1. Confirm the Prepaid Meter Is Not Owed
A beautiful apartment with a faulty or indebted prepaid electricity meter is a trap many Lagosians fall into. Always check the meter’s balance and payment history before moving in. Ask the current tenant or caretaker to load units in your presence. If there’s debt on the meter, it might silently deduct any new credit you load. The landlord or agent may act clueless later, leaving you to carry the financial burden. You can also contact the electricity distribution company like Eko or Ikeja Disco to verify the meter’s debt status before committing.

2. Investigate LAWMA, Security, and Waste Bills
In Lagos, it’s common for tenants to pay for sanitation, security, and LAWMA (waste management) bills, but many newcomers are not told until they’ve paid rent. Ask directly: “What’s the monthly service fee for this building?” Check if the house has pending waste bills or if the security man is owed salary. In some cases, you may even inherit community debts you had no hand in. Clarify your obligations before you commit, and always get it in writing.

3. Ask About Water Supply and Its Source
Water is a big issue in Lagos. Some houses have boreholes, some buy water, and others rely on inconsistent supply from neighbors. Don’t assume water flows just because the tap worked when you visited. Ask, “Where does the water come from?” “Is there pumping schedule?” “Do tenants buy water?” Better still, speak to tenants directly. Poor water supply can affect cooking, cleaning, and even your health and drilling a personal borehole isn’t always allowed.

4. Visit the Area on a Rainy Day (If You Can)
Flooding in Lagos is a real danger, not just to property, but to health, vehicles, and daily movement. Areas like Lekki, Ajah, and Surulere often hide this fact during dry visits. If the rains don’t coincide with your search, ask locals: “Is this area prone to flooding?” Check for signs, waterlines on walls, sandbags at doors, damp smelling corridors. A cheap house isn’t cheap if your furniture ends up floating.

5. Talk to At Least Two Current Tenants
Don’t rely solely on agents or landlords for information. Tenants are your best source of truth. Knock on a few doors and politely introduce yourself. Ask, “How is the electricity here?” “What’s the water situation?” “Do you feel safe in this area?” You will be shocked at what you might learn, maybe a history of theft, lack of landlord maintenance, or constant fights among neighbors. Let no glossy paint job deceive you.

6. Never Pay Without Speaking to the Landlord Directly
Agents can be slippery, and in Lagos, scams are rampant. No matter how persuasive the agent is, request a phone or physical meeting with the actual landlord. Ask for documents like property title, deed of lease, or past receipts. If the landlord isn’t reachable, that’s a red flag. Also, verify that the agent is officially recognized by the landlord. Many people have paid money only to realize the agent was a complete stranger to the property owner.

7. Check What You’re Paying For And What You’re Not. And If There’s Network Too
Break down the cost. Does your payment include caution fee? Agency fee? Legal fee? Yearly dues? Some landlords request absurd extra fees like “painting fee” or “compound cleaning fee.” Know exactly what your money covers. Don’t be shy to ask for a breakdown and receipt for every payment. The clearer the agreement, the easier your exit will be when it’s time to leave. Also, check mobile network availability inside the apartment itself. A street might have signal, but the building’s walls or location could block it completely. Test your phone inside the house, especially if you work remotely or rely on data for business or daily life. No one wants to be locked in a signal dead zone after paying rent.

8. Ask About Power Supply Realistically
The phrase “light dey well for here” is too vague to accept. Ask, “How many hours of light do you get per day?” “How long do blackouts last?” In areas serviced by poor transformers or overloaded feeders, you could be stuck in darkness for days. If the area is generator-reliant, factor in fuel costs. If you work from home or have kids, electricity access is crucial, don’t gamble it away on vague promises.

9. Inspect the Toilet, Kitchen, and Plumbing Thoroughly
Even new-looking houses can have underlying plumbing issues. Open taps and flush toilets during inspection. Look under the sink for signs of leakage or rot. Smell the bathrooms, yes, smell them. Many Lagos homes have hidden soakaways that overflow or toilets that reverse during rains. Fixing plumbing issues can be expensive and frustrating, and landlords don’t always take responsibility after you’ve paid.

10. Know the Street Dynamics: Security, Noise, and Culture
Finally, understand the lifestyle of the street. Is there a noisy church or mosque next door? Is the street gated? Are the gates locked at night? Is the neighborhood safe to walk in after 7 p.m.? Lagos is full of hidden communities, some are party hubs, others are quiet family zones. Choose what fits your lifestyle. Spend time there during different hours of the day before deciding. You’re not just renting a house, you’re joining a community.

In a city like Lagos, a wrong rental decision can cost more than just money, it can rob you of peace. Take your time. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Do the extra legwork. People are falling victim every day, not because they’re foolish, but because they’re in a hurry. Don’t be one of them.