All Property issues with Ekponoabasi Nyong ANIVS, RSV.

10/09/2025

🏠 The Importance of Timely Roof Maintenance

A building’s roof is one of its most critical protective structures. Unfortunately, many property owners and tenants only pay attention to the roof when leaks, cracks, or major damage occur. This reactive approach often leads to costly repairs and avoidable discomfort.

Proactive maintenance is the key to ensuring a roof’s durability and efficiency.

Why Regular Roof Maintenance Matters

Prevents Water Damage

A leaking roof can damage ceilings, walls, electrical wiring, and furniture. Early maintenance prevents such expensive issues.

Extends Roof Lifespan

Regular inspection and minor repairs can add years to the roof’s service life, saving money in the long run.

Improves Safety and Comfort

A well-maintained roof protects occupants from rain, wind, heat, and other weather conditions.

Cost-Effective

Routine checks and small repairs are far cheaper than emergency repairs or full roof replacement.

Preserves Property Value

For landlords and property investors, a properly maintained roof enhances both rental value and resale potential.

Recommended Roof Maintenance Practices

Bi-Annual Inspection: Inspect at least twice a year, before and after the rainy season.

Check for Leaks and Cracks: Repair minor issues immediately to prevent escalation.

Clean Gutters and Drains: Blocked gutters can cause water buildup that weakens the roof.

Clear Debris: Remove leaves, branches, or objects that can trap moisture or damage roofing sheets.

Check Roof Supports: Ensure timber, nails, or metal structures remain firm and rust-free.

Engage Professionals: Always use qualified roofing experts for inspection and repair.

✅ Final Note
Roof maintenance should never be left until signs of leakage appear. A well-maintained roof is a safeguard against costly damages, a guarantee of comfort for occupants, and an assurance of long-term property value.
©️ESV.Ekponoabasi Nyong MNIVS,RSV
your favourite Estate surveyor and valuer 💕

10/09/2025

When you talk about maintaining a soakaway (soak pit / septic soakaway) for tenants, the goal is to keep it functional, safe, and long-lasting, while also ensuring tenants don’t misuse it. Here are practical steps:

🔧 Landlord / Property Manager Responsibilities

Regular Inspection

Inspect the soak away at least every 6–12 months.

Check for signs of overflow, foul odour, or soggy ground near the pit.

Desludging (Evacuation)

Depending on usage, plan for professional evacuation every 2–4 years.

Properties with many tenants may require more frequent desludging.

Drainage Maintenance

Ensure proper drainage channels are free from blockages.

Prevent surface water from flowing directly into the soakaway.

Cover & Safety

Keep the soakaway properly covered to avoid accidents and reduce odour.

Ensure no heavy vehicle or load is placed over it.

🧼 Tenant Responsibilities

Proper Usage

Avoid flushing solid items (pads, diapers, plastics, hair, condoms, cloth, etc.) into toilets.

Minimize use of harsh chemicals (bleach, acid) that kill useful bacteria in the soakaway.

Water Management

Reduce excessive water usage (running taps, leaking toilets) that may overload the soakaway.

Fix leaks quickly and report plumbing issues to the landlord.

Awareness & Reporting

Report early signs of soakaway problems: slow drainage, odour, or water backing up.

🏡 General Best Practices

Plant grass, not trees near the soakaway (tree roots can damage it).

Keep soakaway location away from wells or boreholes to prevent contamination.

Educate tenants on dos and don’ts with a simple notice pasted in restrooms.

07/09/2025

02/09/2025

Life in Tenant Property Back Then

In the past, life in tenant properties was characterized by communal living and a strong sense of togetherness. Most compounds accommodated several families under one roof or within the same yard, creating an environment where daily activities were shared and social bonds were naturally formed.

Tenants often depended on common facilities such as water taps, bathrooms, kitchens, and open spaces. This reliance fostered frequent interaction among neighbours, encouraging cooperation and mutual support. It was common for households to borrow food items or other necessities from one another, as scarcity was often balanced by collective sharing.

Festive periods further highlighted this communal spirit. During celebrations such as Christmas and New Year, food and drinks were freely exchanged among tenants, and children were treated as members of the wider compound family. In times of hardship, such as illness or childbirth, neighbours rallied together to provide assistance and ensure no household was left unsupported.

