Residents Lament Increasing Rent In PH

The continuous increase in house rent in Port Harcourt and environs have become a source of worry to resident, as they have urged government at both state and local levels not to over look the matter, but take some steps to reduce the suffering of the masses through a sustained provision of low cost houses.

Some of the residents attributed the continuous rent increase to some greedy landlords who take advantage of the demand for housing and shelter to exploit people unnecessarily.

Mrs Esther Obillor was not particularly happy over the current increase in house rent by same landlords who demanded extra money from their tenants.

According to her a one-bedroom flat apartment she urged to pay for N150,000 has now been increased to N200,000 per annum, pointing out that even a one-room apartment now goes for between N4,000.00 and N5,000.00 per month.

On her party, Mr Sylvanus Elechi said he relocated from where he was living back to Port Harcourt, and that on a search for accommodation, that he was made to pay the sum of N250,000.00 for a one-bedroom flat, which does not include other charges for landlord’s drinks and security.

He said that the amount he paid for one-bedroom flat in Port Harcourt could be used to pay for a three bedroom flat in some other state capitals, but wondered why nothing tangible has been done in Port Harcourt, like in Lagos to provide mass and affordable housing for the masses.

The Tide has also gathered that the cost of rent for three and two-bedroom apartments now in Port Harcourt, especially newly built ones go for between N350,000.00 and N500,000.00 per annum depending on the facilities.

A property manager and the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Rivers State branch, Monday Ahiloe, had told The Tide that the property market, especially in Port Harcourt is always appreciating, especially due to activities of oil and gas.

Corlins Walter