Man Discovers ₦500,000 Electricity Debt Days After Paying ₦4 Million Rent for Apartment

A Nigerian man has recounted his ordeal after discovering that the three bedroom apartment he rented for ₦4 million had an outstanding electricity debt of over ₦500,000, barely eight days after moving into the property.

According to the tenant, he secured the apartment through a property agent after an extensive search and paid the required rent along with agency and other associated fees. Before making the payment, he said he carried out thorough checks on the property, confirming that it had a reliable water supply, electricity, a good location and other basic amenities.

However, a few days after taking possession of the apartment, he began experiencing power supply issues. Although electricity was available in the neighbourhood, his apartment repeatedly remained without power, prompting him to contact the property agent.

The agent reportedly advised him to speak directly with the landlord, who suggested that the prepaid electricity meter had likely exhausted its units and needed to be recharged.

The tenant later discovered that the electricity meter was tied to an outstanding debt exceeding ₦500,000. He was informed that until the debt is fully cleared, half of every electricity recharge made on the meter would automatically be deducted to offset the outstanding balance.

The development has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the lack of transparency in property transactions. Several commentators called for stricter regulations requiring landlords and property agents to disclose outstanding utility bills and other liabilities before handing over rented properties to new tenants.

The incident has also renewed calls for prospective tenants to thoroughly verify the status of utility accounts and other obligations before completing rental agreements to avoid unexpected financial burdens after moving into a new home.