The Dark Side of Renting in Nigeria

Let’s be honest house hunting in Nigeria can be one of the most stressful things you’ll ever experience. If you’re lucky, you find a good place with decent water and electricity. But if you’re not, well… welcome to the club. Some landlords or agents are now turning themselves to mini gods, they will frustrate the living life out of people.

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I remember the first place I ever rented, the landlord looks so welcoming and calm but I never knew it was a nightmare. When we first went to check the place, the landlord spoke so well. He promised us that the house would be fixed once we made payment. At that point, we just wanted a roof over our heads, so we believed him. Big mistake.

Though I noticed some shortcomings and I told the man, he confidently told us that everything will be put into places if we made payments, the moment we paid, the story changed. Suddenly, the “small repairs” became “manage it like that.” We moved in, and everything started to fall apart.

First problem was that there is no water in the entire environment. We had to wake up very early and walk long distances just to fetch water. Sometimes, we even had to buy water in gallons. The man promised us that he would make a borehole before we packed in, all he was after was the house rent and It wasn’t just uncomfortable for us, it was exhausting. Imagine coming back from work and had to be trekking another distance just to fetch water after a stressful day.

Second problem we had was electricity wahala. There was a prepaid meter in the apartment, and the landlord never mentioned any issue with it. But guess what? A few days after we moved in, NEPA disconnected the light. Apparently, there was a huge debt on the meter from the previous tenant. Nobody told us. We couldn’t load the meter or enjoy electricity for months. We were just burning fuel and charging phones at the office. I regretted my actions because I was desperate for a house that year.

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By the time our rent expired, we didn’t even think twice. We packed our bags and left. That experience taught me a serious lesson when you’re house hunting in Nigeria, you have to shine your eyes.

Here are a few things I’ve learned that every tenant should check before paying for a house:

NEVER RUSH WHEN HUNTING FOR A HOUSE IN NIGERIA:- Even if the house looks okay, take your time. Visit more than once and go with someone you trust.

NEVER BELIEVE EVERYTHING AN AGENT OR LANDLORD SAYS:- Their job is to collect money, not to make your life comfortable. Always double-check every promise.

ASK THE NEIGHBORS QUESTIONS:- They will tell you the truth. Ask about water, light, security, and the landlord’s behavior. Neighbors don’t lie.

CHECK WATER SUPPLY:- Ask the neighbors. Don’t take the agent’s word for it. Water stress is real in many Nigerian areas.

TEST THE ELECTRICITY:– Take any nepa official with you to check the meter. Ask if it’s prepaid or postpaid. Try to load it, if possible. Don’t just look at the wires and assume everything is fine.

INSPECT EVERYTHING:- Open the taps, flush the toilet, test the sockets, switch on the bulbs. Be “extra.” You’re the one paying.

GET THINGS IN WRITING:– If the landlord says they’ll fix something, make sure it’s clearly stated in your agreement. Verbal promises mean nothing.

Many of us just want peace, a house where we can sleep without stress. But in Nigeria, you have to fight for that peace with your eyes open. Renting a house is not just about the price or paint job. It’s about knowing what you’re walking into. Shine your eyes. Ask questions. Take your time. The right house is out there, just don’t rush into the wrong one.

This is my response to this episode of hivelearners community prompt of #hl-w180e01 which the topic is tagged FOR RENT