Just like it is everywhere, finding a house in Surulere can be challenging, from exorbitant charges from house agents to getting a house in an unsafe environment.
But, you can overcome these challenges by applying the right strategies.
Surulere is a local government area in Lagos. It’s located in a very busy part of the state, connecting the Mainland to the Island. Because of its central location, this district has attracted all classes of people over the years.
This scenario, including the rapid urbanization of the community, has made things like housing very challenging. To get the best place to live in, you need to put in lots of work, including your time and finances.
Nevertheless, Rent House Surulere is here to make finding your dream home easy. This guide focuses on the factors you should consider before renting a house in Surulere.
Key Takeaways
- Finding the right house takes time, effort, and the right budget.
- You need to ask enough questions about the house from the neighbors.
- Timing is important when finding a house. The rainy season will help you know how the place fairs when it rains.
- Security is a very important factor to consider.
- You should inspect the house yourself to see things for yourself.
- Rent House Surulere simplifies the house-hunting process by connecting you to the right agents and landlords.
12 Things to Consider Before Renting a House in Surulere
Timing is an important factor when looking for a house. Although not everyone will be lucky to look for a house during the rainy season, you should if you have the choice.
Also, asking questions from those living around will help you make a better-informed decision.
Below are 12 factors to consider when looking for a home in Surulere.
- Budget
- Location
- Security
- House Condition
- Landlord-Tenancy Agreement
- Neighborhood and Neighbors
- Unpaid Utility Bills
- Price
- Space
- Rent Pattern
- Modification of Structure
- Accessibility
Budget
Your budget is the first thing to consider when looking for a house in Surulere. How much do you have? Will it be enough for the kind of house you want and in the environment you want it?
Remember the kind of house you want and the location will affect how much you pay. It may cost more to get a two-bedroom apartment in Bode Thomas or Eric Moore than to get a three-bedroom flat in Ojuelegba.
So, it’s important to know your budget before searching for houses in a certain location. Nevertheless, if comfort and luxury are more important, then you should be ready to budget more.
Below are what you should consider when preparing your budget:
- How much upfront are you paying? Some landlords demand a year’s rent, while others ask for a year and a half rent. Some even ask for a two-year upfront.
- Agent’s fee or tenancy agreement.
- Caution fees in case of any damages while living in the house. This fee is usually returned after your stay if there is no damage.
- Utility bills: How much are the light bills, Lawma (Lagos state waste management agency), and other utilities?
Location
The location of the house is another factor to consider when looking for a house in Surulere. It’s one of the major factors that determines whether you’ll enjoy your stay or not.
First, what part of Surulere do you want to live in? Surulere comprises areas like Adeniran Ogunsanya, Shitta, Aguda, Akerele, Barracks, Ijesha, Itire, Bode Thomas, Ogunlana Drive, Yaba, Ojuelegba, Alaka Estate, Alaka, Iponri, Alhaji Masha, Lawanson, Costain etc.
Each area is unique and has its best parts and may have downsides too.
Whatever part you choose to live in, ensure the area is close to primary infrastructures like hospitals, major markets, and schools. If you have children, having a school close by is important, except if you want to send them to boarding school.
Also, having a good hospital close by is important for health emergencies. A major market is useful for getting all the basic things you need in the house. If you’re a religious person, you’d want a place that’s close to your place of worship.
Additionally, you should choose a location that is close to your workplace. It’s no longer news that the cost of transportation is on the high side, especially in Lagos. Thus, getting a house close to your workplace will help manage costs
You should also check the area to ensure it’s safe enough to live in.
Security
Security is another major factor to consider when renting a house. You wouldn’t want to move into a place where you’ll have to fear for your life all the time.
Security is first your responsibility before the government or any other person. Especially for a country like Nigeria, where security is not 100% guaranteed, you must choose a safe neighborhood.
Thus, when making your findings about the place to live, ensure you find out if the location is safe.
Surulere is one of the safest places to live in Lagos. However, some areas are more busy, like Ojuelegba, Lawanson, and Constain, and can get rough. They are referred to as the ghetto areas of Surulere. Places like Bode Thomas, Aguda, and Alaka Estate are quieter.
Generally, many estates and streets provide security for the houses there. Make sure there are security measures in place against certain crimes like robbery wherever you choose to live.
However, remember that security is first your responsibility. Ensure you live a safe life and be always watchful.
House Condition
Another important factor to consider before renting a house is the condition. Is it an old building? Ensure you go to the house yourself and inspect the inside and the surroundings.
