roommate in the app and split rent, utilities and other costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra should I budget beyond the rent?
As a rough guide, plan for an extra 10–20% of the rent for agreement and caution fees, and ask whether an agency fee or service charge applies. Always ask the agent for the full, itemised cost in writing before you pay.
Should I pay an inspection fee?
Never pay an inspection fee for a property before you have seen it. If you are paying inspection fees to agent after agent, consider Agent-Assisted Search on Twolett, where you pay one search fee for an agent to search for you.
Is it safe to pay rent before viewing a property?
No. Paying before you have viewed the property and confirmed who can let it is one of the most common ways people lose money to rental scams.
Does Twolett collect rent or deposits?
No. Twolett does not collect rent, security deposits, sale proceeds or agent commissions. If anyone asks you to pay rent into a "Twolett account", treat it as a scam and report it to support@twolett.com.
How can I make renting more affordable?
Consider a smaller property type such as a self-contained or room and parlour, or share a larger flat. Twolett's Roommate Finder helps you find a compatible roommate to split rent, utilities and other expenses.
Explore more
AI Property Search
Ask Twolett AI about budgets, areas and scams before you pay anyone.
Agent-Assisted Search
Pay one search fee and let an assigned agent do the groundwork.
List a Property
List rentals and sales, answer rental requests, promote listings.
Property Management
Tenants, leases, rent records, complaints and announcements.
Still have questions? Read the Help & Support FAQ or the Terms & Conditions.
Find a home. Find peace.
Twolett is free to download on iPhone and Android. Ask Twolett AI, hire help with Agent-Assisted Search, or list and manage your properties, all from one app.