CribCheckRising rents are pushing more Lagos residents into shared accommodation, and most problems come from two gaps: nobody verified who actually holds the tenancy, and nobody wrote down how the money works.
Verify the arrangement
- Who holds the tenancy, and can you see the agreement?
- Does the landlord know about and permit sharing?
- How long is left on the term, and what happens when it ends?
- Who holds the deposit, and how is your share returned when you leave?
Inspect the home properly
Sharing does not reduce the risk of damp, bad wiring, weak water pressure or flooding — it just divides the rent. Work through the viewing checklist, including the bathroom and kitchen you will share, and record the condition of your own room.
Agree the money in writing
- Rent share, and the date each person pays.
- Service charge, diesel, electricity, water and internet split, with a method, not a promise.
- Who buys shared consumables, and how that is settled.
- What happens if someone leaves early or cannot pay.
Agree the living rules too
- Guests, overnight visitors and partners.
- Cleaning of shared spaces, and generator or inverter use.
- Quiet hours, cooking and fridge space.
- Notice period before either of you moves out.