House seekers in Enugu State, while grappling with how to raise funds for their new rent, are now confronted by a new menace known as ‘House Agents.’ Once perceived as helpful in easing the house-hunting process, they have transformed into a source of anxiety and distress. This troubling trend places an additional burden on those searching for a home and raises significant concerns regarding the ethical practices of both agents and landlords.
In Enugu, house agents appear to have adopted a profit-driven approach, often at the expense of providing quality service. From the moment you embark on your search for a house, you encounter greedy, ill-mannered individuals looking to exploit your desperation. The fees start with registration, which often turns into relentless extortion. After detailing the type of apartment you desire and the facilities you are looking for, these deceitful agents—approximately 90 per cent of them—will intentionally lead you to properties that do not match your criteria. They do this because you have already handed over either N5,000 or N10,000 as an “inspection fee,” and they will regale you with their usual lines: “This house is in high demand, and I’m actually begging the landlord to reserve it for you.”
When you finally find an apartment that meets your needs, your troubles are far from over. The agent will present you with an exorbitant “agent fee,” which can reach up to 30 per cent of the annual rent. This fee is markedly higher than in other parts of Nigeria, where agents typically charge between 5 to 10 per cent of the annual rent.
As you continue to deal with this steep fee, the landlord will impose legal costs ostensibly for drafting tenancy agreements; however, these charges are often excessive and lack transparency. Additionally, caution fees, meant to cover potential damages, are frequently set at exorbitant levels that bear little resemblance to the property’s actual value or the real risks involved.
The most recent development is the landlord’s claim that a relative is also acting as an agent for the property and therefore demands an additional agent fee. This creates a convoluted web of transactions that pressures tenants into relinquishing even more money in the hope of simplifying their rental experience.
The cumulative effects of these practices have fostered a prevailing belief among Enugu residents that house agents operate far outside ethical boundaries. In their frustration, some have resorted to labelling them “agents of darkness,” a term that vividly encapsulates the outrage felt by Enugu residents over perceived exploitation and the blatant lack of integrity in the housing market. This ominous label reflects the increasing dissatisfaction with an industry that seems more focused on greed than on the welfare of its clients.
In conclusion, the conduct of house agents and landlords in Enugu State requires urgent scrutiny and reform. The exorbitant fees, combined with numerous hidden costs and ambiguous dealings, create significant barriers for those seeking housing. Addressing these issues is crucial for establishing a fair and transparent rental market that genuinely meets the community’s needs rather than exploiting them. It is essential for stakeholders, including government authorities and community organisations, to come together to regulate these practices and restore integrity to the housing sector in Enugu State.
