Lagos Renters: How to Verify an Agent and Avoid Housing Scams

Before sending money for a Lagos apartment, ask the agent for a LASRERA registration or licence number. Verify the number yourself through the authority’s public register. Match the agent’s name, business details and registration status before proceeding. Be careful when an agent demands inspection, agreement and caution fees at once, especially into a personal account. Pressure to “pay now or lose the flat”, refusal to provide paperwork, and a landlord who cannot be contacted are serious warning signs. Inspect the property, confirm the agent has a real office or traceable business address, and request clear receipts for every payment. For rentals, try to speak with the landlord or a verifiable representative before making major payments. Keep screenshots, account details, receipts and the property address. LASRERA can receive complaints about unregistered or fraudulent practitioners. Checking an agent takes only a few minutes, but it could prevent the loss of rent, agency fees and other savings.

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