Finding Spare Rooms in Lagos, Nigeria

Finding affordable accommodation in Lagos can feel like a full-time job. With rising rents, transportation costs, and increasing demand for housing, many people are looking beyond traditional self-contained apartments and considering shared accommodation.

For students, young professionals, remote workers, newcomers, and anyone trying to manage a tight housing budget, spare rooms in Lagos can provide a practical alternative to renting an entire apartment alone.

A spare room can give you access to a desirable neighbourhood without requiring you to carry the full cost of rent, electricity, internet, security, water, and other household expenses. However, finding the right room requires more than simply responding to the cheapest advert you see online.

This guide explains finding spare rooms in Nigeria, where to search, what to check before paying, how to identify potential scams, and how to save rent cost by using spare rooms.

Why Are Spare Rooms Becoming Popular in Lagos?

Lagos has one of Nigeria’s most competitive housing markets. Population growth, limited housing supply, construction costs, and high demand in employment and business centres have all contributed to pressure on rental accommodation.

Recent reporting has highlighted the difficulty many Lagos residents face as rents rise faster than incomes, with some workers choosing to live farther from their workplaces because accommodation closer to employment centres has become increasingly expensive.

The Lagos State Government has also acknowledged concerns around rent increases and additional fees in the rental market. In 2025, the government reiterated its commitment to supporting monthly, quarterly, and yearly rent payment arrangements of not more than one year.

For renters, these conditions make shared accommodation worth considering.

Instead of paying for an entire apartment, you may be able to rent a private bedroom in an existing home and share common areas such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, or laundry area.

What Is a Spare Room?

A spare room is an unused bedroom or private room within an occupied home or shared apartment that is made available to another person for rent.

Depending on the arrangement, you may have:

• A private bedroom
• A shared kitchen
• A shared living room
• A shared bathroom or private bathroom
• Shared electricity and internet bills
• Shared security and maintenance expenses
• Access to furnished household facilities

The exact arrangement differs from one property to another, so renters should always clarify what is included before agreeing to move in.

Where to Find Spare Rooms in Lagos

There are several ways to search for available rooms, but online platforms can make the process considerably easier.

1. Use Dedicated Roommate and Shared-Housing Platforms

Platforms focused on roommates and shared accommodation can be particularly useful because they connect people who have available rooms with people searching for accommodation.

Instead of searching through thousands of general property listings, you can focus specifically on people offering rooms in existing homes or apartments.

For example, renters can explore Rentmates.ng to look for suitable shared accommodation and connect with potential roommates.

This approach can be especially useful if you are new to Lagos and do not already have a large personal network in the city.

2. Search General Property Websites

Traditional Nigerian property websites can also provide useful information about shared accommodation.

Current listings demonstrate that shared rooms and apartments are available across areas of Lagos, although prices vary significantly depending on location, property quality, facilities, and the exact rental arrangement.

General property platforms can help you understand asking prices, compare neighbourhoods, and identify areas where shared accommodation is available.

However, remember that an advertised price is not necessarily the total amount you will eventually pay. Ask about agency fees, legal fees, service charges, caution deposits, utility bills, and other costs.

3. Ask Friends, Colleagues, and Professional Networks

Personal recommendations remain valuable when finding accommodation in Lagos.

A colleague may know someone moving out of an apartment. A friend may have an unused bedroom. Someone in your professional network may be looking for a roommate.

The advantage is that you may receive information about the person, property, landlord, and neighbourhood before arranging a viewing.

Nevertheless, do not skip basic checks simply because someone introduced you to the property.

4. Search by Neighbourhood Rather Than Lagos as a Whole

Lagos is a large metropolitan area, and accommodation costs can differ substantially between neighbourhoods.

If your workplace or school is in Ikeja, for example, living in an area with a reasonable commute may make more financial sense than choosing a cheaper room much farther away.

Potential areas to investigate can include:

• Ikeja
• Yaba
• Surulere
• Maryland
• Gbagada
• Magodo
• Ogba
• Agege
• Alimosho
• Ajah
• Lekki
• Ikorodu
• Lagos Mainland
• Victoria Island and surrounding areas

The right location depends on your budget, workplace, school, transportation options, and lifestyle.

How Much Do Spare Rooms Cost in Lagos?

There is no single price for a spare room in Lagos.

Current online listings show significant variation. For example, shared accommodation listings in parts of Lekki and Chevron can range from relatively modest room prices to several million naira per year depending on the room, property, and location.

This illustrates an important point: location alone does not determine rent.

Two rooms in the same general neighbourhood may have completely different prices because one is furnished, has a private bathroom, offers better security, has more reliable utilities, or is located inside a managed estate.

When comparing rooms, calculate the total annual cost, not just the advertised monthly or annual rent.

Ask whether the quoted price includes:

• Electricity
• Water
• Internet
• Service charges
• Cleaning
• Security
• Estate fees
• Waste disposal
• Maintenance
• Parking
• Furniture

A room that appears cheaper may become more expensive once these costs are added.

How to Save Rent Cost by Using Spare Rooms

One of the biggest advantages of renting a spare room is the ability to share expenses.

Share the Cost of Housing

If an apartment costs ₦3 million per year and two or three compatible people share the property, the housing cost per person can be substantially lower than renting a similar apartment alone.

The actual split should reflect the size and quality of each bedroom and the agreed household arrangement.

For example, a person with a large master bedroom and private bathroom may reasonably pay more than someone occupying a smaller bedroom.

Reduce Utility Expenses

Shared accommodation can also reduce individual household expenses.

Instead of paying for an entire internet connection, electricity infrastructure, security, and other household services alone, roommates can agree to divide eligible expenses.

