I never had a need to rent an apartment while I was in tertiary institution because I schooled within my state of origin. So I went to school from my parents house whenever I have lectures throughout my undergraduate days.
While I was serving my country (NYSC) as well in Delta State, I was given an apartment as well, so I never had the experience of renting an apartment at all till this year 2025.
Year 2025 started so well with both ups and downs, I got a new appointment so I had to relocate from Kwara to Oyo state in Nigeria. Then the problem of house hunting started, I never knew something like house hunting would make me weep bitterly because it was money consuming and as well stressful.
Sometimes I wonder how we get here in Nigeria because almost everything here is difficult. For you to get a thing that suits your taste is like going to hell and back, please who do us like this?
The craziest people in recent years in Nigeria are house agents and some landlords. The way house agents are extorting people all because they are in need of an apartment is just so disheartening.
Before an agent shows you an apartment you will have to pay a 'consultation fee', whether you like the apartment or not they will collect the fee from you even before getting to the place. This means if they take you around four different apartments in a day you have to pay the consultation fee at four different times.......that's crazy!
So moving into a new apartment is tasking! I never knew all these practices were in existence till early this year when I relocated.
The agents I encountered took me to houses where I didn't imagine existed in my life. It was during my house hunting I saw several houses without basic needs of life like water and good toilet etc I was shocked, only God knows how people cope in such kind of houses!
Therefore when it comes to looking for accommodation, there are some things I lookout for so that I will be able to live conveniently.
Firstly is the structure of the building and where it is sited. The structure and location of the building matters the most when looking for an accommodation.
There are some buildings that are weak and poorly suited, imagine erecting a building beside a river, majorly during the rainy season the tenant will be disturbed by floods because there is no way the house won't be flooded once the river overflows.
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After considering the first measure, then other measures like:
Portable water; having access to portable water is also very important because water is life. We can't do anything without water, so I can't imagine staying in an apartment without running water.
Good electricity supply; having adequate supply of electricity is also very important because I can't imagine renting an apartment without supply of electricity at all. It will be very difficult to charge one's phone and other gadgets.
Proximity to my work place; staying in a close place to work matters because of the cost in transportation. There are times when one will not be financially buoyant, so renting an apartment close to one's place of work is very important due to the cost.
The people living in the surroundings also matter because living close to drug addicts and illicit workers is very risky.
Security is also my top concern because my life and property is crucial to me. Staying in an apartment that is 100% safe is very important. I travel a lot, so securing an apartment that puts my mind at rest while I'm away is my priority.
Therefore, getting an apartment that suit ones taste is very difficult but securing a good place gives absolute peace of mind. So it is necessary to put in one's best and stay patient while searching for an apartment to avoid regrets.
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