I moved to my second apartment, a small and cozy room in Ogba, Lagos, a few weeks before Nigeria’s rainy season. I was happy to find the perfect place close to my school after a rigorous search through the city.
But little did I know, I’d soon regret my choice. When the rainy season began, I began to notice wet stains on my newly painted purple walls. The walls absorbed water during heavy rains, causing the stains to spread onto the ceiling and walls.
Post-rainy season, I was left with stained walls and a room perpetually smelling of dampness.
I could have avoided this ordeal by renting during the rainy season and thoroughly inspecting the apartment’s nooks and crannies. To help others in Lagos, I’ve compiled tips for a smooth renting experience. Be cautious and watch for potential pitfalls on this journey.
Go house housing during the rainy season: Going house hunting during the rainy season has its advantages and is quite important. The rain can reveal potential issues like leaks or drainage problems, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition. For areas on Lagos Island which get flooded easily, you can be able to detect if the apartment or the area where you will be renting your home gets submerged in water during heavy rainfall.
Plus, you’ll see how well the house handles water, providing valuable insights for your decision.
Visit the house after the agent takes you there: Taking a second look helps in making a more informed decision about whether the house truly meets your needs and preferences. You should also check out the environment where the house is located on your own, you might spot one or two things you missed when you came with the house agent.
Also, try to reach out to any of the neighbors. Introduce yourself as an incoming tenant, you might get a vital information about the property from your chat with them.
Find out about the pre-existing light bills and utility bill in the house: Knowing about the pre-existing light and utility bills before renting is crucial for budgeting.
It also helps you to know if the house has a huge debt of light bills or any other utility bill.
Find out if the landlord or landlady lives in the compound: Some landlord or landlady can be problematic when they are living in the same house. If you are trying to avoid this, it is important to ask if the owners live in the same apartment.
However, having a landlord or landlady can be advantageous. Knowing if the landlord or landlady lives on the property can be crucial for prompt issue resolution, building a good landlord-tenant relationship, and ensuring quick response to maintenance or emergency situations.
Find out if the internet connection in that house is stable and working: You should spend an hour or two using the internet in the apartment before renting. Ensuring a stable and functional internet connection is essential for your daily activities, like remote work or entertainment. You don’t want to rent an apartment in a place where there is no network signal or poor internet connectivity.
Security of the house and area: Ensuring the security of your home is like checking the foundation of a house before moving in. Just as you’d inspect walls and doors, investigating the safety of your potential apartment and its surroundings is crucial. It’s not just about four walls; it’s about peace of mind and a secure haven for you. You can also consult with neighbors, friends, and family members who are familiar with the area to gather information about the security conditions in that area.
Beware of fake agents and landlords: In a state like Lagos, there might be scammers pretending to be house agents or a landlord.
To avoid being a victim, utilize reputable real estate platforms, and trust your instincts; if something feels off, investigate further. Research online reviews or ask for references to validate the agent or landlord’s reputation.
Like I mentioned before, visit the property in person to ask questions from neighbors. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, and never make payments upfront without proper documentation. Always prioritize clear communication and insist on a formal lease agreement.
Renting an apartment in Lagos requires careful consideration, and you can never be too careful. As our narrative draws to a close, remember these tips as the compass guiding you through the dynamic landscape of renting in this vibrant city of Lagos. Happy renting!