Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? - Properties

Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? - Properties - Nairaland

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Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Host78(op): 7:02am On Jun 20, 2025

So, I'm in a jam right now.

I'm a student and also work online. So I decided to rent a new place last week. The major reason is that I need constant power supply.

In this area they use band A light.

But the problem is that other student occupants don't always pay for meter subscription.

Hence there is constant light but most times this particular house don't always have light.

Before paying for rent I actually asked one of the tenants, the person currently occupying the room I paid for and he actually assured me that the compound has no light issues.

So, when they gave them light a few days ago I decided to go and check the house myself and discovered they don't have light while other compounds have light.

I then decided to speak with another tenant and he started narrating the issue to me. In fact, for the last 3 days they've not seen light in the compound even though the street have had constant light.

That some tenants are even using ac, electric cooker and so on.

So when they recharge it doesn't stay long and worst some don't even pay. I was there until night when I saw one of the tenants, a lady going round to raise money they can use for subscription that night.

She didn't get a kobo from the over 20 tenants there. The compound is that big.

So, even if I say I want to sub for the prepaid meter, with 20 people I don't think N20,000 will even last for the month.

I made the payment but I'm yet to move to the house because the other occupants are still in the house.

Please I'm thinking of going to collect my rent back because I can't cope with this. How do I approach this issue please.

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Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Zonefree(m): 7:15am On Jun 20, 2025

I made the payment but I'm yet to move to the house because the other occupants are still in the house.

Follow this procedure too. Look for another occupant, collect the rent and look for another place.

82 Likes 6 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by James4358(m): 7:43am On Jun 20, 2025

I hope you didn't sign any documents stating your rent is nonrefundable? Approach the Landlord with a good excuse, I'm sure he'll refund you. You can't enjoy light with a prepayed metre Living in a face me I slap you building.

110 Likes 9 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by healthmister01(m): 7:46am On Jun 20, 2025

Please, is it okay if I ask, how much was the total package for the apartment.....me self dey find house for Lagos ... surprisingly, the commission and agreement I dey see, even wan pass the yearly rent

6 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by GanagiBitrus: 7:56am On Jun 20, 2025

How can over 20tenants be using one prepaid meter? You should have noticed this before making payment.

Anyway it's not the landlord's fault that tenants are not paying for light.
So he is not under any obligation to refund you.
All you can do is appeal to his conscience with your reasons for a refund.
Or you look for another tenant to replace you.

30 Likes 1 Share

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Host78(op): 8:18am On Jun 20, 2025

Update

I'm just living the landlord's house and he had no problem refunding the money.

He doesn't know me personally and this is our first time of meeting.

After explaining who I was and the situation, he asked what I want and I told him I want a refund and he agreed.

He however told me he paid the agent 10k from the money as commission.

So, he could only refund the remaining 190k. He took me round to the agent house to collect the other 10k but the agent was not around.

He then told me I might be wasting my time because the agent probably has spent the money and won't refund without extensive trouble.

He's not even picking his calls. Sha. I got the bulk of the money back and I'm grateful.

So far, I've lost about 36k in search of a house. God abeg.

Also, he asked if it is his duty to collect nepa bills I told him I don't know but somehow it's spoiling the reputation of the house.

He actually seems nice and kind in a way and I kind of regret putting him through the stress and the house is kind is really great.

But me no fit joke with light.

105 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by DAramis: 8:54am On Jun 20, 2025

It is terrible situation. This is why residential building for rental business is no longer worth it in this generation.

Better to build shops or corporate business building for banks to rent than build house for tenants to rent.

The wahala is too much. Anyway, I would advise you to look towards solar setup that will power you laptop and few other things when you finally rent house and forget about light.

Maybe also get small solar generator in situations when it rains and there is no sunlight to power your stuff up during raining season

13 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by columbus007(m): 10:16am On Jun 20, 2025

Op😁, be like you make the landlord swear 4u abi😁.

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by helinues: 10:22am On Jun 20, 2025

Agents refunding.. hahaha, that would be somehow. They would rather tell you to wait till they get a new tenant.

