How inspection fees are charged
Some agents, especially in Lagos and Abuja, ask for an inspection fee before they will take you to see a flat or house. It also goes by names such as viewing fee, inspection money or "transport for inspection". It is paid upfront, usually in cash or by transfer, and you do not get it back whether or not you take the property.
It is not part of the agency fee, which is paid only once you agree to rent. A house-hunter who views several properties with several agents can end up paying it again and again without renting anything.
What the law says in Lagos. No Lagos law we checked provides for an inspection fee. The Tenancy Law of Lagos State 2011 deals with rent in advance, deposits, service charges and who pays for professional services on the tenancy agreement; it says nothing about paying to view. The LASRERA Law 2022, which set up the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, deals with registering agents and handling complaints, not with viewing charges.
What the state government says. After a meeting with the estate surveyors' institute, the developers' association and the estate agents' association, the Lagos State Government publicly listed inspection fees, together with finder's fees and other add-on charges, as illegal fees that harm tenants and damage the reputation of the trade. Officials have also said that such charges mostly come from people who are not registered with any professional body, and have asked residents to report them.
Registration. LASRERA registers agents in Lagos, and practising without registration is an offence. You can check an agent's registration before dealing with them and report misconduct to the authority.
Differences by state
- Lagos: the state government has described inspection fees as illegal, and LASRERA registers agents and takes complaints about them.
- Abuja (FCT): we found no law or regulation that deals with inspection fees. Any charge is a private arrangement between you and the agent.
- Other states: we found no state-wide rule on inspection fees in the sources we checked. Ask about every charge before you agree to go out viewing.
What to check
- Whether the agent is registered with LASRERA, if the property is in Lagos.
- That the property is still available, and the rent being asked, before you travel to see it.
- Whether the agent acts for the landlord or is one of several middlemen sharing the same listing.
- Exactly what any money you are asked for covers, and whether it will be deducted from the agency fee if you take the property.
- A written receipt with the agent's name and company for any payment you decide to make.
Red flags
- Payment demanded before the agent will even give you the address.
- An agent who takes a fee and then shows you properties that are already let or do not match the advert.
- A new fee for every property or every visit.
- No receipt, no company name and no office address.
- Pressure to pay at once because "many people are interested".
- In Lagos, an agent who cannot show LASRERA registration.
Inspection fee vs Agency fee
| Aspect | Inspection fee | Agency fee |
|---|---|---|
| When it is asked for | Before you view a property | After you agree to rent, before you get the keys |
| What it pays for | Being shown the property | Finding and letting the property to you |
| Status in Lagos | Described by the state government as an illegal charge | Allowed, within the range officials have stated |
| How often | Can be demanded at every viewing | Once per letting |
| Refunded | No | No |
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Questions
Is inspection fee legal in Lagos?
Lagos State officials have described it as an illegal charge, and no Lagos law we checked provides for it. You can report an agent who demands one to LASRERA.
Should I pay an inspection fee to an agent?
You are not obliged to. Ask to view without it or look for another agent. If you do pay, get a receipt and agree in writing what it covers.
How much is inspection fee in Nigeria?
There is no official amount, because no law provides for the fee. Amounts vary from agent to agent, so ask before you agree to go.
Is inspection fee part of the agency fee?
No. The agency fee is paid once you agree to rent. An inspection fee is a separate charge just for viewing, and it is not refunded if you do not take the property.
Where can I report an agent in Lagos?
To LASRERA, the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, which registers agents and investigates complaints. The state housing ministry has also asked residents to report agents who charge unlawful fees.
Related terms
Sources
- 1. Tenancy Law of Lagos State 2011 (Law No. 14 of 2011), Official Gazette No. 37 Vol. 44 Lagos State Government (via Policy Vault Africa) · checked 18 October 2026
- 2. Lagos urges professionals to halt illegal agency fees, rent hike (21 Apr 2025) The Guardian Nigeria · checked 18 October 2026
- 3. Lagos advocates rent reduction, declares caution fee, inspection fee illegal (24 Apr 2025) MSME Africa · checked 18 October 2026
- 4. An overview of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law 2022 (S.P.A. Ajibade & Co., 18 Apr 2022) Mondaq · checked 18 October 2026
- 5. Lagos govt goes after unregistered real estate agents (7 Jul 2025) Ripples Nigeria · checked 18 October 2026
- 6. Sanwo-Olu warns agents, landlords against tenancy agreement fee above 10% (15 May 2025) Gazette Nigeria · checked 18 October 2026
Cite this definition
"Inspection fee", Nigeria Property Centre Property Glossary, last checked 19 October 2026, https://nigeriapropertycentre.com/glossary/inspection-fee
You may reuse this definition under CC BY 4.0 with credit to Nigeria Property Centre and a link to this page.
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