Before handing over any money for your new apartment, request to see the electricity bill usage history from the landlord or property manager.
If the apartment uses a prepaid meter, take down the meter number and run a quick check with the local electricity provider (PHED, EEDC, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, etc).
This confirms the meter’s validity and reveals any outstanding debts.
Believe me, it’s worth it!
Just two weeks ago, I helped a client avoid inheriting a whopping #400,000 debt by checking the meter at his desired duplex in Osongoma estate, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
The landlord, upon discovering the debt, signed an agreement with our lawyer to clear it before receiving any rent payment. He kept his word, and the client moved in debt-free.
If the house doesn’t have a prepaid meter, simply ask for the previous month’s electricity bill. Unpaid bills will be obvious, and you can avoid the unpleasant surprise of being responsible for someone else’s debt.
Remember, the landlord isn’t always obligated to absorb outstanding bills – the burden could fall on you.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will explore other crucial things to check before signing that tenancy agreement.
Peoplesmind
