The Nigerian rental market is fraught with challenges, and one of the most pressing issues tenants face is the exploitation through exorbitant inspection fees. This article delves into the prevalence of these fees, their impact on renters, and how platforms like Fourstrides are offering solutions.
The Rise of Inspection Fees: In recent times, many agents have turned property inspections into a lucrative venture. Reports indicate that some agents charge potential tenants fees for viewing properties, often without any guarantee of availability or suitability. A recent article highlighted that some agents demand varying fees for property inspections—often without having any real properties available. (punchng.com)
Voices from the Affected: Tenants have expressed their frustrations on various platforms. For instance, a renter shared, "The number of times I have been scammed is alarming. Some agents have turned this into a business, collecting fees from multiple people under false pretenses." (housingtvafrica.com)