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Sharing · 4 min read

How to avoid co-renting scams

Written by CribCheck, reviewed by the CribCheck inspection team. Last reviewed 18 September 2026.

Part of Shared apartments and flatmates in Lagos: how to do it safely

Short answer

The common pattern is someone who does not hold the tenancy collecting your share of rent and a deposit, then disappearing or being evicted with you inside. Never pay a flatmate before seeing the tenancy agreement, confirming with the landlord or caretaker that they are the tenant, and getting your arrangement in writing.

The patterns

  • A 'flatmate' who is actually a guest of the tenant, collecting money they have no right to.
  • The same room promised to two or three people, each paying a deposit.
  • A tenancy already in arrears, so eviction arrives weeks after you move in.
  • A deposit that has no owner: nobody can say who is holding it or who returns it.

How to stop it

  • Ask to see the tenancy agreement and the last rent receipt.
  • Confirm with the landlord, agent or caretaker that this person is the tenant and sharing is allowed.
  • Pay by transfer to the person named on the tenancy, never in cash.
  • Put your own arrangement in writing, signed by both of you, with amounts and dates.
  • Photograph the property and your room on the day you move in.

What to do next

Check this home with CribCheck while you are still there. Record what you see, get a condition score with indicative repair costs, and keep it to compare against other homes.

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Shared apartments and flatmates in Lagos: how to do it safely

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