Do not move into a flat or house without doing these 8 things.
1. Location and neighbourhood:
Proximity to work, schools and markets as well as the safety and security of the area. It is good if the local market is within walking distance so you can exercise and pick up street gossips as well.
Also look around and ask if there is a noisy worship centre with 10 people but with loud speakers and amplifiers for 1,000 people or entertainment centre with loud music. To avoid being jolted out of sleep at 1:00 AM with “Fireeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee”.
2. Rent and payment terms:
Understand the rent amount, payment schedule, and any additional fees. Always ask if there are any hidden fees beyond what you are seeing in the documents presented to you.
Also ask if there is a pattern to rent increment or does the landlord do it based on how he is feeling or the amount of kaikai he takes. Good to have an idea so you can plan ahead.
3. Property condition and maintenance:
Assess the property’s age, condition, and any needed repairs or maintenance.
Make a short video of the flat or house. If need be, take pictures of specific things you may need to bring to the attention of the landlord or caretaker. Do not attempt to be a good person by fixing a major fault without alerting the owner. They may still increase your rent without notice. If you shout too much, they will throw you out and put their person after you’ve renovated everything.
4. Security features:
Look for secure entry systems, gated compounds, and on-site security personnel a.k.a gateman. Ensure the gateman is level headed and does not have random questionable people visiting him at different times.
If there are cameras, look around and ensure none is positioned in your private space. To check this, turn off all the light in the house and turn on your phone camera without the flash. If you notice a blinking red light, check it out. Before you will be enjoying yourself and another person is using it as bluefilm.
5. Amenities:
Consider the availability of amenities like electricity, water, parking, and waste management. Especially light and water. Many people will rush to highbrow neighbourhoods to meet wealthy people, but they can’t afford band A light fees and once it rains, the water is messed up.
Also check if network is stable in the area to avoid hanging one leg in the air in search of network for your browsing.
6. Neighbourhood dynamics:
Get a sense of the community, especially if a lot of young people stay in the area. If you work from home doing a legitimate job, you may need to inform the landlord and maybe the nearest police station if you live in an area with a lot of young people driving big cars but no defined jobs.
If you have kids who are coming of age, observe the environment well and ensure it will be good for them, especially to run errands alone and walk around in your absence if need be. “Pretty girl pretty girl”, virtue will leave your daughter’s body.
7. Landlord:
Research the landlord’s communication style and responsiveness. Don’t end up with someone who you will complain about a leak in the wall and he will say, “Just be managing it is not that bad.” When it becomes bad, they will repair it and increase the rent. Kaikai behaviour!
8. Gated estate:
If you will live in a gated estate, it will be ideal to get the phone number of the main gateman and ensure he knows you.
If you finish drinking kaikai and your friend drives you home, the security guys knowing you will make it easier to get it.