Evenings in tenant properties were marked by lively compound gatherings. Adults engaged in conversations ranging from politics to cultural matters, while children played traditional games under the moonlight. In the absence of electricity, kerosene lanterns illuminated the compound, and elders often told stories that reinforced cultural values and traditions.

Although misunderstandings and disputes were inevitable—arising from noise, water usage, or children’s mischief—such conflicts were usually resolved quickly. Tenants recognized the importance of peaceful coexistence in a shared environment.

In summary, life in tenant properties back then was defined by simplicity, communal values, and mutual dependence. While material resources were limited, the collective spirit of unity and cooperation created a sense of security and belonging.

ESV.Ekponoabasi Nyong MNIVS,RSV.

31/08/2025

1. Colonial Legacy of Housing and Tenancy

During the colonial era, most Nigerians lived in family compounds or rural housing systems where rent wasn’t a formal practice — people either inherited land or shared housing communally.

When British administration expanded urban centers like Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, and Kano, more people moved into towns for work. This created pressure on limited rental accommodation.

Landlords, seeing demand rise, began to demand bulk payments upfront to secure income and minimize risk of tenants defaulting.

2. Rapid Urbanization & Housing Shortage (1960s–1970s)

After independence (1960), rural–urban migration increased drastically.

Nigeria experienced oil boom growth in the 1970s, but public housing supply couldn’t match demand.

Private landlords dominated rental housing and shifted to advance rent collection (1–2 years upfront) because of:

Fear of tenant default (since eviction was difficult in court).

Rising inflation and unstable economy — landlords wanted guaranteed cash.

Lack of mortgage systems for tenants to own homes.

3. Military Decrees & Rent Control Laws

Between the 1970s–1990s, military governments occasionally introduced rent control policies to protect tenants.

But enforcement was weak, and landlords countered by insisting on yearly or multi-year upfront rent before handing over keys.

This practice became normalized, especially in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

4. Economic Instability (1980s–2000s)

With inflation, job insecurity, and currency devaluation, landlords avoided monthly rent (common in Western countries).

Yearly advance rent protected landlords against tenants who might refuse to pay later.

Courts were (and still are) slow with tenancy disputes,

ESV.Ekponoabasi Nyong
your favourite Estate surveyor and valuer MNIVS,RSV.
Ekponoabasi Nyong

31/08/2025

Moisture in a property can come from different sources, and identifying the right cause is key before applying solutions. Here are the main causes:

🌊 Causes of Moisture in Buildings

1. Rising Damp (from the ground)

No damp-proof course (DPC) or failed DPC.

Poor site drainage, allowing groundwater to rise through capillarity.

External ground level too high compared to internal floor level.

2. Penetrating Damp (from outside walls & roof)

Cracks in walls, weak plastering, or porous bricks.

Damaged roof sheets, flashing, or tiles.

Blocked or broken gutters and downpipes.

Water splashing on walls due to no roof overhang or poor drainage.

3. Condensation (from inside activities)

Poor ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms.

High indoor humidity (cooking, bathing, drying clothes indoors).

Cold surfaces inside walls leading to water v***r condensation.

4. Construction-Related Causes

Use of substandard materials (porous blocks, weak mortar).

Lack of professional supervision during building.

Wrong site selection (building on waterlogged land).

Afterthought drainage or poor landscaping.

5. Environmental & Maintenance Issues

Heavy rainfall and flood-prone areas.

Lack of regular maintenance (unclean gutters, unchecked cracks).

Trees or vegetation too close to walls, trapping moisture.

ESV.Ekponoabasi Nyong
I remain your favourite Estate surveyor and valuer on all properties issue.

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Ekponoabasi Nyong

31/08/2025

so I saw someone wrote about giving permanent solution to this issues.
Moisture problems in a property can be very frustrating, and unfortunately once a building is already up, there’s no single magic "permanent solution"—but there are professional corrective methods that, if done well, can solve the problem long-term.
Ekponoabasi Nyong

31/08/2025

I am a certified Estate Surveyor and Valuer with strong marketing expertise and a purpose-driven approach to real estate. With professionalism at the core of my practice, I prioritize client satisfaction by ensuring seamless, transparent, and value-driven transactions. Your satisfaction is my passion, and delivering excellence is my commitment.

ESV.Ekponoabasi. Nyong
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Ekponoabasi Nyong

24/11/2023

Real Estate is not just about buildings, it's about dream, opportunities also turning aspiration into address...