12 Questions To Ask Before Renting a House in Nigeria

So you are thinking of renting a house in Nigeria or planning on moving into another apartment, that’s a good thing. If you think buying a house is a big decision finding a house to rent is in no way smaller especially in Nigeria.

Renting an apartment in Nigeria might not seem a big deal but if you’ve been in the hands of some of the “deadly agents/landlords” you might get so frustrated and give up. Finding the right apartment to rent is a big decision as it affects your life and lifestyle. It affects everything from where you eat, sleep your commute to work, and so on. Before you decide on the area and apartment you decide to rent you need to ask your agent/landlord an array of questions.

The truth is there are hundreds of questions you can ask the agent about your potential home and you had better ask them if you want to be quite sure of the home you are about to lease. You’ve most likely decided on the area you want to live in, so which house is right for you to rent.

To help you do your homework so you won’t end up having headaches all through your stay in the house, below are 10 questions you should ask before renting a house in Nigeria.

1. What are the lease terms?

You should be thoroughly aware as the renter of the duration of the rent and when it starts and end. A lot of landlords In Nigeria ask for a year’s rent but some still ask for 2 years despite the Lagos state government stating a year lease should be paid. So you better ask before you enter one chance.

2. What is included in the rent?

This question is important if you don’t want to end up like my friend. The agent told him the rent for the apartment was N300,000 and has a first-time renter, he thought it included the agreement and commission, only to be put on a long thing when he was asked to pay an extra N100,000 when he was about to pay for the apartment. So don’t be ly friend and make inquiries.

3. How secure is the property/ area?

Another question to ask the landlord is the security of the home and area. Ask if there is a provision for a watchman, CCTV camera, and the likes.

4. How often does the rent go up?

In Lagos state Nigeria, some landlords increase the value of the rent how they feel, not bothered about their tenants, so ask before you are made to pay more in a short while.

5. What is the parking situation?

Questioning the landlord about the parking situation can save you a lot of stress before you move in. In a home where a lot of people own cars but not with enough parking space, it is vital you ask about the parking situation if you don’t want to be the one parking outside the building.

6. How can I decorate?

A lot of landlords are not bothered with how you decorate your home but if you have a landlord that doesn’t want you to put nails on the walls, it is better you ask the landlord if you can hang things on the walls? Are you allowed to paint the walls as you want or change the tiles? Before you collect the query.

7. Maintenance policy?

Some landlords require their tenants to pay for maintenance once a year while others don’t. Ask the agent or landlord if you are required to pay any maintenance fee and also what’s to happen in the case of emergency repairs.

8. What is the guest policy?

This might seem like a funny question but I have heard situations where landlords complain that a particular tenant receives too many visitors or a guest has stayed too long.

9. Is the rent typical?

Ask this question and also make inquiries from other homes in the area. If not, James that lives in a mini flat in your street might be paying less than you live in a similar apartment.

10. Do I need a cosigner?

The issue of having a cosigner is a bit tricky but it is better you ask. An unmarried lady was denied renting an apartment she liked in a particular area in Nigeria just because she was unmarried. The landlord asked her to come with a man that will co-sign the apartment with her before he’ll allow her to rent it. Asking this question can save you from embarrassment before you fall in love with the house.

11. How is the power supply in the area?

With the state of power supply in Nigeria, it is important you find out the power supply in the area if you don’t want to be dancing to the sound of your generator throughout your stay in the house.

12. Is there any strict time policy?

Some areas/homes have a strict time policy and if you are one to come home late or hate restriction, don’t sleep on a bicycle and ask this question.

It is always noteworthy that the appreciative value of real estate depends greatly on the right location. While considering investing in real estate, the site should not be too far from top places of interest in Nigeria. There are places to visit in Nigeria which are largely untapped mine for the real estate industry.

If you are thinking of traveling to a particular location for the best real estate deal, always check hotels.ng for top hotels in Nigeria closest to you.
Planning of traveling out of Nigeria? Find out the required guidelines via the best visa consultancy service in Nigeria.

AUTHOR – Jemimah Abimbola