Landlord’s Guard: 3 Essential Steps to Vetting Tenants in the FCT
A vacant house is better than a bad tenant. With Abuja’s median flat price reaching ₦120M–₦130M, protecting your asset starts with who you let inside.
1. Verify Employment & Income: Ensure the rent does not exceed 30% of their annual income. In Abuja, institutional demand (civil servants and NGO workers) often provides the most “sticky” and reliable rental base.
2. Conduct Background Checks: Use verified real estate portals to cross-reference previous rental history. Avoid common disputes by checking for past litigation on Nairaland’s Real Estate forums.
3. Master the Lease Agreement: Don’t use a generic template. Ensure your agreement complies with FCT rental laws, clearly outlining service charge obligations and maintenance responsibilities.
In conclusion, high-quality facility management is your best screening tool. Professional managers often attract higher-quality tenants who value well-maintained spaces.