Free tool · Lagos Rent Check

Can you really afford that Lagos apartment?

Agents quote you rent. Then come agency, legal and caution fees, moving costs, and the next rent coming due in 12 months. Put in your numbers to see the real bill and whether you should move now or keep saving.

Your numbers

Example figures. Change them to yours
Your money
₦
₦
₦

Costs means food, transport, data, power, family support: everything except rent. This assumes you pay no rent where you live now, for example with family.

The apartment
₦
%
%
%

Fees are a % of one year's rent. 10% each is a common ask. Use the figures on your agent's quote, or 0 if there's no fee.

₦

Your result

of your pay goes to rent
yearly rent that fits your savings and pay
to save your next rent before it's due

Know this before you pay

  • One year upfront is the legal limit for a new tenant. Under the Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011, a landlord or agent can't demand more than one year's rent in advance from a new tenant. The fine is ₦100,000 or 3 months in prison. Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ikeja GRA and Apapa are outside the law.
  • Get a receipt for every payment. That covers rent, agency, legal and caution. The caution deposit is meant to come back when you leave, so keep proof you paid it.
  • Fees are negotiable. The rent is often fixed. The agency and legal fees often aren't. Ask before you pay.
  • Agency fees may be capped soon. A tenancy bill before the Lagos State House of Assembly would cap agent commission at 5% of one year's rent. As of September 2026 it had not yet become law.
  • The 30% rule. Rent above 30% of take-home pay leaves little room for savings or emergencies.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Check current rules with a lawyer or LASRERA before you sign.

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