Apartment rental scams in Dakar: how to avoid them

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Fake landlords, payments before viewings, dodgy middlemen: the main rental traps in Dakar and how to check the owner, sign a proper lease and pay a fair deposit.

Apartment rental scams in Dakar: how to spot and avoid them

Apartment rental scams in Dakar almost always follow the same script: a tempting listing, a rushed contact and a request for money before you have even seen the place. A few simple habits let newcomers, diaspora members and local families spot them early.

The most common scams

  • The fake landlord: someone shows you a flat they do not own, collects the deposit and vanishes. Several tenants can end up paying for the same keys.
  • Money before the viewing: you are asked to send a mobile money transfer "to hold the apartment" This is the biggest red flag, especially for people house hunting from abroad.
  • The fake coxeur: informal middlemen are everywhere in Sacré-Cœur, Liberté 6 and Parcelles Assainies. Many are genuine, but some charge a "viewing fee" for every visit and never deliver a real lease.
  • Hidden subletting: a current tenant rents the unit to you without the owner's consent, and you are asked to leave a few months later.

When a listing looks too good

Dakar's market has clear benchmarks. As a rough guide, a studio usually rents for 75,000 to 150,000 FCFA a month in Pikine, Guédiawaye or Keur Massar, a two bedroom flat for 250,000 to 500,000 FCFA in Mermoz, Point E or Ouakam, and a furnished apartment in Almadies or Ngor often goes well above 700,000 FCFA. A sea view three bedroom in Almadies for 200,000 FCFA is not a bargain, it is bait.

Be wary of photos lifted from other websites and contacts who refuse a live video call from inside the property. From July to September, when the diaspora comes home and school starts, scammers get busier: urgency is their favourite tool.

Check the owner's identity and title

Before handing over a single franc, ask for:

  • the landlord's ID card, and make sure the name matches the one on the lease;
  • proof of ownership: a land title, deed of sale or, at the very least, a recent water or electricity bill in the same name;
  • a written mandate if you are dealing with a middleman or property manager.

Talk to neighbours or the building guard: in Dakar, people usually know who really owns a building. Never accept a photo of a document sent over a messaging app as proof.

Written lease, deposit and advance rent

Always insist on a written lease, dated and signed by both sides, stating the rent, duration, deposit, condition of the property and service charges. Leases are meant to be registered with the tax office, which also protects you as a tenant if a dispute arises.

The usual practice in Dakar is two months' deposit plus one month of rent in advance, often with one extra month as an agency fee. Anything well beyond that deserves pushback: a landlord demanding six months upfront for a flat in Yoff or Rufisque is abusing their position. Pay by bank transfer or against a signed receipt, never in untraceable cash.

Use an established agency

An agency with a real office and a reputation to protect sharply cuts your risk. It generally checks ownership and drafts the lease. Get a receipt for each payment. To compare professionals, browse the real estate agencies listed in Dakar on SeneFinder. If you fall victim to fraud, file a complaint at the nearest police station or call the police on 17.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

You can also see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

Frequently asked questions

Should I pay before viewing an apartment in Dakar?

No. No serious landlord or reputable agency asks for payment before a viewing. If someone wants a transfer to "reserve" a flat you have not seen, treat it as a scam.

What deposit is normal when renting in Dakar?

The most common arrangement is two months' deposit and one month of rent in advance, sometimes plus one month of agency fees. Every payment should come with a signed receipt and be written into the lease.

How can I check that the landlord really owns the property?

Ask for their ID, proof of ownership or a recent utility bill in their name, and speak with neighbours or the caretaker. If you have doubts about a land title, a notary or the land registry can confirm the property's status.