3 Reasons Single Ladies Struggle to Rent an Apartment in Lagos

When Linda Ikeji (popularly known as the face of Nigerian blogging) decided to buy a luxury apartment in Banana Island, Ikoyi, there were rumours all over the place about how she might not easily find a husband to marry. That should be the worst criticism for a single lady who decides to buy a house. But even for those ones who choose to just rent an apartment, it can be as worse.

I read a story recently of a lady who shared her bitter experience while house hunting in Lagos. Going through the many comments people had on the story, ranging from empathy to individuals sharing their own experience, it was then I realised that it’s a serious issue.

Default in house rent payment

In our society, particularly in Lagos, it’s hard for single ladies to rent an apartment of their own. Most Landlords have a bias against such ladies as they have fears because they believe it’s easier for men than women to meet up with the obligation of paying up house rent consistently. It’s believed that such ladies are dependent on men.

Promiscuity

More so, there’s the fear of such ladies living promiscuous lives within their apartment such as bringing in sex partners. And, in other cases, it’s the fear of the landlord’s wife who wants to prevent single ladies as tenants from being a temptation to their husband landlords.

Finding a husband

For the other categories, it’s likely to be relatives who have reservation against a single female family member having to rent her own apartment before finding a husband. It’s believed that such ladies find it hard to get a man to marry them as men would be scared away by their independence.

My Perspective

Well, in my view, all of these notions are products of our backward culture. Here, on this side of the world, we tend to base our values on traditions than on common sense reasoning. So, it should not be surprising that such a situation of female discrimination during house rent exists.

My Suggestions

To the single ladies who can afford an apartment of their own consistently without defaulting in paying house rent; and who are not solely dependent on some sugar daddies, plus the fact that they have a reliable source of income, you don’t have to be a victim of discrimination during house hunt.

One simple rule to employ is to go with a male counterpart whenever you have to rent an apartment. That way, you’ll be able to secure the house as it would be assumed that you and the guy would occupy the house and not just you.

My second suggestion is that you avoid roadside agents. Online real estate sites are best when it comes to finding a suitable apartment. On such sites like tolet.com.ng, you would even get reviews and description of what the house looks like.

So, you don’t have to be in the discrimination!