In PART 1 of our ‘30 Things To Know Before Renting A House in Lagos,’ i shared 15 important and essential things you need to know if you want to rent a house in Lagos. I

In this concluding part, i would be dishing the last 15 Things you should know. I hope you find this helpful.

#16 Lagos State Laws

There are laws that guide renting a house or being a tenant in Lagos. You need to know this so that you wont be cheated  and also wouldn’t be found wanting. Foe example

It shall be unlawful for a landlord or his agent to demand or receive from a sitting tenant rent in excess of three (3) months in respect of any premises.

 

It shall be unlawful for a sitting tenant to offer or pay rent in excess of three (3) months in respect of any premises.

Question: Are these laws implemented in your area ?

17# Collect Your Receipt

After you have made your payment , please ensure you collect your receipt as a proof of payment . This should include
(a)Date of which rent was received;
(b) Name of the landlord and the tenant;
(c) Location of premises in respect of which the rent is paid
(d) Amount of rent paid; and
(e) Period to which the payment relates.

If your payment is not issued a receipt , it means no legal payment has been made and Proof not available should there be any issue.

#18.Know Your Rights

It is good to know your essential rights as a tenant . under Lagos state law.

The Landlord does not have the right to disturb you etc. So you should also respect the Landlord’s Right to and perform your obligations as a tenant too.

Get yourself acquainted with the Tenancy act/law and the Constitution for Lagos state. As they supersede some of these clauses stated in the tenancy agreement.

Sadly most tenants are ignorant of their rights, tenants who cant afford to hire a lawyer can seek help from the Public Defender Office or Citizen Mediation Centers.  The  introduction of the Lagos state tenancy law , the era of wicked landlords imposing ridiculous laws are over.

Quick Tip:The tenancy law also forbids landlords or their agents from disrupting essential amenities: electricity, water supply etc to the tenant.

#19  Ask Questions

Always ask questions from neighbors, and people who leave around that vicinity as this will give you more information on your proposed choice of apartment. Ask questions from the agent and the landlord where necessary. Can you paint , install certain equipments in the house ?

#20 Facilities

If you are planning on renting a flat or apartment in a high-rising building , find out if the lifts are functioning properly. There should be availability of a lift facility and also backup generators should be there in the time of power failures.

#21 Building Age

I am sure you have heard about recent building collapse and aftermaths. I wouldn’t want you to fall victim , if you can try please do inquire about age of the building. Also apart form mishaps, f the building is older then you should compare it with the price you give and see whether it is worth or not.

#22 Are you Secured Enough

Apart from you having checked if our doors and windows are well built to prevent burglary and unwanted access to your property, Does the compound or facility have a security guard assigned. If there is no provision for that then you can find alternative means. As i said earlier, ask around , ask out the recent security occurrences.

If you can afford it, please go for the secured locations. As you and i know , security is important and shouldn’t be compromised. it is advisable to pay extra service charge if you can afford it or get additional security personnel for locations you feel is not secured.

#23 My special distance tip

If you stay on the mainland and work on island, it is advisable to get a place on the mainland areas close to island as this would help manage your budget and also prepare you for economic recessions. Places such as Ikeja, Gbagada, Surulere , Maryland etc. are cheaper and more cost effective in the long run especially when you see immediate amenities you need such as bukas, markets, kiosks, bars etc that are cheaper than those in choice areas.

#24 Expect Some Weird Questions

Sometimes there are questions these landlord’s an their agents can ask you , and trust me from experience they can be annoying. Just be prepared to answer all manner of questions from them.

Some of them can be superstitious for example if you are asked where you are from , Your answer can affect your chances of getting the apartment to be rented to you. Another likely question you should be careful in answering is, ”how many children do you have’’?

#25 Take Inventory

Photos , write ups etc are a good way of taking inventory of the apartment before you move in . This is important especially so that when you are leaving th house in the future , if there are any security deposits or caution fee paid, it can be refunded.

#26 Inspection Matters.

Ensure your home meets all the criteria needed. Inspection can be done as many times as possible till you are pleased and satisfied

#27 What is Included in the Package ?

Some properties for rent include utilities, services,, parking etc while some or most don’t in Lagos.Before signing that agreement document , Ask your landlord / agent about what is included in rent and how this can make changes to your lifestyle especially budget wise.

#28 Do Not Pay Till You Are Sure

Once you pay , it would be difficult for you to change your mind. So be completely sure. Never give the agents full amount till you confirm that the apartment is truly vacant and have not been paid for by another prospective tenant.

Also concerning financial security,  It’s safer for you to remit the rent fee to the landlord’s bank account at least your teller serves as prove of payment.

#29 Ask for everything in writing

I suggest you request that for any agreement between you and the landlord or agent should be put into writing for future references.

I feel that making a choice before you rent a house is important , as your house has a defining factor on yo as an individual.

#30  Why Did The previous occupants move out ?

Lastly ,If possible , find out why the previous tenants vacated the property . This can give you a hint on about the house history or even the environment and what to expect if you eventually choose this place.
This is just my Nigerian-mentality speaking, Ever heard of cursed , haunted or bewitched houses? , You might be wondering yes they do exist and yes in Nigeria.
Renting such an apartment can be disaster especially if you don’t know. But if you are one of them or stronger than them spiritually(lol) you can rent the property.

I have heard of a shop where there is a long history of business failures. Almost every business that has been opened in that particular shop ends up comatose.

Trust me you do not want to pay for what you have no idea about. That is why some people consult their spiritual heads (Pastor’s, Alfa’s, Native doctor’s ) before moving into an apartment.  Do you know that some landlords also use their services to also check background of the prospective tenant?

They say prevention is better than cure.

In conclusion,

I am so glad to have shared these few tips with you . So be honest and moderate on your tastes and requirements to avoid fraudulent agents. Lest i forget you also have to conversant with the current rates across the areas of your choice.

In case you missed the first part of this article , read it here 30 Things To Know Before Renting A House in Lagos part 1

I hope you have enjoyed this article ? If you did please share  with friends and loved ones.

Did i forget any tip ? Please drop them in the comment box below and i would include it .