Even if they are refunding, don't expect to get the full amount back

88 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Kobicove(m): 10:26am On Jun 20, 2025

Host78:
Update

I'm just living the landlord's house and he had no problem refunding the money.

He doesn't know me personally and this is our first time of meeting.

After explaining who I was and the situation, he asked what I want and I told him I want a refund and he agreed.

He however told me he paid the agent 10k from the money as commission.

So, he could only refund the remaining 190k. He took me round to the agent house to collect the other 10k but the agent was not around.

He then told me I might be wasting my time because the agent probably has spent the money and won't refund without extensive trouble.

He's not even picking his calls. Sha. I got the bulk of the money back and I'm grateful.

So far, I've lost about 36k in search of a house. God abeg.

Also, he asked if it is his duty to collect nepa bills I told him I don't know but somehow it's spoiling the reputation of the house.

He actually seems nice and kind in a way and I kind of regret putting him through the stress and the house is kind is really great.

But me no fit joke with light.

Before you pay for any apartment make sure that it has its own dedicated electricity meter!

23 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Makaveli217(m): 10:42am On Jun 20, 2025

Host78:
So, I'm in a jam right now.

I'm a student and also work online. So I decided to rent a new place last week. The major reason is that I need constant power supply.

In this area they use band A light.

But the problem is that other student occupants don't always pay for meter subscription.

Hence there is constant light but most times this particular house don't always have light.

Before paying for rent I actually asked one of the tenants, the person currently occupying the room I paid for and he actually assured me that the compound has no light issues.

So, when they gave them light a few days ago I decided to go and check the house myself and discovered they don't have light while other compounds have light.

I then decided to speak with another tenant and he started narrating the issue to me. In fact, for the last 3 days they've not seen light in the compound even though the street have had constant light.

That some tenants are even using ac, electric cooker and so on.

So when they recharge it doesn't stay long and worst some don't even pay. I was there until night when I saw one of the tenants, a lady going round to raise money they can use for subscription that night.

She didn't get a kobo from the over 20 tenants there. The compound is that big.

So, even if I say I want to sub for the prepaid meter, with 20 people I don't think N20,000 will even last for the month.

I made the payment but I'm yet to move to the house because the other occupants are still in the house.

Please I'm thinking of going to collect my rent back because I can't cope with this. How do I approach this issue please.

You made a mistake, you didn't ask questions properly. Before you move into a new apartment, after asking the existing tenants there, don't just relax and pay money, find out more information from the people that sells stuffs around there, cause in most cases, they will never lie because they are not living in the apartment, even those random street guys you ignore might provide you with valuable information.

27 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Host78(op): 11:04am On Jun 20, 2025

Makaveli217:
You made a mistake, you didn't ask questions properly. Before you move into a new apartment, after asking the existing tenants there, don't just relax and pay money, find out more information from the people that sells stuffs around there, cause in most cases, they will never lie because they are not living in the apartment, even those random street guys you ignore might provide you with valuable information.

in a way I always try to make inquiries.

But houses are scarce right now. In fact, we were about 5 following our agents upandan and if he gets any new update he'll ask us to follow him.

Students were over admitted. So houses are super expensive and people are grabbing at anything.

I'll be patient now sha.

5 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by helinues: 11:08am On Jun 20, 2025

Kobicove:
Before you pay for any apartment make sure that it has its own dedicated electricity meter!

Every house have it's own issue. The electricity issue is even fair to some extent

63 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by victorazyvictor(m): 12:39pm On Jun 20, 2025

Ok.

Just go to NEPA and write application to change band, if they check your area can be converted, lucky for you, if not just go and buy solar grin

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Seunpapa65: 12:40pm On Jun 20, 2025

Na wa ooo this matter go long ajeh sorry for your predicament
Please what kind of online work am interested can you teach someone

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Kingpele(m): 12:42pm On Jun 20, 2025

U can get your own meter and begin to enjoy your light

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by KillahPriest: 12:42pm On Jun 20, 2025

Host78:
So, I'm in a jam right now.

