Residents and students of Rivers State have decried the sharp increase in house rents, as landlords in some communities reportedly raised prices by more than 100 percent despite the prevailing economic hardship across the country.

Findings revealed that sub-urban communities close to the University of Port Harcourt, particularly Rumuekini and Alakahia in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state have witnessed some of the highest increases.

A self-contained apartment that was rented for about N200,000 per annum last year now goes for as high as N450,000, representing about a 125 percent rise.

A similar apartment, which comprises a single room, kitchen and bathroom, remains one of the most sought-after accommodation options among students and low-income earners in the area.

A trader residing in Alakahia, Mr. Chukwudi Ezenwa, described the situation as a daily struggle for survival.

He lamented that despite making several complaints about poor conditions in his apartment, he has been forced to remain due to the lack of affordable alternatives.

He said the cost of moving to another apartment has also become prohibitive due to additional charges such as agent fees, which are often pegged at about 20 percent of the total rent.

He noted that these fees consume a significant portion of tenants’ income, leaving them with little choice but to remain in substandard housing.

Ezenwa accused landlords of unjustifiable rent hikes without corresponding improvements to facilities or infrastructure.

He explained that many properties remain in poor condition, yet rents continue to increase annually, worsening the burden on tenants already grappling with economic challenges.

Students of the University of Port Harcourt are among the worst affected by the development. Miss Nkechi Ogbonna, a 300-level student, said the rising cost of accommodation has made it difficult for students to secure decent housing.

She explained that beyond the rent itself, students are required to pay multiple charges, including agreement fees, caution fees and agent commissions, which significantly increase the total cost of securing accommodation.

According to her, many students exhaust their financial resources before even moving into their apartments.

Another student, Ifeanyi Okpara, appealed to landlords to show understanding and compassion, noting that the escalating cost of rent is affecting students’ academic performance and overall wellbeing.

Residents have called on relevant authorities to intervene and regulate rent increases in the affected communities, warning that the continued rise in housing costs could worsen living conditions and deepen economic hardship for low-and middle-income earners. (Nigerian Tribune)