Deciding on a place to rent for your new home or office space is clearly not as easy as you might think. You get what you pay for, so says the adage; hence it is important to make sure certain factors are considered and scrutinized before taking up a place. In our previous post, HERE, we discussed a few factors we believe everyone must consider before such a decision is made. Today, we will be sharing more important factors that you may not have considered yet.
Consider Parking
This is a factor that is typically overlooked, particularly for businesses in search of ample office space. If not properly considered, parking problems may lead to all sorts of challenges that include impounding of vehicles and frequent dents and damage to vehicles. Busy cities like Lagos with poor public transportation tend to have more cars on the road which puts a high demand on public parking spaces. Considering a neighbourhood with parking amenities can be crucial especially if your business or lifestyle requires people to have access to where you operate or reside.
Consider the Seasons
In Lagos, and most parts of West Africa, the rainy seasons typically bring about flooding and results to deterioration of building structures and roads over time. Some buildings are built better than others, and some areas have better roads and drainages than others. When considering a space, you should consider inspecting the space for signs of a leaky roof or damp walls. You should also research the neighbourhood roads and find out how they hold up during the rainy seasons. A good bit of advice is to research such structures and areas you are interested in during the middle of the rainy season to get the best out of your investigations.
Consider the Fine Print
Let’s face it; many of us don’t like to be bothered with lengthy boring contracts. This could be the greatest disservice you can do to yourself when considering a space to rent. It is very important to read rental contracts not just because of what it says but usually what it doesn’t. You should also get the advice of a legal practitioner to help clarify any ambiguous terms and to suggest items that could be added to the contract for your protection.
Consider Employing a Professional
When making a decision about a space to rent, it might be advisable to employ the services of professionals to help you make the very best decision possible. Professional realtors that specialize in the region you are interested in will be helpful in sharing more information that you ordinarily would not uncover on your own. Also, professional artisans and handymen can help with your inspection of potential spaces to confirm that electrical, structural and plumbing systems are up to code.
Consider Renter’s Insurance
Once a commitment on a place is made, it is still possible to have reservations about your decision. In times like this, it is important to get insurance for the space being rented. Getting insurance for rental properties is not a very popular practice, however, it can provide a financial safeguard against all sorts of unforeseen circumstances such as floods, fires etc. Visit your local insurer and find out what packages/plans are available for renters.
What do you think about our considerations?