Even if it’s a new building, you should also inspect the house to be sure everything is in order.
Many houses have faults like poor ventilation, plumbing issues, leaky roofs, and bad electrical connections. You might not notice them until you go to the building yourself for a thorough inspection.
Also, check if the house has a water supply to ensure you’re getting value for the money you’re paying.
Faults like leaky roofs will be noticeable during the rainy season, so do all you can to look for a house during this season.
Landlord-Tenancy Agreement
Landlord-tenancy agreement has caused a lot of issues in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. Many tenants pack into a new home without understanding the document.
Before you move into a new house, the landlord will give you a document, which states what’s expected of you as a tenant and that of the landlord. It includes terms like maintenance agreement, rent increase, rules about modification, and subletting.
If the landlord or whoever is in charge doesn’t present this document, you should ask for it.
Once you get it, ensure you read well and understand the contract before you sign any agreement. If you’re finding it difficult to understand, go through it with a lawyer.
This contract is helpful in case anything goes wrong and the landlord is not fulfilling his part of the agreement.
Neighborhood and Neighbors
You should also check the environment where you intend to live to be sure that it’s conducive enough for you. It’s not enough to check whether there’s good security or there are primary infrastructures close by.
You should also check if the neighborhood is serene and the neighbors friendly. Estates in Bode Thomas, Aguda, and the environment in Alaka Estate are usually serene.
While you might prefer a busier and more lively area, you can still ask about your close-door neighbors. You wouldn’t want to move into a house where your neighbors are troublesome.
Below are the things you should consider:
- Light: Power supply is very important to survive in Nigeria, especially if you carry out your business with light. Ask about the power supply if it’s stable. Also, check whether the area is band A, B, or C and whether there’s a prepaid meter or not. These findings will guide your decision.
- Network: Also, ask about the network connection in the area and whether it’s good enough for you.
- Noise: If you prefer a quiet environment, check for houses that are not very close to churches and schools.
Unpaid Utility Bills
Another very important factor you shouldn’t miss is the unpaid utility bills. Many people have fallen victim to such horrible circumstances.
Most times I hear Lagosians’ stories of how they pack into a new place and end up paying bills they know nothing about. I have been a victim myself. These bills run into as much as a million naira and more.
To prevent this situation, you should ask enough questions from the neighbors if it’s not a new building and people have lived there.
Also, request for recent receipts to be sure you’re not entering a trap. Especially, light and waste bills, make sure there are no outstanding payments.
It can be frustrating to pay off outstanding debt to enjoy a power supply.
Price of Similar Houses
One thing you shouldn’t fail to check is the prices of similar houses in your area. Don’t just accept anything the house agents or landlord tells you.
It might be surprising they are just trying to rip you off. Ensure you research the neighborhood well and compare prices. By checking out other places, you can settle for a fair price.
Space
If you’re big on space, you will need to check for houses that have enough space for you.
Many landlords in Surulere manage space while some are generous. Ensure you check the house first.
Also, if you have a car or intend to have one, make sure you will get space to park the car inside the compound. No one would like a scenario where they have to leave their car outside.
Rent Pattern
How often do landlords increase the rent price? This question is an important one you shouldn’t fail to ask.
Some landlords increase their rent every two years. Some might even wait till you move in and then increase it on your next payment.
Ensure you ask existing tenants, the agent, or the landlord himself. You wouldn’t want to pack into a house that you paid 700,000 naira, and the next time you’re to pay, it is 900,000 naira.
Modification of Structure
You should also check with your landlord or whoever is in charge whether you can make some changes to the house.
Some people move into a house and do some work. Many might add burglary proof, change lighting, add shelves, and many other things. They can do any of this because the landlord permits it.
Thus, ensure you make your findings, especially if you have it in mind to add a personal touch to your living space.
Accessibility
How good is the road on your street and close by, especially during the rainy season? Can vehicles drive in? Is your area on the map or is it in proximity with an area on the map?
These are important things to consider. Although Surulere is a commercial and residential area, certain areas might have bad roads.
Final Words
With this article, you can rest assured that you won’t go wrong finding the right house in Surulere. Just be ready to spend time to research well and inspect the house.
Remember, searching for a home during the rainy season will help you discover faults you might not see otherwise. However, we understand that not everyone has the time to research well.
That’s why at Rent House Surulere we do the research and offer you the best options you can choose from. Contact us on WhatsApp to get started.