I'm a student and also work online. So I decided to rent a new place last week. The major reason is that I need constant power supply.

In this area they use band A light.

But the problem is that other student occupants don't always pay for meter subscription.

Hence there is constant light but most times this particular house don't always have light.

Before paying for rent I actually asked one of the tenants, the person currently occupying the room I paid for and he actually assured me that the compound has no light issues.

So, when they gave them light a few days ago I decided to go and check the house myself and discovered they don't have light while other compounds have light.

I then decided to speak with another tenant and he started narrating the issue to me. In fact, for the last 3 days they've not seen light in the compound even though the street have had constant light.

That some tenants are even using ac, electric cooker and so on.

So when they recharge it doesn't stay long and worst some don't even pay. I was there until night when I saw one of the tenants, a lady going round to raise money they can use for subscription that night.

She didn't get a kobo from the over 20 tenants there. The compound is that big.

So, even if I say I want to sub for the prepaid meter, with 20 people I don't think N20,000 will even last for the month.

I made the payment but I'm yet to move to the house because the other occupants are still in the house.

Please I'm thinking of going to collect my rent back because I can't cope with this. How do I approach this issue please.

they'll look for another tenant and refund your money

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by DenreleDave(m): 12:43pm On Jun 20, 2025

htis is is much and not good oo

how did it hap

60 Likes

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Wickedfact: 12:44pm On Jun 20, 2025

Don't request for refund. If you do, he won't give you. Na scope you go take collect am.

Buy a big calabash, put egg inside with palm oil, kolanut and pap. Add palm oil to it.

Put it in front of the compound.

If the landlord asks, tell him it's your belief and you have a fundamental right to practice it.

First of all, those tenants who don't pay for light will run away from the house. Poor people are usually superstitious.

The landlord will beg you to collect your refund.

50 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by AndroBlaze: 12:44pm On Jun 20, 2025

Host78:
Update

I'm just living the landlord's house and he had no problem refunding the money.

He doesn't know me personally and this is our first time of meeting.

After explaining who I was and the situation, he asked what I want and I told him I want a refund and he agreed.

He however told me he paid the agent 10k from the money as commission.

So, he could only refund the remaining 190k. He took me round to the agent house to collect the other 10k but the agent was not around.

He then told me I might be wasting my time because the agent probably has spent the money and won't refund without extensive trouble.

He's not even picking his calls. Sha. I got the bulk of the money back and I'm grateful.

So far, I've lost about 36k in search of a house. God abeg.

Also, he asked if it is his duty to collect nepa bills I told him I don't know but somehow it's spoiling the reputation of the house.

He actually seems nice and kind in a way and I kind of regret putting him through the stress and the house is kind is really great.

But me no fit joke with light.

Glad to know we still have good landlords in Nigeria. OP, you are quite a lucky man and it's quite unlikely your next landlord will be this nice, so open your eye.

In fact I am sure it because of his niceness, that his tenants are owing NEPA as I doubt that meter is running so fast only because its on Band A (there is probably also debt loaded on the meter).

10 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Georgry(m): 12:44pm On Jun 20, 2025

Host78:
So, I'm in a jam right now.

I'm a student and also work online. So I decided to rent a new place last week. The major reason is that I need constant power supply.

In this area they use band A light.

But the problem is that other student occupants don't always pay for meter subscription.

Hence there is constant light but most times this particular house don't always have light.

Before paying for rent I actually asked one of the tenants, the person currently occupying the room I paid for and he actually assured me that the compound has no light issues.

So, when they gave them light a few days ago I decided to go and check the house myself and discovered they don't have light while other compounds have light.

I then decided to speak with another tenant and he started narrating the issue to me. In fact, for the last 3 days they've not seen light in the compound even though the street have had constant light.

That some tenants are even using ac, electric cooker and so on.

So when they recharge it doesn't stay long and worst some don't even pay. I was there until night when I saw one of the tenants, a lady going round to raise money they can use for subscription that night.

She didn't get a kobo from the over 20 tenants there. The compound is that big.

So, even if I say I want to sub for the prepaid meter, with 20 people I don't think N20,000 will even last for the month.

