7 Signs a Rental Listing Might Be Fake
Don’t let scammers take your hard-earned money!
Watch out for these warning signs:
The rent is unbelievably cheap. The landlord refuses physical inspection. They ask for payment immediately. The photos look too perfect or don’t match the description. They refuse video calls. They only communicate through WhatsApp. They claim they’re “out of town” and can’t meet.
Always inspect the property before paying.
Have you ever seen a suspicious rental listing? Tell us below.
Never Pay Before Inspection
One of the biggest mistakes students make is paying before seeing the apartment.
Always:
Visit the property. Confirm the address. Meet the landlord or caretaker. Check the surrounding environment. Verify electricity and water availability.
No inspection?
No payment.
How Scammers Pressure You
Common scam phrases include:
“Another person wants it.”
“Pay today.”
“This price expires tonight.”
“Send a deposit to reserve it.”
Don’t let anyone rush you.
Legitimate landlords understand that people need time to inspect before paying.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Roommate
Post 4: 10 Questions You Should Ask a Potential Roommate
Before moving in together, ask:
Are you a student or working?
What’s your daily schedule?
Do you smoke?
Do you drink alcohol?
Do you like loud music?
Do you often have visitors?
How do you handle cleaning?
Will rent always be paid on time?
Are you comfortable sharing appliances?
What are your expectations from a roommate?
These questions can prevent future conflicts.
Lifestyle Compatibility Matters
Not every good person makes a good roommate.
Someone who studies until 2 a.m. may struggle with someone who sleeps at 9 p.m.
Someone who loves parties may not fit with someone who prefers a quiet environment.
Find someone whose lifestyle matches yours.
Split Responsibilities Before Moving In
Discuss:
Rent
Electricity
Water
Internet
Cooking gas
Cleaning
Repairs
Clear agreements create peaceful living.
Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
Post 7: Red Flags in a Potential Roommate
Frequently changes stories.
Refuses identity verification.
Avoids meeting.
Always asks to borrow money.
Doesn’t want written agreements.
Becomes angry when asked simple questions.
Trust your instincts.
Red Flags in a Property
Avoid apartments with:
No running water.
Poor security.
Serious structural damage.
Unsafe wiring.
Flood-prone surroundings.
No legal landlord.
Cheap rent isn’t worth risking your safety.
Social Media Isn’t Verification
A Facebook profile isn’t proof someone is genuine.
Fake accounts are easy to create.
Always verify identity, inspect the property, and meet in person before making commitments.
Staying Safe During Your Search
Post 10: Meet Safely
Always:
Meet during the day.
Meet in a public location first.
Tell someone where you’re going.
Share your live location with a trusted friend or family member.
Avoid going alone if possible.
Your safety comes first.
Protect Your Personal Information
Never share:
ATM PIN
Bank passwords
OTP codes
BVN
NIN details
Email passwords
Legitimate landlords and roommates don’t need this information.
Payment receipts
Chat conversations
Rental agreements
Landlord’s phone number
Property address
Documentation protects everyone involved.
Moving In Successfully
Post 13: First-Day Checklist
Before unpacking:
Check locks.
Test water.
Test electricity.
Inspect windows.
Take photos of existing damage.
Confirm shared items.
Start on the right foot.
House Rules Everyone Should Agree On
Discuss:
Cleaning schedule
Quiet hours
Visitors
Cooking
Shared expenses
Waste disposal
Good communication builds lasting roommate relationships.
Resolve Problems Early
Small disagreements become bigger when ignored.
Talk respectfully.
Listen.
Find solutions together.
A simple conversation today can prevent major conflicts tomorrow.
Why Verified Users Matter
Verification helps build trust in online communities.
While verification doesn’t guarantee someone’s character, it adds an extra layer of confidence by confirming identity details and encouraging accountability.
Always combine verification with your own checks, such as meeting in person, inspecting the property, and asking questions.
The Benefits of Sharing Accommodation
Sharing can help you:
Save money.
Meet new people.
Live in better accommodation.
Reduce financial pressure while studying.
Choose wisely and share responsibly.
Roommate Etiquette
A great roommate:
Pays bills on time.
Cleans up after themselves.
Respects privacy.
Communicates openly.
Keeps promises.
Be the roommate you’d like to have.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Avoid these mistakes:
Paying before inspection.
Ignoring warning signs.
Choosing based only on price.
Failing to discuss expectations.
Not documenting agreements.
Learn from others’ experiences to make better decisions.
Your Roommate Success Story
Every great roommate relationship starts with trust, communication, and careful planning.
Whether you’re new to campus or moving to a new city, take your time, ask the right questions, and prioritize your safety.
At Share9ja, we’re committed to helping people connect for safer, smarter sharing opportunities.
What’s the best roommate advice you’ve ever received? Share it in the comments to help someone else!
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