Stay safe when renting
E-landlord was built to cut out dishonest agents and protect both tenants and landlords. These tips help you rent with confidence. Always confirm before you pay.
Always inspect the property in person
Never pay for a property you haven't seen with your own eyes. Visit the house during daylight hours when you can clearly see the condition of the structure, roof, walls, plumbing, and electrical fittings. Visit more than once if you can. A morning visit and an evening visit give you a complete picture. If you're relocating from another city, send a trusted person to inspect on your behalf before you commit to anything.
Verify tenancy documents before signing
Insist on a formal tenancy agreement before any money changes hands. The agreement should clearly state the rent amount, payment terms, duration of tenancy, caution fee details, and conditions for renewal or termination. Read every clause carefully. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification in writing. Never rely on verbal promises. What isn't written doesn't legally exist. You can also consult a lawyer for agreements above ₦500,000 per annum.
Confirm the landlord's identity and ownership
On e-landlord, landlords are required to verify their identity and property ownership before listing. Look for the green "Verified Landlord" and "NIN Verified" badges on a landlord's profile. You can still request to see the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Right of Occupancy (R of O) for the property. Cross-check the name on the document with the landlord's national ID. Fraud often happens when someone claims to be a caretaker or agent of an absent landlord.
Never pay before you've confirmed everything
Do not pay any money, not even a "reservation fee" or "caution deposit", until you have personally inspected the property, confirmed the landlord's identity, and received and reviewed a signed tenancy agreement. Fraudsters commonly rush tenants into paying quickly by claiming "there are other interested tenants." Take your time. A genuine landlord will not pressure you. Pay using bank transfer and always request a written receipt with the landlord's name, bank account, and amount.
Ask about existing tenants and the neighborhood
Talk to other tenants in the building or compound before committing. Ask about water supply, electricity (NEPA reliability or shared generator costs), security, and relations with the landlord. Walk around the neighborhood at different times of the day. Check the proximity to your workplace, schools, markets, and hospitals. A low rent in a flooded or crime-prone area is not a bargain.
Use the direct contact feature, and be cautious
Our platform connects you directly with landlords via WhatsApp or phone call, with no middlemen. When contacting a landlord, keep your conversations on record. Screenshot important agreements made over chat. Do not share sensitive personal information like your BVN, NIN, or bank details over WhatsApp without meeting in person first. If a landlord asks for an unusual upfront payment via third-party apps like Opay or PalmPay before you've signed anything, treat it as a red flag.
Know the red flags of rental scams
Be alert when: the rent is significantly below market rate for the area; the landlord claims to be abroad and cannot show you the property; payment is requested in full before any inspection; the listing photos look like stock images or stolen from another platform; the person you speak with cannot answer specific questions about the property. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Report suspicious listings directly to us using the "Report" button on any listing page.
Before you pay, run through this checklist
Every item here should be true before you hand over any money. If even one isn't, pause and investigate further.
- I have visited the property in person (at least once)
- I have confirmed the landlord's identity with a valid ID
- I have seen proof of ownership (C of O, R of O, or deed)
- I have read and understood the tenancy agreement
- I have spoken with at least one existing tenant
- I have checked water, electricity, and security
- I am paying by bank transfer and will receive a receipt
- I have not been pressured or rushed into a decision
Spotted a suspicious listing?
Help protect other tenants. Use the Report button on any listing, or contact us directly.