I made the payment but I'm yet to move to the house because the other occupants are still in the house.

Please I'm thinking of going to collect my rent back because I can't cope with this. How do I approach this issue please.

Let me advise you from my own experience, run o, go and collect your money back, it's already an habit for them in that house just like my former house, there is nothing you can do to change their mindset, i went through hell in my former house.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by jocelynor: 12:45pm On Jun 20, 2025

Host78:
So, I'm in a jam right now.

I'm a student and also work online. So I decided to rent a new place last week. The major reason is that I need constant power supply.

In this area they use band A light.

But the problem is that other student occupants don't always pay for meter subscription.

Hence there is constant light but most times this particular house don't always have light.

Before paying for rent I actually asked one of the tenants, the person currently occupying the room I paid for and he actually assured me that the compound has no light issues.

So, when they gave them light a few days ago I decided to go and check the house myself and discovered they don't have light while other compounds have light.

I then decided to speak with another tenant and he started narrating the issue to me. In fact, for the last 3 days they've not seen light in the compound even though the street have had constant light.

That some tenants are even using ac, electric cooker and so on.

So when they recharge it doesn't stay long and worst some don't even pay. I was there until night when I saw one of the tenants, a lady going round to raise money they can use for subscription that night.

She didn't get a kobo from the over 20 tenants there. The compound is that big.

So, even if I say I want to sub for the prepaid meter, with 20 people I don't think N20,000 will even last for the month.

I made the payment but I'm yet to move to the house because the other occupants are still in the house.

Please I'm thinking of going to collect my rent back because I can't cope with this. How do I approach this issue please.

20 people one prepaid, omo u don enter one chance

1 Like

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by autoez: 12:46pm On Jun 20, 2025

Very common with Lagos houses. Imagine 20 apartments sharing one prepaid meter. Too bad
That 20k might not even last you guys more than 2 days

4 Likes 1 Share

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by DeltaBachelor(m): 12:46pm On Jun 20, 2025

Chai. So sorry ooooooooooooooooooooooo

Not enough original content

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by jmoore(m): 12:47pm On Jun 20, 2025

Host78:
Update

I'm just living the landlord's house and he had no problem refunding the money.

He doesn't know me personally and this is our first time of meeting.

After explaining who I was and the situation, he asked what I want and I told him I want a refund and he agreed.

He however told me he paid the agent 10k from the money as commission.

So, he could only refund the remaining 190k. He took me round to the agent house to collect the other 10k but the agent was not around.

He then told me I might be wasting my time because the agent probably has spent the money and won't refund without extensive trouble.

He's not even picking his calls. Sha. I got the bulk of the money back and I'm grateful.

So far, I've lost about 36k in search of a house. God abeg.

Also, he asked if it is his duty to collect nepa bills I told him I don't know but somehow it's spoiling the reputation of the house.

He actually seems nice and kind in a way and I kind of regret putting him through the stress and the house is kind is really great.

But me no fit joke with light.

Tell that landlord to do line separation for each tenant.

Let them have their own separate prepaid meters.

How can a compound be using one prepaid meter? Nawa.

5 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by veekid(m): 12:51pm On Jun 20, 2025

Why multiple pple go dey use a metre for goodness sake?

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by nedu666: 12:52pm On Jun 20, 2025

Oga ensure you collect your money at all cost and find another place. Some people are and are uses to suffering. Those tenants are original suffer heads.

1 Like

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by zeusdgrt(m): 12:54pm On Jun 20, 2025

Mainland or island lagos?so I can know how best to advice you on the next step cz there's a MAF program for BAND A customers where u are entitled to free meter as long as u open a new account on the same address seperating urself from the other account.

4 Likes 1 Share

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by porthouse7(f): 12:55pm On Jun 20, 2025

Go get ur own meter, find ur way round it with some nepa guys

Re: Can I Get A Refund Back? How Do I Approach My Landlord? by Rexymania(m): 12:57pm On Jun 20, 2025

Omo this is stressful...tell the guy, if need be, involve the police

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