It's an exciting experience to rent your first apartment - but it's not something you should do in the dark! We'll help you understand leasing. This is a step-by-step guide to leasing your apartment for the very first time in Dakar.
The first step is to focus on apartments within your budget.
Renting an apartment by yourself isn't so hard, is it?
Start by searching loger-dakar.com, then take a tour or two of the apartment, then get comfortable. Now, let's suppose that once you've moved in, you realize that you're not happy with your choice. After you've had du Sombi at every meal, with the lights off, you realize that you can't afford to pay for the new home you've just rented!
What went wrong?
You had a budget. You were a little over target, perhaps because of those magnificent glass windows that first caught your eye, and pushed you to offer the apartment to yourself somehow.
The truth is, you made the mistake of looking for apartments that were out of your budget... Every place after that "dream apartment" will become a distant memory. Get ready for a year full of Sombi!
Before you start looking for a new apartment, make a plan and stick to it.
It's a rule of thumb: if you can't afford to pay the rent, don't look for a rental. apartment at least for the time being.
What can you spend?
Here's an easy way to find out:
Keep track of your monthly earnings (i.e. the net amount you earn, the amount you earn after taxes and other expenses).
Take the cost of your current expenses from the amount above (debts or car payments or tuition or your child's gym membership, etc.).
Include unforeseen costs, such as new tires on your vehicle or a doctor's visit to treat the flu. The best way to do this is to add 10 to 15 % to the cost of your services. For example, if your current bills are the equivalent of 400,000 CFA francs, you can add another 80,000 CFA francs.
Plan what you'll pay for utility bills and groceries (the amount you'll need to pay for lighting and food in the fridge). The most common standard for tenants living in apartments is 100,000 CFA francs to cover utilities, which represents 7 % of your annual earnings. Food generally costs around 150,000 CFA per month for a single person.
Think about what you'd like to spend on "extras" like meals with friends, a social gathering, your family movie tickets and other things you're used to paying for.
The rest is what you need to plan for your rent. If you're not sure it's enough, take a look at the areas you could cut back on, but be honest with yourself. Do you really want to sacrifice the day with your family?
The second step is as follows : If you wish, consider co-signing with a third party.
What is the co-signer?
A co-signer is someone who accepts your lease in the event that you are unable to pay your rent on time, the co-signer will be responsible for this debt to the landlord. They don't live in your home. They're just carrying your obligation. Co-signing for your debt is a huge obligation, so make sure you're ready with all the details and figures (your full budget from above as an example) every time you meet someone and ask them to sign. Usually, this will involve a family member or close friend who can act as co-signer.
Step 3: Should you get a roommate or not? That's the question.
If, after looking at the rental prices in Dakar and look at your budget, you realize that you won't be able to pay the rent on your own, so you might want to think about a roommate. On the other hand, having a partner with whom to share costs can lighten the cost of renting and make life easier. However, living with another person could pose a number of problems, especially when you're not a fan of their behavior and lifestyle.
If you choose to have a roommate, your landlord may want you both to sign a lease. He or she will most likely verify your identification information. Remember, the landlord could increase the rent due to the roommate's additional "wear and tear" on the apartment. In addition, they could increase your security deposit. So make sure you find out what rules the landlord has in place regarding roommates to ensure there are no surprises in the future.
If you've decided that roommates are the best option, now's the time to schedule roommate interviews! Here are some of the questions you should ask potential roommates:
- Are you a smoker?
- Have you got pets at home ?
- Would you like to own a pet?
- Do you suffer from allergies?
- What is your daily schedule?
- Are you an early riser or a night person?
- Do you think you're organized or clean?
- What's the most important thing you can do to pay off your debts on time?
- Have you already had to pay rent?
- Do you like to cook at home? Or eating out?
- What do you like to do on weekends?
- What's your policy on overnight guests?
- Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
- What pets do you have?
- What do you think is the most important thing in an individual roommate?
- Do you like to share things? Or do you prefer to keep things separate?
If you've decided to choose a roommate, you may need to create a roommate agreement. A simple agreement can ensure you're on the same wavelength to avoid disagreements and clearly define everyone's responsibilities.
Step 4 Make the difference between what you want and what you need?
As a new tenant, you will likely have many questions. Here are some tips when looking for an apartment:
What equipment do I need, and will it cost me more?
