Rent Calculator Nigeria — Total Move-In Cost
Calculate your total move-in cost in Nigeria including agency fee, agreement fee, caution deposit and service charge. Know exactly what to budget before you rent.
Annual rent presets:
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Standard: 10% of annual rent %
Standard: 10% of annual rent ₦
Paid to estate management ₦0
Total Move-In Cost
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Monthly Equivalent
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Rent Paid Upfront
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Total Fees & Charges
Move-In Cost Breakdown
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Nigerian Rent Tips
- Negotiate agency fee: If renting directly from the landlord, you can skip or halve the agency fee. Always ask.
- Pay 2 years for a discount: Many landlords reduce rent by 5–10% if you pay 2 years upfront. Use our calculator to compare.
- Inspect before paying: Never pay any fee without physically inspecting the property. Verify the landlord's ownership documents (C of O, deed of assignment).
- Get receipts for everything: Every payment — including caution fee — must be receipted. Verbal promises are unenforceable.
- Service charge is separate: In gated estates, service charge can be ₦200,000–₦1,000,000/year. Always confirm before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is agency fee in Nigeria?
Agency fee is typically 10% of the annual rent, paid to the estate agent or property manager who facilitated the transaction. It is a one-time payment made at the point of renting a property. Some landlords in Lagos and Abuja charge up to 15%, but 10% is the widely accepted standard.
What is agreement fee and is it compulsory?
Agreement fee (also called legal fee) covers the preparation of the tenancy agreement document, usually by a lawyer. It is typically 10% of the annual rent and is paid once per tenancy agreement. While technically negotiable, most landlords treat it as mandatory in Nigerian cities.
How much caution/security deposit should I pay?
Caution deposit (also called security deposit or caution fee) is usually equivalent to one month's rent, though some landlords in high-demand areas charge two months. It is refundable at the end of tenancy if no damage is done to the property.
Can I negotiate rent in Nigeria?
Yes. Rent is negotiable, especially if you can pay 2 years upfront instead of 1, if you are already a good tenant elsewhere, or if the property has been vacant for a while. You can often negotiate agency fee from 10% to 5%, especially with individual landlords who do not use agents.
What is service charge?
Service charge covers maintenance of shared facilities in estates — security, cleaning, generator fuel, water supply and common area upkeep. It varies widely: from ₦50,000/year in modest estates to ₦1M+ per year in highbrow estates like Lekki Phase 1 or Banana Island. Always ask before signing.