Mistakes to avoid when renting apartment
It is advisable to be ultra-vigilant when renting an apartment to avoid costly mistakes. Many tenants fall into the trap of rushing into a lease without thoroughly inspecting the property, only to discover hidden damages or pest infestations later. Others sign agreements riddled with unfavourable clauses, such as excessive penalties for early termination or vague maintenance responsibilities, because they didn’t read the fine print, JOSEPHINE OGUNDEJI writes
The desire for a beautiful apartment is universal, yet beyond the allure of modern architecture and well-furnished spaces lies a more complex reality, renting is not just about aesthetics but a significant financial and legal commitment. The excitement of moving often overshadows critical considerations, such as hidden costs, contractual obligations, and long-term affordability. Many tenants, eager to secure a desirable space, rush into agreements without scrutinising the fine print, only to find themselves burdened by unexpected expenses, rigid lease terms, or disputes over maintenance responsibilities.
In Nigeria, where the rental landscape is shaped by economic volatility and a largely unregulated market, the process of securing an apartment is fraught with challenges. Annual rent payments, ambiguous tenancy agreements, and exploitative practices by landlords and agents make the journey a daunting one.
The lack of standardised regulations often places tenants in precarious situations, from abrupt rent hikes to issues of poor infrastructure and even outright rental fraud. Yet, in the urgency to secure a home, many fail to conduct proper due diligence, leaving them vulnerable to financial and legal pitfalls.
Securing the right apartment isn’t just about finding a visually appealing space; it is about making a well-informed decision that safeguards your finances and future comfort. Beyond the aesthetics, tenants must scrutinize tenancy agreements, research property histories, and assess crucial factors like security, accessibility, and long-term affordability.
A home should offer more than just a beautiful view; it should provide stability, peace of mind, and true value for every naira spent.
Speaking with a once-rental seeker, Mary Olabisi, she noted that renting an apartment can be a daunting task, especially for first-time renters.
She said, “With so many options available, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a new place to call home. However, it’s essential to approach the rental process with caution and careful consideration.
“Avoiding common pitfalls can save you from costly mistakes, stress, and potential financial ruin.”
She further highlighted 10 pitfalls to avoid when renting apartments, helping you make an informed decision and find the perfect place to rent.
Insufficient research: One of the most significant pitfalls to avoid when renting an apartment is insufficient research. Rushing into a lease without properly researching the property, landlord, and neighbourhood can lead to unpleasant surprises down the line. Take your time to read reviews, talk to current tenants, and inspect the property thoroughly.
Not reading the lease carefully: Failing to read the lease agreement carefully can lead to costly mistakes. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions, including the rent, lease duration, security deposit, and any penalties for breaking the lease. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification on any clauses you’re unsure about.
Ignoring red flags: If something feels off during the apartment viewing or when interacting with the landlord, trust your instincts and explore other options. Ignoring red flags, such as signs of pest infestation, water damage, or poor maintenance, can lead to a nightmare living situation.
Not documenting the property: Before moving in, document the property’s condition by taking photos and videos. This will help prevent disputes when you move out and ensure you’re not charged for damages that were already present. Make sure to date and timestamp your documentation.
Overlooking hidden fees: In addition to the rent, there may be hidden fees, such as utility bills, parking fees, or pet fees. Make sure you factor these costs into your budget to avoid any surprises. Ask the landlord about any additional fees and get them in writing.
Not meeting the landlord: Meeting the landlord in person can give you valuable insight into their management style and responsiveness. If you’re unable to meet in person, schedule a video call to get a sense of their communication style.
Failing to get renters insurance: Renters insurance can provide valuable protection against theft, damage, or loss of personal belongings. Don’t assume that the landlord’s insurance policy will cover your belongings – it’s essential to get your own renter’s insurance policy.
Not checking the neighbourhood: The neighbourhood can greatly impact your quality of life. Research the area to ensure it’s safe, convenient, and meets your needs. Look into local amenities, public transportation, and noise levels.
Ignoring maintenance and repairs: If you notice any maintenance or repair issues during the viewing, don’t assume they’ll be fixed before you move in. Get a written commitment from the landlord to address these issues, and establish a clear process for reporting and resolving any future maintenance concerns.
Rushing into a tenancy agreement: Finally, don’t rush into a lease agreement without taking the time to review and understand all the terms and conditions. If you’re unsure or feel pressured, it’s okay to walk away and explore other options. Remember, it’s better to take your time and find the right apartment than to rush into a lease that may not meet your needs.
According to a report by Nigeria Property Centre, searching for and renting an apartment in Nigeria is undoubtedly an arduous task. The Nigerian public space is awash with acerbic and nasty tales associated with renting. A lot of people have fallen and continue to fall prey to the caprices, schemes of some unscrupulous so-called “Estate Agents” and landlords hence the need to bring this to the front burner.
