Yesterday, I got a letter visitation from someone I least expected. It is more like a letter you do not want to see; it is not a love letter, a cheque, or even a promotion letter, so you can see I never wanted this letter to arrive at my place in the first place. It was a letter from my house agent. Mind you, I have not seen this for the past two years, which suggests that whenever I encounter this man or anything related to him, it is always finance-related.
Hey, I was right again; this time, it's a letter notifying me of an increase in my rent from 600,000 naira to 1 million naira. That's like from $350 to $600 for a year! How? From where? What happen? Were there any major renovations carried out that I was unaware of, or even a tenant meeting in regards to this update?
After reading the letter, which is a notification to me on the increment, I went online in a desperate attempt to see what my response will be and how people might have responded to such letters in the past, as one thing is certain, I would not be signing anything for now. It became more glaring to me that this sudden increment in rent is a growing pandemic in the state of Lagos at the moment, and it is being camouflaged under the words, Economic Instability.
Come on, this so-called economic instability is not only felt by the landlords; we, the tenants, are on the receiving end of the economy as well. We are receiving the financial blows that come with living in Nigeria, which has a quarterly inflation in the price of goods and services but a maintained stagflation in salary payment. It is now like the landlords are only focusing on their source of income, their property.
Ideally, I could say I have a case since the letter was delivered to me at the point of 5 months to the end of my second rent, since things like this should be done 6 months to the expiration of the rent in accordance to the Lagos State Law, but on second thought, wouldn't it still boil that to me leaving the house, as the landlord won't want to see my face again after tossing and battling in a couple of court appearances.
Even the option of moving to a cheaper place is still an option that is difficult to explore. One has to calculate the maintenance charge, agent's fee, house rent, and legal fees in some cases, and all these may even amount to a bigger figure compared to the proposed 1 million for the new rent. This is the norm being experienced by Lagosians at the hands of their landlords, and I suspect the new development of increasing rent can only occur after two years of a tenant's stay could be the reason why these landlords are acting differently. You needed to see the shock on my face when I told my friend about the increment in my rent, he told me his rent is three times less than mine, and I should start looking for other cheaper places. Although he doesn't stay in Lagos, I guess he won't understand how stressful and costly a new apartment might be in Lagos. This is why leaving the country is a good option that should be taken seriously, but for now, let's see how things develop. I don't intend to stay longer - There is a chess opening looking to take me out but somethings are harder than it looks when I'm not so good on the board or because I'm no longer young. https://fij.ng/article/how-lagos-laws-let-landlords-increase-rent-without-restraint/ I am @samostically, I love to talk and write about chess because I benefited alot from playing chess and I love writing about chess. ♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟
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Doubling your rent (almost) is outrageous, no matter which way you look at it. This raises the question of where the "economic instability" comes from. I'm sure it has its original causes, but a major factor is how people and businesses (landlords) react to it. In other words, you could argue that it is precisely your landlord who is promoting this economic instability.
Of course you could also add your part to making it all worse, by moving out. Then the landlord would have to look for new tenants who are willing and able to pay the high rent for a property that most likely will not have improved in quality. Given the situation you described, it doesn't sound like there are too many potential new tenants like that.
Or... you could offer the landlord to tackle the problem of the economic instability together. You could offer to pay a higher rent, as long as it is reasonable. He in turn would agree to limit his increase to... I don't know, let's say 20% max. This is where you could negotiate...
Even though going to court may cost time and money, and is the last thing you would actually do, mentioning it may still be in your favor. After all, the landlord probably does not want to get caught up in a long legal battle either, particularly since the law seems to be on your side. Being on social media, you also have the power to tell everyone to stay away from his company, where the rent could suddenly double overnight. But clearly, you're a good person, and don't want to do either of these things. Instead, you are willing to be reasonable and negotiate a reasonable increase.
Not sure, my ideas may seem a bit naive in light of all the factors, but I think a good response to landlord's letter should include these potential results, seeking a possible solution. Wishing you all the best, whichever way you take.
Thank you so much, it's almost as if you feel the same way I feel. I have a meeting with the house agent tomorrow, I'd calmly attend and discuss things and see how it goes. I'd end up paying and staying most likely. However, I'd put up a plead or something to get a reduction at least.
Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate your thoughts.
Well, as I was reading your post the thoughts that came to mind were kinda like: "I'd go camping in the bush, or on my cousin's roof, or something, before I'd submit to paying twice for the same apartment." So all the best for your meeting with the agent. I hope you'll get some reduction out of it!
You're right💯
Hello @samostically I feel your pain. We are in the same boat. I’m torn between looking for a new apartment or paying for this same apartment.
Some landlords are very insensitive. No renovation and you increase the rent to 1 million? Lord Have mercy.
I left you a little tip friend, don’t stress too much about all of this okay?
Thank you. Say na lord have mercy😂. It's just ridiculous cl.
Omo! Tuff. This is just not nice but it’s expected. The thing is some people will pay this rent without blinking twice and because of that, the landlords will never even consider reducing it.
It’s a hard time for y’all living in Lagos and I hope you guys figure it out somehow. Just the way things are expensive there, people say that’s how there are different opportunities too so I won’t say much.
They just wan finish me. Thanks Hope. We would survive. I'm looking for roommate o, Uhm....
Yeah, looking for a roommate is a good option.
You’re welcome, Sam. 🥰
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Thank you. 🥰
God, this is outrageous and sincerely, I feel for those living in Lagos because I think they pay double, if not triple amount of those who aren't in Lagos. I pray everything you ever wished for work out for you so you can move out of this country as your plan is. Landlords and agents are milking people in the name of economic instability like we aren't affected, too.
Yes true. I'd most likely pay but I just wan rant small.
Thanks for reading my rant.
It's my pleasure.
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That was quite an increase.
Yes BRO🫡
That is one tough situation you are facing. And I understand it perfectly. Hopefully, things look up and you find a right course of solution.
Hello, I hope the rent you pay remains stable. Have a nice day, my friend.😀