Here in the Northern part of Nigeria, renting a home is a little cheaper compared to other parts of the country, but it solely depends on the location. A location that is developing, with recent building styles, modern designs, and furniture, seems to have higher rent than older buildings except if renovated, but even then, it won’t be as expensive as the newer ones.
Renting a home here is mostly done yearly, and most times landlords request two years rent before you can move in. This is usually a difficult situation for someone renting a home because of their existing budget. Oftentimes an Agent is the middle man between a tenant and the landlord. Agent's fee and percentage are the reasons why most homes get too expensive, they sometimes make renting a home difficult.
There are a lot of things to look out for when renting a home, and it is most likely the same for most people. The last home we moved out from taught us a lot about researching properly before paying. We didn’t do a proper research, it was an impromptu rental. Although before we paid, we asked a few questions about things we felt were necessary in a home, and we were convinced by the agent in a rush that it was a perfect place. So, we paid and moved in, only to discover the majority of things that weren’t okay or even manageable and the landlord asked us to fix them if we weren't okay with them but the bills were on us, that wasn't nice at all.
Things you should not neglect when renting a home
Firstly, I would ask about the landlord’s behaviour, because most landlords trouble their tenants a lot. I don’t like to live in the same compound as the landlord. In the last home we moved out from, the landlord had a way of bossing his tenants and talking carelessly to them. The rules that came after we paid were as follows:
Be back before 8 pm (because that’s when they normally lock the gate for security reasons, and once locked it can’t be opened from outside. You had to hurry back home or have someone inside to help open the gate, because the landlord would not open even if you knocked or called a million times).
Do not park in the parking lot (because it was only for him and his family). Imagine taking the risk of parking outside or inside the compound and then waking up as early as 5:30 am just to remove your car so the landlord could drive out.
These were some of the issues we faced while living with that landlord.
Secondly, I would look out for the security of the location, how safe it is. In the North, insecurity is very high. No place is completely safe, but some areas are better than others. That is you shouldn't be in a hurry to look for a home.
Thirdly, I would look out for the condition of the property, especially the availability of water, because 90% of daily activities require water. I wouldn’t want to walk miles just to fetch water or search for water all the time.
Electricity is another important factor. I would check how frequently the area gets power and if there is any existing electricity issues in that area.
I would also check for leakages, either from the roof or the walls. That’s why it’s advisable to look for a home during the rainy season to avoid renting a home that could get flooded, damaging furniture and valuables.
Fourthly, Legal documents are very important. There are situations where two tenants pay for the same home without proper documentation. Some agents would promise to release the original receipts and tenancy agreements after payment, but it’s better to ensure everything is properly signed before paying.
Lastly, I consider the road network. Since my husband and I are mobile.. I would prefer a home with a smooth or at least motorable road linked one in which other public vehicles also passes through.
These are just a few of the things I look out for when searching for a home to rent.
Measures to take to ensure you make a right choice
It is very important to insist on inspecting the home before committing a dime, if possible, do multiple inspections at different times of the day.
Most agents will rush you into paying, but don’t allow yourself to be pressured. Do a proper research, ask questions, and ensure there’s a tenancy agreement that both you and the landlord sign. If possible, talk to existing tenants about their experiences to be sure of your choice.
Also, insist on meeting the landlord and confirming that he is truly who he says he is before making any payment. You can verify this by asking tenants or neighbors for clarification.
These measures are to the best of my knowledge being that it was driven out of my experience with rentals.