10 Things to Look Out for When Renting a House in Nigeria

10 Things to Look Out for When Renting a House in Nigeria

Renting a house in Nigeria fit dey cumbersome – you never know what surprises you might encounter. But fear not, here are 10 essential things to look out for when renting a house in Nigeria.

1. Location, Location, Location!

Where your house dey matter well-well. You no go wan rent house wey be say you go waka like 10 kilometers before you fit see bus stop or buy pure water.

• Proximity to Work and Schools: Make sure say the place no far from where you dey work or your pikin school. Traffic for Nigeria fit make you turn philosopher. Living close to your workplace or your children’s school can save you significant time and stress. Imagine spending hours in Lagos traffic every day – not fun at all. Proximity to essential locations ensures you spend less time commuting and more time enjoying your new home.
• Security: Find out if the area safe. Ask neighbors if e get any wahala for the area. No rent house for where armed robbers dey do meeting. Abi you fit rent house for Ajegunle wey cultist full am? Safety is paramount. Inquire about the crime rate and the presence of security measures like community watch, police patrols, and neighborhood vigilance. A secure environment will give you peace of mind and make your stay more comfortable.

No be every place wey dem call GRA dey mean say na Government Reserved Area o! Some na Grassland Reserved Area! Be cautious of fancy names – they can be misleading.

2. Water Supply

My brother, my sister, water na life o! If you rent house wey water no dey flow well, na so-so wahala you go dey face.

• Borehole or Well: Make sure say the house get reliable borehole or well. If na well, check say e no go dry during dry season. Access to clean and reliable water is essential. A house with a consistent water supply saves you from the hassle of sourcing water daily.
• Water Quality: Sometimes, the water fit be brown like zobo. Ask around about the water quality. Poor water quality can affect your health and well-being. Ensure the water is safe for drinking and other domestic uses.

E no go funny if every time you wan baff, na so you go dey pray make NEPA bring light make you fit pump water. You don’t want to be constantly worried about water issues, so ensure this is sorted out before you move in.

3. Electricity Supply

NEPA (now PHCN) don turn everybody to electrician for this country. Before you rent house, check how light dey take blink for the area.

• Power Outages: Ask how far about light. Some areas na 24/7 blackout. Frequent power outages can disrupt your daily life and increase your reliance on generators.
• Generator Noise: If you no mind generator noise, good for you. But if you like peace, find out how the area be for night. Living in a noisy environment can be stressful, especially if you value tranquility.

Make sure say the place no be where dem dey ration light like garri for refugee camp. Reliable electricity is crucial for comfort and convenience.

4. Flooding

Na rainy season you go know say some areas for Lagos na mini Atlantic Ocean. Check if the area dey prone to flooding.

• Drainage System: Look around for proper drainage system. If the place no get gutter, your car fit turn canoe. Good drainage prevents waterlogging and flooding, which can damage your property and make living conditions unbearable.
• Past Incidents: Ask neighbors if the area don flood before and how bad e be. Knowing the history of flooding in the area can help you make an informed decision.

No go rent house for where e go be say during rainy season, you go need life jacket to commot for your house. Flood-prone areas can be hazardous and should be avoided.

5. House Condition

Sometimes, the landlord go paint everywhere, but inside e get wahala. Make sure say the house dey good condition.

• Roof and Ceiling: Check if the roof and ceiling dey intact. No be after you don move in, rain go turn your parlor to swimming pool. A sound roof and ceiling ensure you stay dry and comfortable.
• Plumbing and Electricals: Ensure say the plumbing and electrical fittings dey work well. Faulty plumbing can lead to leaks and water damage, while poor electrical wiring is a fire hazard.

If you see landlord wey dey fix everything sharp-sharp before you pay, shine your eye. E fit mean say the house get hidden problem. Be thorough in your inspection to avoid future inconveniences.

6. Neighbors

Your neighbors fit make your stay sweet or turn am to nightmare. Find out who dey live around.

• Noise Levels: If you no like loud music, make sure say your neighbors no be party animals. Noise can significantly impact your comfort and peace of mind.
• Community Vibe: Some areas people no dey greet each other. Check if the community dey friendly. A friendly and cohesive community can enhance your living experience.

If your neighbor na aspiring DJ wey dey practice every night, you go turn to night vigil regular customer. Knowing your neighbors’ habits can help you decide if the area is right for you.

7. Rent and Additional Costs

No be only rent you go pay. Some landlords get hidden charges.

• Service Charges: Ask about service charges. Some estates go bill you for security, waste disposal, and maintenance. Understanding all costs involved helps you budget appropriately.
• Negotiation: For Nigeria, negotiation na part of the culture. Try negotiate the rent and other charges. Don’t be shy to negotiate – you might get a better deal.

No let landlord bill you for air wey you dey breathe o! Some fit try am! Be aware of all fees to avoid being overcharged.

8. Accessibility

Make sure say the house dey accessible. No be everywhere okada or keke dey reach.

• Road Condition: Check the road condition leading to the house. If na only 4×4 dey fit waka the road, you go know say wahala dey. Good roads are essential for easy access and commuting.
• Public Transport: Ensure say you fit get bus or keke easily. Proximity to public transport options can make your daily commute easier and more affordable.

No rent house for where you go need Google Maps and compass to find your way home every day. Convenience is key to enjoying your new home.

9. Landlord and Agent Matter

Some landlords and agents fit make you regret why you ever think of renting house.

• Contract Terms: Make sure say the tenancy agreement clear. No sign anything wey you no understand. A clear contract protects your rights and outlines your responsibilities.
• Landlord Behavior: If landlord too dey form landlord, you fit get problem later. Find out how e dey treat tenants. A good landlord ensures a smooth and hassle-free tenancy.

If landlord na person wey go dey come your house unannounced, be ready to see am dey wash him car for your compound. Respectful landlords respect your privacy and space.

10. Future Developments

Think about the future. How the area go be in the next few years?

• Urban Planning: Check if any major development dey come to the area. E fit increase the value of the house. Future developments can enhance the area’s value and livability.
• Noise and Pollution: Future constructions fit bring noise and pollution. Find out if any major project dey planned. Being aware of upcoming projects helps you anticipate changes in the neighborhood.

No go rent house wey dem go later build express road for your backyard o! You no go like the surprise! Considering future developments ensures your long-term comfort and satisfaction.

Renting a house in Nigeria fit be like adventure, but if you sabi wetin to look out for, you go dey alright. Just remember say na you go live for the house, so take your time and make the right choice.