Are you planning on renting an apartment in 2023? If yes, consider this a checklist to run through as you prepare to spend your hard-earned money.
New apartment buildings are popping up every day in Nigeria. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Below are 10 things you need to consider before renting an apartment anywhere in Nigeria. Bonus tip for those who read to the end.
Understand the Tenancy Contract Terms
When you’re looking to rent an apartment anywhere in Nigeria, you must understand the tenancy contract terms. Make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Some things to look out for include: the length of the lease, whether the rent is payable monthly or yearly, and whether the rent is inclusive or exclusive of bills. You’ll also want to clarify who is responsible for maintaining the property and whether the security deposit is refundable.
Security of the Property
One of the most important things to look for when renting an apartment is security. Make sure the property has a good lock on the door. Also, ensure that the windows are solid and can’t be easily broken into.
Ask about the security of the area. if it’s an estate, try to observe the security procedure visitors go through before they are granted access. Are there any safety concerns you should be aware of?
What Is the Parking Space Like?
Are you looking for a place with a parking space? If yes, then you need to ask the landlord or the agent if the apartment complex has a designated parking lot. The best way to be sure that the apartment has the right parking space for you is to visit the place. If you are in the market for a new apartment in Lagos or Abuja, you can click on the link below to check out our available listings.
Apartment for rent with 24/7 electricity, security and parking space
Availability of Electricity
According to Punch newspaper over 40 per cent of households in Nigeria use generators to meet their electricity requirements. Most Luxury apartment buildings in Lagos and Abuja come with standby generators. So if that is what you are going for, do not be afraid to ask the agent a few questions.
Is there a generator? If so, does it power the whole building or just certain parts? Alternatively, what other backup options do they offer such as solar energy or diesel-powered generators?
You also need to ensure that all energy sources are properly serviced and well-maintained. Ask the property manager if they have any documentation to show that all their electricity facilities have been tested.
In addition, you should ask whether the generator is maintained on a regular basis. Also, ask if you will be responsible for footing any bills related to maintaining it. This way you can be sure that your stay won’t be interrupted by unexpected expenses due to unexpected breakdowns or repairs.
How Is the Internet in the Area?
A good internet connection is such an essential tool these days, the power of a fast and reliable internet connection should not be underestimated especially if you work from home.
A great way to check is by asking the neighbours about the speed and quality of their internet service. You can also ask which provider they use and look up online reviews for more insight. If possible, it’s even better to get a sample of the internet speed in your potential apartment before signing a lease.
If you are looking for something not so permanent, many landlords are now offering discounted or free Wi-Fi for short-let apartments as standard. Check out our available listings to find the right apartment for you.
Accessibility to Social Amenities
Now that you’ve narrowed down your search for your perfect rental property, it’s important to consider the location and accessibility of social amenities. After all, you don’t want to be too far from those places you’ll need often like supermarkets, malls, markets, hospitals etc.
Be sure to check if there are good roads leading to these facilities. It’s also advisable to take a look at traffic build-up around the area and consider your travelling time if you plan on taking that route every day. Consider how long it will take you to get to work or any other important place of yours. If it’s nearby, then great! But if you will be spending more time than you bargained for commuting each day, then maybe that rental property isn’t ideal after all.
Checking traffic build-up in a particular area has been made easy now with google Maps. Simply impute the route you want to take and take note of the traffic.
How Close Is It to Your Place of Work?
We briefly touched on this point in the last paragraph but we will go into more detail here, stay with us. When it comes to renting a house, you want to make sure you are being smart about your choices. One of the most important questions to ask yourself is how close is this apartment to your place of work. If it’s conveniently located, it’ll be much easier for you to get to and from work on time.
The closer it is, the less time you’ll have to spend commuting—plus, you’ll save on fuel/ transportation costs. Not only that, but you’ll also get to enjoy the convenience of being able to run errands or take care of tasks after work without having to worry about far-away locations.
So take a few minutes and do a quick map search—it might help save you a lot of valuable time in the long run. You can also check out our available listings to see if we have one close to you.
What Are the Payment Options?
Before signing a rental agreement, you’ll want to make sure you understand the payment options. In different locations across Nigeria, rent can typically be paid in monthly instalments or quarterly instalments. Some landlords may require an initial lump sum or advance payment upon signing the contract.
It’s also important to know what methods of payment are accepted. Some landlords or agents might accept cash but for ease and security reasons, a bank transfer is generally preferred. You can pay with bank cheques if you want to go old school. Knowing which payment options are available upfront can help you plan and budget for the rent in advance.
It’s a good idea to ask for an invoice from the landlord so that you can track your payments and be sure that everything is in order. This will also help protect your interests if there is any dispute later on down the line.
Is There Good Water Supply?
Water is an essential element, and you should never overlook it when renting an apartment. Before you choose any apartment, ask your landlord questions about the water supply. Considering the following points, you can be sure to have a steady water supply:
- Check if the property has access to tap water or if you will have to buy from a borehole or tanker.
- If you’re renting on Lagos Island, check the quality of the water and make sure it is not coloured. If it’s brown, ask the agent/landlord if there is a filtration system in place.
- Is a tank installed for water storage? check its size and compatibility with your existing appliances and the number of occupants.
- Determine how much the landlord remits for monthly maintenance fees for water supply and what is covered in these fees.
A good water supply can go a long way toward making your stay comfortable. Asking these questions may save you from the headache of running out of water frequently.
Check the outstanding electricity Bill
If it’s not a new apartment, Always check the outstanding electricity bill before paying for the apartment. There have been a lot of situations, especially in Lagos where new tenants were made to foot the electricity bill of the previous tenants. It has become so prevalent in Lagos that Ikeja electricity company had to come out to make an official statement in September 2022
What Are Your Neighbours Like?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an apartment is your neighbours. You’ll be living with them and will likely have to interact with them in some way. So it’s worth taking some time to consider how compatible they are with you.
To get a feel for the neighbourhood, you should research the demographics. Look for any noise complaints, and check out online reviews about the area. This can give you some insight into what to expect from your living experience. You should also ask current tenants about their experiences in the neighbourhood and if there are any recurring problems that you should be aware of.
On top of that, it’s also a good idea to check out the building itself. If it’s well-maintained and the residents generally adhere to the rules, chances are good that things will run smoothly.
Conclusion
So, if you’re thinking of renting a property anywhere in Nigeria, it’s important to take a lot of things into consideration. Do some research on the areas you’re interested in, and make sure you ask lots of questions of the landlord before you sign anything.
It’s also a good idea to have a look at the tenancy agreement in detail, to make sure you’re aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Doing all these by yourself may be daunting, but having an expert guide will help cut out all the noise and help you focus on what really matters.
Luckily for you, we are here to do just that, with one phone call or message, we will help you cut through all the noise and find the right property, in the perfect location that is within your budget. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today before your property leaves the market.
