Hi all,

House sharing is not a new concept in Nigeria. However it is only common in the face-me-I-face-you kind of housing. House sharing has not caught on in the middle end housing market for example with Duplexes with en-suite bathroom facilities in each room and communal kitchen and dining area.

What do you think are the reasons for this? I know some people would not be comfortable living with strangers because of security reasons. Would you feel more comfortable if an accommodation agency for example carried out thorough security and reference checks on prospective house sharers?

I reckon its a good idea as schemes like this could possibly alleviate the accommodation crisis in Nigeria.

Please let me know if you would consider house sharing by saying Yes or No and then giving reasons. General comments are also welcome. Many thanks.

I think it will be a good idea but apart from the afore mentioned issues such as security; other issues such as bringing additional people to stay within ones space in the shared accommodation would present a problem as this is prevalent in our society. But on the whole it is a good idea as it is been practiced all over the world.

@Liz

Good idea that works in the west (i.e. USA, UK, Germany, France etc). Nigeria is unique. It MAY work within a certain social class.

As a typical Nigerian, I don't like sharing a house with an absolute stranger that I have never met in my life. But of course you have people contrained to sharing houses with total strangers due to harsh circumstances which Nigeria have created!

I would like to know how you would carry out security checks on a Nigerian, such as references and past history.

Are you looking to start a business or are you just doing research. Let me know. I have a business similar to this

Nice Idea and i think could work, infact, i am sure some nigerians outside nija will go for something like that, cos sometimes, you dont wanna stay home.

Thanks guys for your feedback. 

@btayo1   

There will be terms and conditions in the tenancy agreement  which would clearly state that no long term visitors are allowed.  A maximum stay of a few days to a week maybe.  However a clause may be included stating that a maximum 2 week stay may be allowed if all housesharers consent to it.


@ king-jaja and $$Rhino

Well I was thinking the sector of society that may be interested in this kind of scheme might be: the working young middle class maybe with similar interests e.g young engineers, secretaries, admin staff, bankers, IT specialists, or even people who work in a different cities or areas quite a distance from where they live, or young adults who are ready to leave their parents home but can't afford a house of their own. Do you agree?


Also, the security and reference issue is one that will be given careful consideration.  A thorough check of 5 to 10 years history will be conducted.  Prospective housesharers will be required to fill out a history form extensively and these will be thoroughly checked out by dedicated agents who will go out in person to the previous work addresses etc to confirm this. 


I am still at the research stage, but yes I am looking to make this feasible.

Thanks again guys for your responses.  Keep them coming!!

Well I was thinking the sector of society that may be interested in this kind of scheme might be: the working young middle class maybe with similar interests e.g young engineers, secretaries, admin staff, bankers, IT specialists, or even people who work in a different cities or areas quite a distance from where they live, or young adults who are ready to leave their parents home but can't afford a house of their own. Do you agree?

Yes, the young middle class is a good target. I can assure you that they are plenty in Nigeria.

I was concerned about the security and reference checks. I think your idea of having dedicated agents to check up on a person's past history is good. It would assure the prospective house-sharers about safety.

Hint: You could also have a clause in your tenancy agreement that states that if the tenant stays longer than scheduled/agreed for, the tenant would pay extra charges in addition to the normal basic rent which you collect.