Avoid Scams: Renting Property Safely in Nigeria This Detty December

Detty December is here! It's that time of the year when Nigerians celebrate the festive season in style—packed with concerts, parties, and gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, a short-term rental, or a place to host your loved ones, the demand for rental properties skyrockets during this period. Unfortunately, scammers are also on high alert, looking to take advantage of unsuspecting renters in the holiday rush. To ensure you secure a safe, legitimate rental this season, here are essential tips to protect yourself from scams.

1. Book in Advance to Avoid Desperation

The festive season is one of the busiest times for renting properties, especially in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Waiting until the last minute increases the risk of falling victim to scams because scammers prey on desperate renters who are rushing to secure accommodations.

• Start Early: Begin your search weeks or even months before December. This gives you more time to research, inspect properties, and verify landlords or agents.

• Avoid Rush Payments: Booking in advance also means you’re less likely to fall for high-pressure tactics like “pay immediately or lose the deal.”

• Better Choices: Early bookings allow you to pick from a wider range of properties, ensuring you’re not stuck with overpriced or questionable options.

2. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Deals

During Detty December, scammers often post listings with prices that are far below the market rate to lure unsuspecting renters. While it might be tempting to jump on these deals, remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Check Market Rates: Compare the price of the listing with similar properties in the area. A luxury apartment offered at half the usual rate is a major red flag.

• Be Skeptical of Discounts: Scammers may promise holiday discounts or "special offers," but this is often a ploy to get you to pay quickly without verification.

3. Verify the Property and Its Owner

Scammers often advertise properties they don’t own or that don’t exist. To avoid falling victim, always verify the property and the person renting it out.

• Visit in Person: Always inspect the property before making any payment. This confirms its existence and helps you verify its condition.

• Ask for Proof of Ownership: Request documents that prove the landlord owns the property, such as a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or a rental authorization letter.

• Use Trusted Platforms: Opt for well-known property rental websites like PropertyPro, Jumia House, or other reputable agencies that verify listings.

4. Pay Safely and Securely

Payment is one of the critical areas where renters get scammed. Avoid making payments through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

• Use Traceable Methods: Always make payments via bank transfer or other secure methods that provide a transaction history.

• Avoid Full Upfront Payment: If possible, negotiate to pay a deposit first and settle the balance after signing the rental agreement or upon moving in.

• Always Request Receipts: Insist on receiving a receipt or payment confirmation for any transaction, no matter how small.

5. Research the Landlord or Agent

Knowing who you’re dealing with can save you from falling victim to fraud.

• Check Online Reviews: Look up the landlord or agent’s name on Google or social media. Previous tenants’ reviews can give you insight into their legitimacy and reliability.

• Speak to Previous Tenants: If possible, ask for contact details of previous tenants to confirm the landlord’s or agent’s reputation.

• Beware of New Social Media Accounts: Scammers often create fake profiles to appear legitimate. Be wary of agents with newly created accounts or those lacking reviews and engagement.

6. Trust Your Instincts and Look for Red Flags

Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to push renters into making hasty decisions. Be cautious if you notice:

• Urgent Payment Demands: Claims that “other renters are interested” or “you’ll lose the property if you don’t pay today” are common red flags.

• Refusal to Meet in Person: If the landlord or agent avoids face-to-face meetings or refuses to show the property, this is a major warning sign.

• Inconsistent Information: If the property details change during discussions or the agent provides vague answers, proceed with caution.

Conclusion

Renting property during Detty December doesn’t have to be a gamble. By booking early, avoiding “too good to be true” deals, and taking steps to verify the property and landlord, you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams. Remember, the excitement of the festive season shouldn’t cloud your judgment. Stay vigilant, make informed decisions, and enjoy a safe, scam-free holiday.

Happy holidays, and may your Detty December be filled with joy, fun, and fabulous memories!