Nigeria Renting Glossary
Plain English explanations of rental terms, fees, and housing processes across Nigeria.
Agent Fee
An agent fee is a commission paid to a real estate agent or intermediary for introducing a tenant to a landlord, arranging inspections, negotiating rental terms, and helping complete tenancy documentation in Nigeria. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the annual rent and paid once at the beginning of a tenancy. Across many Nigerian cities, renter-reported agent fees most commonly fall between five and ten percent of yearly rent, although higher charges are sometimes requested in highly competitive markets.
Service Charge
A service charge is a recurring payment collected from tenants or homeowners in estates, serviced apartments, or multi-unit residential buildings to fund shared services and facilities. In Nigeria, service charges often cover: • Estate security • Cleaning of common areas • Generator fuel for shared spaces • Water supply • Waste collection • Lift servicing • Road maintenance within estates • Facility management staff Service charges may be billed monthly or annually and should be itemized by estate managers or landlords.