The 7 Documents You Must See Before Paying Rent on Any Nigerian Property

"Asking for documents isn't rude. It's the most financially responsible thing you can do."

You've found a flat you love. The price is right. The landlord seems genuine. Now — before you sign anything or pay a kobo — here are the seven documents you need to see.

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

The C of O is the most important land document in Nigeria. Issued by the state government, it confirms that the owner has a legal right to occupy and use the land the property sits on.

Without a C of O, the property could be on disputed land, government-acquired land, or land with unresolved ownership conflicts — none of which becomes your problem until you've already paid.

Ask for: The original C of O. Check that the name on it matches the person claiming to be the landlord.

2. Deed of Assignment

If the property was sold from one person to another, a Deed of Assignment is the document that records that transfer of ownership. Without it, you only have the previous owner's C of O — which means the person collecting your rent may not legally own the property.

Ask for: The most recent Deed of Assignment, showing the current landlord as the recipient.

3. Survey Plan

A survey plan shows the exact boundaries of the land — its size, shape, and location. This is how you confirm the property isn't encroaching on a neighbor's plot or government land.

Ask for: A registered survey plan bearing the surveyor's stamp and state ministry endorsement.

4. Approved Building Plan

Before any building is constructed in Nigeria, the owner is required to obtain approval from the state's urban planning authority. An approved building plan confirms the structure was built legally and to approved specifications.

Many buildings in Nigeria — particularly in rapidly developed areas — were built without approval. This creates risk for tenants if the government issues a demolition notice.

Ask for: The original approved building plan from the relevant state authority.

5. Tenancy Agreement

This is the document that governs your relationship with the landlord — rent amount, payment schedule, duration, renewal terms, and exit conditions. It protects both parties.

Do not accept a verbal agreement. Do not accept a landlord's word that "we'll sort the paperwork later." The agreement must be signed before any payment.

What to check: Ensure the agreement includes the exact rent amount, duration, what happens at renewal, and the notice period required from both sides.

6. Landlord's Valid Identification

You need to confirm that the person asking for your money is who they claim to be. A National Identity Card, International Passport, or Driver's License — whichever they provide, it must match the name on the property documents.

This sounds basic. You would be surprised how many people skip it.

Ask for: A government-issued photo ID matching the name on the C of O or Deed of Assignment.

7. Receipt for Previous Utility Payments

Outstanding electricity bills, water bills, or service charge debts on a property can become your responsibility once you move in. Before signing, ask to see recent AEDC or IKEDC receipts confirming the account is current and in good standing.

Ask for: The most recent utility payment receipts and confirmation that no arrears exist.

A final note

If a landlord refuses to show you any of these documents, that is your answer. You don't need to negotiate. You don't need to give them the benefit of the doubt. You simply move on.

Every property listed on Propabridge has had documents 1, 2, 3, and 4 sighted and verified by our licensed Estate Surveyors before the listing goes live. We do this so you don't have to do it alone.

Search verified properties at propabridge.com. Every document already checked.