With these pretty apartments for rent in DakarDon't be fooled by attractions such as a large rooftop terrace facing the sea. These types of facilities usually come at a price. Be sure to ask about space rental fees for celebrations like Tabaski and special occasions like christenings and weddings. It is possible to save money by not using these services, but these "extras" should not be taken into account when making your decision.
Don't be distracted by the swirls and bells. Huge, elegant loft windows can also add to your cooling and heating costs. Naturally, these windows look great. But in summer and winter, these windows can hinder temperature regulation and lead to higher electricity costs, especially in Senegal, where electricity bills can sometimes be exorbitant.
A good granite kitchen counter?
Luxury amenities are nice to have. However, they can be expensive in Dakar. If you rarely use your kitchenAnd if you're not at home very much, why would you spend more money on them?
Yes, here it is - a apartment for rent with a courtyard! Here you can have a nice Dibi or méchoui in the courtyard. But before you sign the lease, be sure to discuss this extra "plot" with the owner.
- Will they keep it?
- If so, are there any additional charges?
- Are you responsible for maintenance? (If so, consider the cost of a lawnmower, watering, etc.).
Where in Dakar should you look for your apartment for rent?
Location is crucial. While you may be tempted to choose that cozy apartment in the suburbs because of the affordable rent, you could end up wasting a lot more time and fuel especially if you have to make a long commute to school or work without taking traffic jams into account. And if you're interested in having restaurants, cinemas, museums and other attractions nearby, keep that in mind when you're looking.
What if I want a pet?
If you're moving to Dakar from abroad, even if you don't currently have a pet but think you might want one in the near future, you'll want to make sure your potential rental accepts pets. Be sure to ask the real estate agent about pet fees, additional deposits and pet rent.
How can I do laundry?
In the new apartment models built in Dakar, you'll probably have on-site laundry or washer/dryer connections. If there are connections in your apartment, you can buy your own washer and dryer and take them with you when you move, or simply hire a cleaning lady.
How can I get Wi-Fi in Dakar?
Many apartments for rent in Dakar don't offer free Wi-Fi, especially in unfurnished apartments, but you can get internet access through your provider like Orange for around 30,000 F CFA.
How can I pay the rent, and what happens if I don't pay on time?
You'll pay the rent on the same date every month. Although this system is not widespread in Senegal, ask your broker if the landlord allows tenants to pay online via an online rental system. If not, you'll have to visit the landlord every month. You can pay by credit card or personal check.
If you can't pay your rent on time, be proactive and let your landlord know. Ask if they'll accept partial payment or if you can negotiate payment terms. Be sure to get any written provisions from the landlord, just in case there's a dispute later. But try not to be late - the landlord may send you a "notice of early termination of the lease" letter. rental agreement "(an eviction notice) even if you're only 5 days late. If you pay within 14 days, he cancels the notice. If you're consistently late, the landlord may send you a different form that terminates your residence at the end of your contract.
Step 5: Go to the landlord to rent your apartment! You're all set.
Now that you've found a apartment to rent in Dakar in your favorite neighborhood with the amenities you need, it's time to sit down with your real estate agent. You'll want to bring a few things with you, such as a payment stub, a copy of your passport or ID card and your checkbook.
Did you know that a security deposit can be as much as two months' rent?
What's more, many landlords in Dakar charge the first and last month's rent - in advance. Make sure you've saved three times your monthly rent, plus moving expenses, and notary fees before you sit down with the rental agent.
You can negotiate your lease!
Be prepared - look for similar rentals in the neighborhood to see the price difference. If your schedule is flexible, try to rent towards the end of the month - landlords are more likely to close a deal then. You may also have more negotiating leverage if you move during winter, when fewer people are looking for apartments and students are on vacation, as opposed to summer.
If you plan to stay in your apartment long-term, ask the property manager if you could sign a longer lease for a discount on the rent. If the landlord won't negotiate on rent, you could ask for other things - a freshly painted apartment, new flooring or a better parking space.
Read your lease. It's long, it's boring, it's full of rental jargon, but take the time to really read it. Make sure you understand it, and don't hesitate to ask questions about the lease - in particular about anything you don't understand or would like more information on.
Once you've signed on the dotted line, you'll get the keys to your new apartment! And since you know exactly what the terms of your rental agreement are, and you've created a budget that works, you'll live happily ever after - or at least until it's time to renew it. rent contract. (Yes, they'll usually increase the rent by 3 to 5 % when you renew... but we'll save that for another article).