Why you must know how to spot fake landlords in Lagos and Abuja
Knowing how to spot fake landlords in Lagos and Abuja is essential because the cities have extremely competitive rental markets and complex property markets. Scammers exploit urgency, poor documentation, and cash-based transactions to defraud tenants. Learning to identify fraud reduces the risk of losing deposits, paying multiple times for the same unit, or being evicted from a property you paid for in good faith.
Common tricks fake landlords use
Understanding scam patterns helps you stay one step ahead. Here are the most common tactics used by fraudsters posing as landlords or agents in Lagos and Abuja:
- Forged documents: Fake Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), forged deeds, or fabricated survey plans presented as “proof of ownership.”
- Multiple collections: Leasing the same property to several people and collecting deposits from each tenant.
- “Relative” tactics: The scammer claims to be a relative or representative of the real landlord and says the owner is abroad or unavailable.
- Pressure to pay immediately: Urgent deadlines, “first-come, first-served” demands, and requests for large cash deposits to prevent others from taking the property.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers: Prime locations with unusually low rent are classic bait.
Red flags that indicate a fake landlord
When viewing a property or communicating with an owner/agent, look out for these warning signs indicating you should pause and verify:
- They refuse to show original property documents or insist a photocopy is enough.
- Payment requests go to personal accounts with different names than the one on the documents.
- The “landlord” cannot meet you at the property for an in-person inspection or throws up excuses for not meeting.
- The person avoids background checks, lawyers, or tenancy documents and pressures you to pay in cash.
- Multiple people claim to be the landlord for the same unit, or different listings for the same property exist across multiple agents.
How to verify and confirm ownership (step-by-step)
If you suspect something is off, follow these verification steps before you pay anything. These are practical, low-cost checks that will greatly reduce your risk.
- Ask for original documents: Request the original Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, or Governor’s Consent. Inspect these documents closely for photocopy inconsistencies, stamps, or obvious forgeries.
- Cross-check names at the land registry: In Lagos, you can verify ownership through the Lagos State land registry or LASRERA. In Abuja (FCT), contact the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) or relevant land registry to confirm the owner’s name on record. Don’t accept verbal claims—get a written confirmation if possible.
- Visit the property multiple times: Meet neighbors, ask who collects rent and who the landlord is. Neighbors are often the quickest source of truth.
- Confirm bank details and accounts: If you must pay a deposit, ensure the account name matches the owner’s name on verified documents. Be wary of accounts in different names or accounts that change frequently.
- Use a lawyer or trusted agent: Have a property lawyer or reputable estate agent review the documents and draw up the tenancy agreement. Legal professionals can spot forged endorsements and suspicious clauses many tenants miss.
- Insist on formal receipts: Always demand an official, stamped receipt showing the amount paid, payer name, purpose, and the recipient’s verified identity.
Where to verify property records (useful contacts)
Below are common institutions tenants use to verify ownership and report suspected fraud. Use the official channels and avoid social-media-only verification.
- Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) — for licensing and agent verification.
- Lagos State Land Registry — for Certificates of Occupancy and registered owner records.
- Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) — for property maps and owner records in the Federal Capital Territory.
- Local Land Registry offices — state-based registries typically hold title records and deed information.
Pro tip: always try to get a stamped, printed copy of any registry check or official correspondence you make—digital screenshots can be manipulated.
How to handle the situation if you suspect fraud
If your checks raise doubts or you discover that you’ve paid a fake landlord, act quickly and calmly. Here are the steps to take:
- Stop further payments: Do not pay more money and keep all receipts and communication records (messages, bank transfers, emails).
- Get legal advice: Engage a property lawyer immediately to assess your options and write a demand letter if needed.
- Report to the police: File a formal complaint at your local police station and obtain a statement or a report number.
- Report to regulatory bodies: Notify LASRERA (Lagos) or AGIS/FCT authorities (Abuja) and any estate agents’ associations involved.
- Public warnings: Consider posting factual warnings in tenant groups or platforms (without defamation) so others can avoid the same trap.
Everyday precautions that prevent scams
Preventative habits lower your risk dramatically. Make these non-negotiable rules in your rental search:
- Always view properties in person and at different times of day.
- Use reputable estate agents with verifiable track records and business registration.
- Never hand over large cash deposits without a signed tenancy agreement and official receipt.
- Use traceable payment methods (bank transfer) and keep records.
- Request clause-by-clause explanation of any contract before signing and allow your lawyer to review.
Final thoughts
Scammers thrive where demand, urgency, and incomplete information meet. Learning how to spot fake landlords in Lagos and Abuja protects your money and gives you bargaining power as a tenant. Verify documents, cross-check records at official registries, use legal help, and insist on transparent, recorded payments. With patience and due diligence you can reduce the risk of rental fraud—and secure housing with confidence.
