Let’s be real, renting an apartment in Lagos is not for the weak.
Beyond the shiny tiles, POP ceiling, and “just painted” walls, the real tea is how the building is managed because a fine apartment with terrible facility management will humble you very quickly.
Before you pay caution fee, agency fee, agreement fee, and start planning your housewarming, here are five essential facility management questions every smart Lagos renter must ask their landlord or real-estate agent.
1. Who Is Actually Managing the Property?
First things first: who’s running the show?
Ask clearly:
This matters more than you think.
- Is the apartment managed by a professional facility management company?
- Is it landlord-managed?
- Or is it self-serviced by tenants?
Professionally managed apartments usually have:
- Clear processes
- Defined accountability
- Faster response times
Many modern estates now use property management solutions like Est8plus to handle resident communication, service requests, access control, smart power tracking, utility management systems, and issue tracking, which reduces confusion and landlord drama.
Red flag: If nobody can clearly tell you who manages the building or how issues are reported.
2. What Does the Service Charge Actually Cover?
Service charge should not be a mystery subscription.
Ask for a clear breakdown:
- What exactly are you paying for?
- Cleaning?
- Security?
- Generator maintenance?
- Waste disposal?
- Water treatment?
If they can’t explain it clearly or the breakdown feels somehow “creative,” take note.
Transparency is a green flag. Vagueness is not.
3. What Is the Power Payment Structure?
In Lagos, electricity is a lifestyle issue, not a small detail.
Ask these questions clearly:
- Is there an electricity prepaid meter?
- Can you install your own inverter or personal generator?
- Is there a central facility generator?
- How is diesel paid for? i.e. Deposit, monthly contribution, or pay-as-you-use
You don’t want to move in and suddenly discover you’re paying for generator fuel like you own shares in the building.
4. How Is Security and Access Control Handled?
Security is not vibes. Security is structure.
Ask about:
- Visitor access procedures
- Gate control and identification
- CCTV coverage
- Incident reporting process
A well-managed apartment balances security and sanity. If security sounds like “we’re trying our best,” just know tenants usually pay for that later.
5. What Are the Facility Rules and Bylaws?
Every apartment has rules; the smart move is knowing them before you move in.
Ask directly:
- Are pets allowed?
- Are parties allowed?
- Are there noise or movement restrictions?
- Are fines or penalties enforced?
Honourable mention: Does the landlord live on the property?
If yes, ask your agent clear questions about boundaries and behaviour, and ensure your tenancy agreement protects you from landlord excesses.
Final Word: Management Determines Peace
A fine apartment is cute. A well-managed apartment is peace.
Asking these questions helps you avoid:
- Hidden charges
- Constant stress
- “If I had known” stories
In Lagos, smart renters don’t just inspect apartments; they inspect management systems.
And when you see estates using structured property management software like Est8plus, it’s usually a sign that:
- Processes are defined
- Communication is clearer
- Living is easier
Good facility management = good living. And honestly? That’s the real luxury
Photos by Diego Souza
