Moving during COVID-19

Amongst all the recognizable downturns the real estate industry is currently experiencing, the Landlord-Tenant relationship is one delicate category. A stay-home policy has generally restricted income and as a result, tenants will not find it easy to meet rental needs. The simple knowledge of the fact that 80% of Landlords in Nigeria demand one or two years of full rent in advance is a breath of fresh air, there probably won’t be so many debt cases during the lockdown. 

However, in situations where the rental fee expires during the COVID-19 lockdown, Landlords and occupants will have no choice but to reach an agreement. 

What if I want to move?

Usually, moving from one house to another isn’t such an easy decision to make. There’s the concern of adjusting your finance as well as adjusting to your new environment, especially when kids are in the picture. The Coronavirus has currently tweaked the implications of moving from house to house, a possible fatal factor has been included.

Regardless of the risk, we understand that there will be different categories of movers in this period. Apart from other possible reasons, the categories of movers may include:

• Movers whose rent has expired and they already paid for an apartment prior to the lockdown;
• Movers whose rent has expired and they have a choice of moving in with friends or family; and
• Movers who are experiencing domestic violence.

All things considered, your number one priority should be your health. 

Considering the current health situation, it is only advisable to move when it’s essential. If moving can wait, we strongly suggest you hold on until the coast is clear.

However, in cases where moving out is your only option, we advise you to follow these steps:

1. Thoroughly sanitize every corner of the new property you’re moving into.
2. Consider transporting as much stuff as possible yourself. 
3. Contact a reliable moving company to execute the heavy lifting.
4. Along with yourself and family, ensure each mover uses recommended hand gloves and nose masks.
5. Practice social distancing and use hand sanitizers as often as possible during the whole process. 
6. Lastly, to avoid embarrassment and parting with money, inform the police about your plans to move.

Again, moving during the COVID-19 era is a major risk. Your health is highly important, so if it’s not essential, we ultimately advise that you stay home.