Renting in Dakar without getting scammed

• A rent clearly lower than other listings in the same neighborhood for a comparable property.
• A "landlord" who cannot show the property (travelling, abroad) but offers to reserve it against a payment.
• A request for money before any visit: application fees, "reservation", mobile money advance.
• Pressure to decide immediately because "other people are interested".
• Someone who refuses to show an ID or a document proving they can rent the property.

1. Visit the property in person, or have a trusted relative visit it.
2. Meet the landlord or their representative, and check their identity.
3. Ask who owns the property and, for an intermediary, proof that they are authorized to rent it.
4. Sign a written lease stating the rent, the deposit, the duration and the charges.
5. Carry out a move-in inspection, ideally with dated photos.
6. Ask for a receipt for every payment.

For a home with a monthly rent of 500,000 FCFA or less, decree no. 2023-382 of 24 February 2023 (Official Journal no. 7605) caps the deposit at two months of rent. Only one month is due when you move in; the rest is spread over twelve months with the rent. The decree also prohibits asking for months of rent in advance.

The deposit must be returned at the end of the lease (articles 572 and 573 of the Code of Civil and Commercial Obligations), minus any repairs noted at the move-out inspection.

Many rentals in Dakar go through brokers. Ask about their commission and who pays it at the very first contact, and only pay it when the lease is signed, against a receipt. Be wary of "visit fees" requested before you have even seen the property.

• Every listing is reviewed by our team before it goes live.
• The "Identity verified" badge marks advertisers whose ID has been checked.
• You talk directly with the advertiser, through Fiila messaging or on WhatsApp.
• A listing looks suspicious? Report it to us with the "Fiila help" button.