Inside the Rent-Free Living Culture of Southeastern Nigeria || How It Works and Why It’s a Win-Win

Imagine living in a clean, spacious compound in Nigeria, enjoying fresh fruits from the trees around you, using electricity, running your business peacefullyand paying zero naira in rent.

Sounds unbelievable, right?

But this is real, and it happens in many parts of Southeastern Nigeria, in states like Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra. While rent-free living might sound like a fairy tale in today’s economy, it’s actually a long-standing cultural practice in the Southeast. It’s not just about getting a place to stay, it’s about trust, mutual respect, and community values.

How It Works

In many southeastern communities, people who build big family homes also known as “family compounds” often do not live in them full-time. These homeowners may be working or doing business in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or even outside Nigeria. The houses are usually left empty for long periods, especially when the children are grown and the family is based elsewhere.

To avoid the houses being overtaken by bush, reptiles, thieves, or wear and tear, these homeowners look for someone responsible to stay in the compound and take care of it.

Here’s the interesting part: they don’t charge rent.

Most times, what is given to the caretaker is not the main house or duplex. Instead, it’s usually the boys’ quarters, a small building located beside or behind the main house. The compound is usually fenced, has a gate, and still carries a sense of comfort and security. In some cases, the boys’ quarters may even have two or three rooms, a small kitchen, and a bathroom.

In return for staying there rent-free, you are expected to:

• Keep the surroundings clean
• Watch over the property
• Be a peaceful and respectful person
• Maintain good character and avoid unnecessary visitors or trouble
• Possibly help with light errands when the owner or their relatives visit

That’s it. No landlord stress, no agents, no yearly payment or agreement fee

One of the sweetest parts of staying in these compounds is access to fruit trees and economic crops like mango, pear, orange, guava, plantain, and even palm trees used for palm oil. Most compounds in the Southeast have these trees growing within the yard or around the perimeter. As a caretaker, you’re allowed to harvest and use these items for personal consumption or even sell them.

However, there are unspoken rules you’re expected to follow:

Keep Records: If you decide to sell any of the fruits, palm oil, or plantain, you’re expected to keep detailed records—how much you sold, when, and to whom. When the family or homeowner comes back, you are to present an account of all the sales and proceeds, unless they have clearly told you in advance to keep the money.

Shared Profits: In many cases, the owners will take a portion of the money and give you the rest as appreciation. It’s rarely about the money—it’s about showing that you are transparent and trustworthy.

Hands Off When They’re Around: Whenever the owners or their family are home—especially during festive seasons like Christmas, Easter, or family events—you are expected to leave all fruits alone. This is their time to enjoy the freshness of their compound and possibly carry some back to their base in the city or abroad.

Don’t be Greedy: Even if the tree is dripping with ripe mangoes, as long as the owner is around, you step back. That gesture alone earns you more respect and trust than anything else.

This simple understanding maintains peace and keeps the relationship between you and the homeowner respectful and lasting. Many caretakers have built lifelong friendships with property owners simply by following these unwritten rules of honor.

Also, in many of these homes, the owners leave electricity connected and paid for. That means you may not have to worry about paying light bills or reconnection fees. You get to enjoy the comfort of fans, television, and charging your devices all without a monthly power expense.

Sometimes, they even leave behind basic furniture, making it a more convenient living arrangement than most rented apartments.

This culture thrives on one key thing: trust.

Once the homeowner sees that you are responsible, peaceful, and not someone that brings bad company into the compound, they’ll be very comfortable with you staying there. Many even prefer having someone around the house so it doesn’t become a hideout for thieves or get destroyed by weather and bush.

If you’re busy with your own hustle, maybe you’re a business person, hairdresser, a tailor, or a civil servant they’re usually happy for you. In fact, they’d rather you stay productive than idle around and attract bad gangs.

It doesn’t end with just letting you stay. Some homeowners are so generous that they bring foodstuff, clothes, shoes, and even cash when they come home for the holidays. You might receive a bag of rice, gallons of oil, or some cash “for upkeep” or “Christmas.”

In some cases, especially when the caretaker is elderly or extremely trustworthy, the owner may even place them on a monthly stipend as appreciation.

Why This rent-free Culture Exist

The reason behind this rent-free living culture is simple: in the Southeast, many families build big homes for status, legacy, and future plans. But due to economic realities, job placements, and migration, they don’t always live in these homes full-time.

Instead of allowing their properties to rot, they choose to empower someone who can keep the place clean and safe. It’s a win-win situation, you get shelter, they get peace of mind.

It’s a reflection of the deep community values in the East: generosity, mutual respect, and the belief that it’s better to help a fellow human than let property waste.

While this sounds like a perfect setup, it’s not for everyone. You must have:

A good character—no drama, no stealing, no unnecessary noise

A clean lifestyle—no late-night parties or shady visitors

A grateful heart—someone who understands they’re enjoying a rare opportunity

If you show signs of greed or troublemaking, you’ll be asked to leave—and rightfully so.

Conclusion

In a country where rent is getting higher every year, and landlords can be tough, this culture of rent-free living in Southeastern Nigeria is something worth celebrating. It shows that even in today’s modern world, human connection and trust still matter.

It’s not just about giving someone a place to sleep; it’s about offering dignity, opportunity, and a chance to grow.

So, if you ever find yourself staying in a boy’s quarters in the Southeast, paying no rent and enjoying fresh fruits under the evening breeze, remember: you’re not just lucky, you’re experiencing one of the quiet beauties of Igbo tradition and community life.