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Costs · 4 min read

Is caution fee refundable in Nigeria?

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

Part of Agency fee, agreement fee and caution fee in Nigeria: what should you pay?

Short answer

Caution fee is refundable in principle, less the cost of damage you caused and any unpaid bills. Tenants usually lose it because nothing recorded the condition of the property when they moved in, so pre-existing damage becomes their responsibility at exit.

What the agreement should say

  • The exact amount held and who holds it.
  • What it can be deducted for, and what counts as fair wear and tear.
  • How long after exit the balance is returned.
  • Whether unpaid electricity, water or service charge is deducted from it.

How to protect it

  • Photograph and video every room, fitting, tap, socket and appliance on the day you collect keys.
  • Send the record to the agent and landlord in writing the same week and keep the reply.
  • Report faults in writing as they happen, not at exit.
  • Do the same walkthrough at exit and share it immediately.

A dated CribCheck record at entry and exit is the simplest way to settle this argument, because both sides are looking at the same evidence.

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.

Before you pay, CribCheck it.

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