Though they tend to be long, confusing and full of legal jargon, it is
important to avoid the temptation of just skipping to the end and signing it
without reading. A tenancy contract is a legally binding document that
mandates your landlord to do certain things that you definitely should be
aware of to avoid being taken by a rude surprise.

It’s easy for first-time renters to forget that aside monthly or yearly rent,
there are also upfront costs of renting an apartment and you’ll almost
always have to complete the payment of the costs before you can move
into the apartment. You should prepare and plan ahead for these costs to
avoid a rude shock in this area.

Aside monthly or yearly rent, there are other utility payments like electricity,
water etc. that you have to consider. You need to be sure if certain utilities
are covered by your rent and provided for or if you will have to either
source for them or pay for them.

Landlords are fond of passing on previous electricity bills to new and
unsuspecting tenants. Ensure you are not a victim of this by taking a meter
reading of the electricity meter when you come to inspect the house. You
can also request to see evidence that electricity bills have been paid to
date and there are no outstanding bills left for you to shoulder. Please
ensure you do this to avoid being charged by PHCN for electricity previous
tenants used.

Many first-time renters often get carried away with the excitement of renting
their first apartment and forget to assess the safety of the neighbourhood
their renting the apartment in. Please ensure you do not make this mistake.
Landlords will hardly be truthful or sincere about the safety of the

neighbourhood of their apartments, so you have to ask around and make
necessary enquiries. You can talk to one or two people who live and work
around the area to get information about what the area is really like.

Whichever apartment type you choose, you should check if its building has
a garage or a reserved parking spot. This will save you an immense
amount of time, energy, and money.
One of the first things to ask your property manager, as a driver, is if you
have an assigned parking spot. Otherwise, ask your property manager
when they think the best time of day is to move in. If you’re lucky, there will
be a garage or a parking lot with plenty of room.
Your property manager should know when the lot gets full and what other
parking options you might have in the vicinity.

Try to get an apartment that has an easy or relatively easy access to public
transportation, provision stores, medical facilities or anything else you
consider important to your living situation. This will help make life in the
apartment easier for you.

Do not overburden yourself with complicated budgeting techniques. The
50/30/20 rule works just fine.

<br>Dedicate the half of your after-tax income to necessities like food, rent,
clothing, and bills, 30% should go toward entertainment and remaining 20%
put aside for rainy days.
If your apartment rent and other expenses fit this budget strategy, you’re
heading in a good direction.

Settling in is a process and there’s no need to rush: after all, the thrill is in
the journey.
Not to mention that you will save much more if you take your time to fully

furnish your apartment. Savor every piece that you gradually bring in; you
will appreciate it more and avoid hoarding needless junk.

When you live in an apartment building, good friendly neighbors are a
treasure. A cup of coffee, some friendly chat, a little favor now and then is
what makes a difference on some days.
Anyone can buy a good house, but good neighbors are priceless, a proverb
says, and it is true.