The Spleet Digest

Looking for a new apartment in Lagos? 

Whether you’re moving to the city for the first time or just switching locations, renting a house in Lagos can be a big decision. With high demand, rising rent prices, and hidden issues in some areas, you need to be smart before parting with your hard-earned money.

Here are 5 important things you must check before paying for a new apartment in Lagos:

1 — Is the apartment location accessible?

Before you choose where to rent your next apartment, it is important to consider accessibility. Beyond just the ability to navigate the road to your apartment, you also need to consider proximity to work. 

Lagos traffic is no joke, so before you pay for any apartment, ask yourself: how will I get back home from work every day?  Are these roads that lead to this apartment motorable?  Are there good roads and public transport options?

Avoid apartments in remote or flood-prone areas unless you’re sure you can handle the commute. Also, try to visit the area during both peak and off-peak hours to see what movement is like.

2 — Can you afford the rent?

Many Lagosians fall into the trap of paying too much rent and struggling later. The general rule is that your annual rent should not be more than 30% of your yearly income. Even though this percentage is increasingly impractical due to the rising cost of rent, it is still important to keep your annual rent within a manageable percentage of your annual income. 

Before paying that first rent, ask yourself:

• Can I comfortably renew this rent next year?
• Are there hidden costs like agent fees, caution fees, or service charges?

If rent is generally too expensive for your income bracket, then consider co-living options with friends or verified strangers.

3 — Are the amenities in order?

Never pay for an apartment you’ve never first physically inspected by yourself to an extent. Inspection gives you the opportunity to confirm that all amenities are provided and in working order so as to avoid challenges when you move in.

In cases where you cannot physically inspect the apartment, you should consider getting someone to inspect the apartment with a list of things to check. 

Some basic amenities to look out for are:

• Running water
• Functional toilets and plumbing
• Parking space 
• A functional kitchen
• Ventilation and natural light
• Leaks and cracks in the walls

Don’t just take the agent’s word for it. Visit the apartment yourself and make sure everything works. If you are paying a service charge, it is also important to confirm what it covers and make sure that those amenities are effectively installed and in working order before paying and moving in. 

4 — Are there any outstanding bills?

This is where many new renters make mistakes. Some apartments have unpaid power supply bills, service charges, or estate levies left behind by the previous tenant. This leads to new tenants having to pay for services or utilities they did not use. 

Before you pay for that apartment;

• Ask to see the latest electricity and water bill receipts
  Speak to neighbours or the caretaker about any pending fees
• If the apartment is in an estate, ask about service charges and who’s responsible for them

Paying off old bills that aren’t yours can be frustrating and expensive.

5 — Is the area secure?

It is very easy to become a constant victim of harassment from louts when you rent an apartment in an area without proper due diligence. You need to prioritise security when choosing a new apartment so that you can enjoy your stay in that apartment. 

This is why it is important to confirm that the area has ample security before moving there. You can do this by asking around, doing simple research on reports of crime in that area, or moving around the area at odd hours to measure the level of safety. 

Also check for the presence of police patrols, estate security or local vigilante groups in charge of ensuring security in the area. 

Final Thoughts

Before paying for a new apartment in Lagos, take your time to inspect, ask questions, and compare options. Rushing into payment can lead to regrets later. If possible, go with a trusted friend or family member when checking the place.

Lagos is a fast-moving city, but with the right information, you can find a comfortable and affordable place to call home.

Looking for a new apartment in Lagos? You can check on Spleet Marketplace. Apartments on Spleet are vetted and verified and inspections are FREE. Start here