If you’ve ever searched for a house for rent in Lagos, you probably know that it can be both exciting and incredibly frustrating. One moment you’re staring at your dream apartment on your phone, the next you’re wondering if it’s even real. Scammers have gotten smarter, and unfortunately, fake listings are now part of the rental landscape in Nigeria. But don’t worry — with the right tips, you can spot the red flags before it’s too late.
Imagine this: It’s a sunny Saturday, you’ve just seen a beautiful 3-bedroom apartment listed for a great price. You contact the agent, and they say, “Act fast, others are interested.” They ask for a commitment fee to reserve it. Something doesn’t sit right with you, but the fear of missing out pushes you to pay. Days later, they disappear. You’re left angry, broke, and back at square one.
To save yourself the heartbreak and stress, let’s walk through some simple but powerful ways to identify fake listings when searching for a house for rent in Lagos.
1. The Price Is Too Good to Be True
Let’s start with the most obvious one. If the rent is unbelievably low for the location or apartment size, that’s a red flag. In a place like Lagos, where demand is high, good apartments don’t stay on the market long — and definitely not at giveaway prices.
Watch out for:
- Luxury apartments in Ikoyi or Lekki for under ₦500,000 per year.
- “Urgent” sales that demand upfront payment without a visit.
- Listings with zero service charges or ridiculous freebies.
Do your homework. Compare similar listings in the same area. If one stands out too much, dig deeper.
2. No Physical Inspection Allowed
Scammers often come up with excuses to avoid physical inspections. Some say they’re out of town, others claim the key is with a caretaker who isn’t available.
A real agent or landlord will always be open to inspection. It’s your right as a tenant to view what you’re paying for. If you’re being rushed to pay before seeing the place, walk away.
Ask questions like:
- Can I come for an inspection tomorrow?
- Will I meet the landlord or just the agent?
- Is there a tenancy agreement ready for review?
If answers are vague or defensive, that’s your cue.
3. Overuse of Stock Photos or Blurry Images
Ever seen a listing with magazine-quality pictures, but no outdoor shots or street views? That’s a trick many scammers use — they download images online and pass them off as real apartments.
Real listings should have:
- Photos of the building’s exterior.
- Interior shots showing different angles.
- Realistic lighting and furniture (or none at all).
When looking for a house for rent in Lagos, don’t rely on pictures alone. Use Google image search to check if those pictures appear elsewhere. If they do, it’s likely fake.
4. Suspicious Payment Requests
Never pay for anything until you’ve verified the property in person. Scammers often ask for “inspection fees,” “commitment fees,” or “agent registration fees” before any real viewing. While some legitimate agents do charge a token for inspections, it should be minimal and receipted.
Don’t transfer money if:
- You’re being pressured to pay immediately.
- The account name is different from the agent’s name.
- There’s no office address or official documentation.
Insist on meeting in a public place or at the property location. Always get receipts for any money exchanged.
5. Poor Grammar or Vague Descriptions
It might sound minor, but language matters. Fake listings often have terrible grammar, spelling errors, or overly generic descriptions.
Compare these two:
- “Nice house for rent. Good area. Pay fast.”
- “Spacious 2-bedroom apartment with tiled floors, water heater, and 24/7 security in Lekki Phase 1.”
One sounds professional. The other? Not so much.
When you’re checking house for rent in Lagos ads, always prioritize the ones that sound credible and well-written. Scam listings are usually sloppy.
Bonus Tip: Do a Background Check on the Agent
Thanks to social media and online reviews, you can now verify if an agent has a history. Ask for their office location, request past client references, and check if they’re listed on reputable real estate platforms like Everything Property.
Quick checks include:
- Searching their name or phone number on Google.
- Looking for reviews on Facebook groups or real estate forums.
- Checking their listings on trusted platforms.
No legitimate agent will be upset that you’re doing your homework. If they get angry or evasive, that’s another red flag.
Final Thoughts
Looking for a house for rent in Lagos can be stressful, but you don’t have to fall into the hands of scammers. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Take your time, ask the right questions, and always inspect before you invest. Remember, the right house is worth the wait.
Ready to start your house hunt? Check verified listings on Everything Property and find your next home with peace of mind.
Happy house hunting!
