In my town, rent used to be affordable, perhaps because it's a town and not a city. However, landlords are trying to keep up with city rates and have been increasing rental fees annually, making it expensive. This is partly due to the presence of students because my town have a polytechnic, who are willing to pay any amount for rent without questioning the price.
[source](https://pixabay.com/photos/spain-spanish-europe-house-4967963/)
For instance, the rent for a single room has increased from 30,000 naira, from 30,000 naira to 70,000 naira. Landlords prefer renting to students because they know they'll pay any amount, which has driven up housing prices recently and make the rent fee now expensive for working class and married.
When looking for a new house, I prioritize several factors. First, I look for a quiet environment, as I love a silent house and surroundings. I also consider the cleanliness of the house, as I'm easily irritated by dirty places. In fact, I'm so particular about cleanliness that I can sweep the house four times a day. I remember my school days when we had a roster for sweeping, and if the person assigned didn't do it, I would take it upon myself to sweep. That's how much I dislike dirty places.
The third factor I consider is access to water. I wouldn't want to live in an area where I have to go out of my way to fetch water. I prefer a house with a reliable water supply. Additionally, I love a fenced house, perhaps because I grew up in one. If a house has all these qualities, I'm good to go.
I'm not too concerned about electricity, as long as I have a power bank to charge my phone and other devices. Even in my town, where we've had no electricity since February, people are managing with solar power. Technology has made it possible for solar power to support all household needs, including freezers, blenders, laundry machines, and air conditioners. All you need is the money to invest in it and is more easier now because you can pay installmentally is just that the price of paying installmentally is higher than paying in full.
[source](https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-fingers-palm-the-keys-house-4947202/)
To find the kind of house I want, I hire a caretaker and physically inspect the property before making a decision. I don't rely on videos or descriptions from others.
If I were to become a landlord, I would prefer renting to married couples or working-class individuals, as I believe they are more mature and less likely to damage properties. There's a popular notion that students tend to spoil houses, and while this may not be true for all students, I've witnessed it firsthand. If you rent a house to students, it's likely to require significant repairs within three years. I would also prefer tenants with traceable jobs, not those who might attract unwanted attention from law enforcement. There's a student hostel in my area that's frequently raided by the police, and I wouldn't want my house to have a similar reputation.
Posted Using INLEO