Rental scams in Nigeria: a catalogue of every con

Every Nigerian knows someone who has been scammed while looking for a house. The scale of the problem is what drives NoBroker Nigeria: our admin queue sees fresh attempts every week — people trying to list properties they don't own, "agents" asking for viewing fees to inspect flats they have no access to, landlords double-booking the same lease to two different tenants and disappearing when both show up on move-in day.

This is the complete catalogue of rental scams our Trust & Safety team has logged in Nigeria, in descending order of frequency. For each one I'll describe the pattern, explain how to recognise it, and tell you what to do if you've already been caught by it. Share this with any friend who's house-hunting.

1. The fake landlord

The pattern. Someone who doesn't own the property shows it to you and collects rent and caution. Sometimes they have the keys because they're a former tenant, a caretaker, a relative of the owner, or a neighbour with access. Sometimes they've broken in. You pay. You move in. The real owner appears.

How to recognise it. The "landlord" refuses or delays showing property documents. Their name on WhatsApp or in the tenancy agreement doesn't match the C of O or deed of assignment. The bank account they give you for the transfer is in a different name entirely. They push hard for cash payment. The caretaker or security guard at the property doesn't seem to know them well.

How to avoid it. Always ask to see the Certificate of Occupancy or deed of assignment before you transfer a kobo. Always confirm the name on the ownership document matches the name on the tenancy agreement and the bank account. Meet the owner at the property in the daylight, not in a hotel lobby or "my office downtown." For the full step-by-step see fake landlord scam: how strangers rent out houses they don't own.

If it's already happened. File a petition at the nearest police station with copies of the bank transfer, the tenancy agreement, and every WhatsApp message. In parallel, log a complaint with the EFCC if the amount is above ₦1 million. Our guide to how to report rental fraud in Nigeria walks through the escalation in order.

2. The viewing fee scam

The pattern. An "agent" advertises a desirable property at a below-market price. When you express interest, they ask for a ₦5,000–₦50,000 "viewing fee" before they'll show you the flat. You pay. You might or might not get a viewing of a random property that isn't what was advertised. Either way, the agent and the ₦10,000 disappear.

How to recognise it. Any upfront fee to view a property is a scam. Legitimate agents are paid a commission when a lease is signed, not to open a door. The listing usually has too-good-to-be-true pricing, too-good-to-be-true photos, and a vague or missing address.