It stated, “Please ensure you are issued a receipt when you pay for an apartment even if the apartment belongs to a family friend. Don’t leave anything to chance because people can be funny over here. The same applies when you renew your rent; ensure your payment has a receipt. It follows that if your payment doesn’t have a receipt, there is no proof of your payment should things metamorphose into a legal issue. Never assume because you lived there amicably the first year therefore it will continue to be like that. Many of these so-called landlords/landladies will be nice to you the first year but will like to frustrate you subsequently so they can rent the apartment/shop to a new tenant that will pay them another round of ‘agreement’, ‘commission’ ‘deposit’, ‘NEPA’ etc.
“Ensure there is a good access road and probably proximity to a bus stop. There are areas you live in and you have to be changing your car tyres often, not forgetting the time you spend on traffic to and from. Proximity to a bus stop is also important especially if you don’t drive otherwise you need to take a bike to the nearest bus stop before you then board a bus to your destination. By the time you add your rent and what you spend on ‘Okada’ (bike) to and from your nearest bus stop, it will be substantial. It is highly recommended that you have a pre-paid electricity meter in your apartment. I guess this applies mainly to those living in flats etc not in a typical ‘face me, I slap you’ where occupants share a single electricity meter. A lot of houses in Nigeria lack an electricity meter so they are at the mercy of the power distribution companies that unilaterally estimates and allocates amounts to be paid as electricity bills. It is highly probable to see a three-storey rented apartment in Nigeria that has just a single electricity meter. Many of the landlords, especially those ones that live in the same premises with their tenants, seldom show tenants the electricity bill. They will tell you the amount to be paid each month and God bless you; you want to argue with them. Also ensure that you do not inherit outstanding enormous bills (power distribution companies, LAWMA, water) etc from the previous tenants.
“Avoid very notorious and crime/crises-prone areas. Security and safety of lives and properties cannot be guaranteed anywhere in Nigeria but there are areas that have a semblance or iota of security and safety. Yes, everybody cannot live in Lekki, VGC, and Banana Island etc. Beware of notorious hot-spots that have a history of high crime rate and are riot-prone. This hot spot issue is not just a Nigerian thing, it exists everywhere. For instance, in England, Moss Side in Manchester is noted for drive-by shootings, drug dealing etc. In Lagos, Mushin is synonymous with high rates of thuggery and criminality. Apart from the inherent danger, kids risk imbibing some of the negative tendencies in their environment. If you are using the services of the so-called ‘Agents’, never, I repeat, never give them the total amount for rent until you satisfy yourself that the apartment is truly vacant and has not been paid for by another prospective tenant. During negotiations with the ‘Agent’, subtly suggest you would like to speak with the landlord. His countenance will tell you whether there is something fishy. It’s preferable if you can rent directly from the landlord, some of them, especially the enlightened ones will not insist you pay them ‘commission’, ‘agreement’ etc. I unwittingly invoked the wrath of a particular landlord when I suggested to him that I was not expecting to pay ‘commission’ and ‘agreement’ since I got the apartment directly from him and not through an agent. It’s safer for you to remit the rent fee to the landlord’s bank account at least your teller serves as proof of payment.
On the tenancy agreements and quit notice angle, the report noted that a lot of these agreements are in favour of the landlord.
He continued,” I have come across a lot of them; most of them are skewed in favour of the landlord and meant to intimidate the tenant. I came across a particular tenancy agreement which reads: ‘…you must not come back or knock at the gate after 10pm; you must not use a gas cooker or electric cooker, ‘the tenant hereby agrees to be served a one month quit notice if the landlord wishes to take possession of the house.’ I also came across another tenancy agreement where the landlord said he can enter the tenant’s apartment anytime he wishes to check the condition of the house. This is a bit too far. It’s trespassing. I am not a legal expert but I am pretty sure that the Tenancy act/law and the Constitution supersede all these hogwashes some landlords bandy as ‘tenancy agreement’ or quit notice.
“Beware of paying a down payment for unfinished or incomplete properties. This is another booby trap. This is a common occurrence in Nigeria, but people still fall for it, usually out of desperation. So if you are really in dire need of accommodation, be cautious in paying towards the completion of an unfinished apartment. There is no guarantee it will be finished as at when due.
“Before you rent an apartment, find out why the previous occupant(s) vacated the premises. You can glean one or two pieces of information from neighbours, especially whether the landlord is troublesome, occultic etc. Another reason to ask neighbours about the apartment or office space prior to renting is because some places are flood-plains or the roof of the house may be leaking seriously. I am sure you know that it is easier for most of the landlords/agents to collect your money than to refund it for whatever reason. A very good time to rent an apartment is during the rainy season as you don’t necessarily have to ask people around whether the area is prone to flooding or not. You will see it by yourself. Sometimes if the rent for an apartment is too good to be true, it is a telltale sign that something is wrong somewhere.”
