Finding an affordable apartment in Lagos is already tough, but dealing with shady agents is a different level of stress.
The city is filled with fraudsters who waste your time, drain your money, and leave you stranded. From outrageous fees to fake listings, house-hunting in Lagos can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not careful.
Here are the clear signs an agent is trying to scam you—and how to avoid getting played.
1. They Demand an Inspection Fee Before Showing You Any House
One of the most common scams is the inspection fee trap. Some agents demand payment before even showing you a house, only for you to later hear, “The house is no longer available.”
Red Flag: Genuine agents typically take their commission after a successful rental agreement. Always insist on seeing the house first—if they refuse, walk away.
2. They Keep Saying “The House is Gone” After Every Viewing
If an agent repeatedly tells you, “Ah, someone just paid for it”, chances are they’re trying to pressure you into rushing a decision.
Red Flag: Never let an agent force you into making quick payments. A reliable agent will allow reasonable time for inspection and decision-making.
3. They Show You a Fake or “Too Good to Be True” House
Some agents use fake or outdated pictures to lure house hunters. When you arrive, the property looks nothing like the photos—or worse, there’s no house at all.
Red Flag: Do a Google reverse image search on any house pictures sent to you. Always visit the property in person before making any financial commitments.
4. They Say the Landlord is “Not Around” and Pressure You to Pay
A classic scam is when an agent insists, “The landlord is not around, but just pay, and I’ll handle everything.” Many times, the landlord doesn’t even know the agent exists.
Red Flag: Always confirm the landlord’s details or meet them in person before paying.
5. The Rent is Suspiciously Cheap
If an apartment in a prime Lagos location has unbelievably low rent, ask yourself why. Scammers use ridiculously cheap prices to bait desperate house seekers.
Red Flag: Research market prices in the area. If the rent is significantly lower than similar properties, it’s likely a scam.
6. They Avoid Answering Basic Questions
If an agent dodges simple questions like:
- Who owns the house?
- Can I meet the landlord?
- What is the total cost, including agency and agreement fees?
- Can I see proof that the house is available for rent?
Red Flag: If they can’t answer straightforwardly, walk away.
7. They Ask for Full Payment Before Signing Any Document
Some scammers will say, “Just pay first, the documents will be ready later.” Once you pay, they disappear.
Red Flag: Never pay rent without a signed and stamped tenancy agreement. If possible, involve a lawyer.
8. They Have No Office or Physical Location
A real agent should have a registered business or physical office. If they only communicate via WhatsApp and refuse to meet in a professional setting, be wary.
How to Stay Safe While House Hunting in Lagos
- Never pay an inspection fee upfront.
- Avoid agents who refuse to let you meet the landlord.
- If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Never pay rent without a signed tenancy agreement.