Before moving in, establish exactly how these expenses will be calculated.

Avoid Paying for Unused Space

A common problem with renting an entire apartment is paying for rooms and facilities you may barely use.

If you spend most of your time at work and primarily need a comfortable bedroom, kitchen access, reliable internet, and a safe environment, renting a spare room may be more financially efficient than paying for an entire apartment.

What to Check Before Renting a Spare Room

Finding a cheap room is only half the process. You also need to determine whether the arrangement is safe, legitimate, and suitable for your lifestyle.

Inspect the Room in Person

Whenever possible, visit the property before making a payment.

Check:

• The condition of the bedroom
• Doors and locks
• Windows
• Bathroom facilities
• Kitchen
• Water supply
• Electricity
• Mobile network coverage
• Internet availability
• Security
• Noise levels
• Flooding risks
• Access roads
• Parking arrangements

Do not rely entirely on photographs or videos.

Meet Your Potential Roommates

Your relationship with the people already living in the property can determine whether shared accommodation becomes a positive or stressful experience.

Discuss:

• Work schedules
• Visitors
• Cleaning
• Cooking
• Noise
• Privacy
• Security
• Pets
• Smoking
• Shared expenses
• Overnight guests
• Household rules

Compatibility matters almost as much as rent.

Confirm the Landlord or Occupancy Arrangement

Before paying, establish who has the legal right to rent the property.

If someone is renting out a room in an apartment they themselves rent, confirm that the arrangement is permitted under their tenancy agreement and by the relevant landlord or property manager.

Avoid situations where someone simply collects money and promises to “sort things out later.”

Beware of Rental Scams in Lagos

Online accommodation searches can expose renters to fraudulent listings.

A scammer may copy photographs from another property, advertise an unusually cheap room, create urgency, and demand immediate payment before you have inspected the accommodation.

Be cautious if someone:

• Refuses to let you inspect the property
• Demands full payment immediately
• Provides inconsistent information
• Uses pressure tactics
• Cannot explain who owns or manages the property
• Offers a price dramatically below comparable listings
• Refuses to provide a written agreement
• Asks for money before giving you basic property information

The Lagos State Government has publicly warned about issues involving arbitrary rent increases and improper charges, highlighting the importance of understanding the rental arrangement and dealing with credible parties.

Never assume an online listing is legitimate simply because it contains photographs, phone numbers, or a convincing description.

Questions to Ask Before Moving Into a Spare Room

Before committing, ask these questions:

About the Rent

• How much is the rent?
• Is payment monthly or annually?
• Are there additional fees?
• Is there a refundable deposit?
• What happens when the tenancy expires?

About Bills

• How is electricity divided?
• Who pays for water?
• Is internet included?
• Are there service charges?
• How are unexpected repairs handled?

About the Property

• Is the room furnished?
• Is the bathroom private or shared?
• Is the kitchen shared?
• Is there reliable water?
• How secure is the property?
• Does the area experience flooding?

About the Roommates

• How many people live there?
• Who has access to common areas?
• Are overnight guests allowed?
• What are the cleaning arrangements?
• Are there household quiet hours?

Getting clear answers before moving in can prevent disagreements later.

Finding Spare Rooms in Nigeria Beyond Lagos

The same principles apply when finding spare rooms in Nigeria outside Lagos.

Major cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin City, Enugu, and other urban centres also have renters looking for affordable shared accommodation.

However, rental prices, tenancy practices, transport costs, and housing availability vary from city to city.

If you are relocating for work or school, compare the total cost of living rather than rent alone.

A cheaper room far from work may result in higher transportation expenses and several additional hours of commuting every week.

How to Choose the Right Spare Room

The cheapest room is not always the best option.

A good spare room should provide a reasonable balance between:

• Price
• Location
• Safety
• Privacy
• Roommate compatibility
• Utilities
• Property condition
• Transportation
• Tenancy terms

Think about your lifestyle before making a decision.

If you work remotely, reliable electricity and internet may be more important than having a large bedroom.

If you commute daily, proximity to work may justify paying slightly more.

If privacy is extremely important, look for a room with a private bathroom and clear household boundaries.

Why Rentmates.ng Can Make the Search Easier

Searching for accommodation through random social media posts and informal contacts can take time and expose renters to unnecessary risks.

A dedicated platform can make it easier to focus your search on people who are actually interested in shared accommodation.

Whether you have an empty room you want to rent out or you are searching for a room in Lagos, Rentmates.ng provides a place to connect people with shared housing needs.

Before agreeing to any arrangement, users should still verify the property, understand the terms, meet prospective roommates where appropriate, and avoid sending money without sufficient verification.

Final Thoughts on Finding Spare Rooms in Lagos

The search for spare rooms in Lagos does not have to mean compromising on safety, comfort, or location.

Shared accommodation can be a practical way to reduce housing expenses, especially when the cost of renting an entire apartment is beyond your budget. By sharing rent and household expenses, you may be able to live in a neighbourhood that would otherwise be difficult to afford.

The key is to approach the process carefully.

Research the neighbourhood. Compare the total cost. Inspect the property. Meet your potential roommates. Confirm the tenancy arrangement. Ask questions about bills and house rules. Most importantly, avoid making rushed payments because someone tells you that another person is ready to take the room.

Lagos remains a highly competitive rental market, and current listings show that shared accommodation is available across different parts of the city, although prices and conditions vary widely.

If you are looking for a spare room or have an available room that you would like to share with a suitable roommate, sign up on Rentmates.ng and start exploring shared accommodation opportunities in Lagos.

Finding the right room can help you spend less on rent, reduce household costs, and make living in Lagos more manageable.