NnamdiN:
living with a flatmate. Make as much effort to stay alone

And if you can't afford it..?

NnamdiN:
Never ever try that shit. It ruins friendships

Which of them?

Living With Roommates

There are times you'll have to move out of your home and live with flatmates. And that is not a simple walk in the park. Here are a few tips on living with flatmates.

1. Communication is huge. You're an adult, if something needs to be said, say it. Don't expect your roommates to know how you feel without telling them and then resent them for not getting it.
Communicate about HOW you all want things done.
A chores chart is a good idea, but what if one person's idea of "clean the bathroom" is wiping down the sink while someone else mops, cleans the toilet, scrubs the shower? Ensure everyone understands that "washing the plates" includes putting them away too because it can be a separate chore for someone else? These might seem minor until everyone is going around in anger because there's a moldy pot that's been in the sink for three weeks because no one thinks it's their pot to clean.
Communication is big, but compromising is also key. You can't be stubborn or unwilling to bend. It won't work, nothing will get solved. You have to find ways to make everybody happy and that means compromising on some small things.

2. You aren't under any obligations to hang out together all the time.

3. Discuss what foods, if any, you are willing to share.
It won't seem like a big deal until someone takes your last plate of rice or beans.

4. Learn to take the high road, especially if you move in with a friend.
Set aside your pride. If something annoys you, stop and ask yourself whether or not it's worth getting into a huge fight for; especially one that will ruin your friendship. Petty arguments add up and resentment builds and if you truly care about a person, learn to let go of the little things that aren't worth it.
Good friends don't always necessarily make good roommates and good roommates don't always necessarily make good friends.

5. Exchange emergency information with each other.
This should include contacts to call in case of emergency, people that shouldn't be let into the apartment, whether or not any of you have a stalker, etc.

6. Respect everyone’s finances.
Even if a flatmate earning more than you are, pay your part, and do it on time. Don't assume the person is supposed to pay for you, they're not working for your sake.

7. If you’re having guests, send a text.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your parents or best friend or your significant other or neighbor. You don’t need to offer an explanation or ask permission, just let your roommates know so they can be decent and be in whatever makes them comfortable.

8. Do not be afraid to sit together and do absolutely nothing.
People think roommate bonding time has to be an adventure and crazy fun time, but sometimes the best way to get to know somebody well is to just sit in the same room and read articles for six hours. —Sadie Gracelynn Trigg.

9. Make boundaries.
Have a "roommate agreement"; this is a contract that both roommates agree to abide by. It can entail if you're willing to have others in the apartment, if you're willing to share clothes or food and when "quiet hour" may be in your room. Each roommate agrees and signs. This will keep you all on the same page with expectations for each other and can set what kind of relationship you may have with your roomies.

10. Be aware of your own habits on a daily basis.
Taking a positive lead in your shared home will hopefully rub off on your roommates and make living together easier. Like, instead of leaving the dirty dishes all week and quietly hating your roommate, wash them nightly and ask your roomie, "You want to wash or rinse?” Doing chores together can help relieve negative tension and make the chore seem less stressful. Also remember that little habits of yours might not seem like a big deal, but it could be something that is seriously irritating to your roommates over time.

11. Have a "Do Not" talk with your roommate.
Trust me, a lot can be accomplished by simply sitting down and talking about what you will not accept or don't want in your apartment. Small arguments can be avoided a lot more quickly if you do this when you first move in instead of waiting until something happens to tick you both off. —Princess Claudia.

12. It’s easier to accept that people are going to live how they want to than try to change how they live.

13. Wear headphones.
Even if your roommate has the same taste in music/TV/movies as you, that doesn’t mean they always want to hear what you have on. So be polite and don't be a noisy roommate.

14. Always remember that not everyone was raised like you.

15. Don't break your roommate's trust.
This is a serious issue. Once you gain a person's trust and break it, it is often hard to get it back. If you or your roommate don't trust each other, living together would start to seem like a chore. Give them their space and privacy. Let them know you are there for them if they need it and give them your trust as well. Trust is a big step in starting any relationship.


Remember hygiene is key. You can't always choose your flat-mates. But what you can do is find the perfect apartment at www.gbale.com.ng or contact 07083575049.

How to Make the Most of Small Spaces while Decorating

It can seem like decorating small spaces is an impossible task. You want all your needed furniture in the room but ypu don't want the room feeling cramped. You want it to be stylish and personal but not chaotic. Here are some tips that have been put together on decorating small spaces to achieve the needed effect.

1. Let the Floor be Free
You need space for the essentials, but even the most perfectly decorated small room doesn’t work if you can’t walk in it. Try floating pieces, such as shelves and nightstands, to keep the ground clear of obstacles and create space for extra storage beneath if needed. Floor to ceiling shelving with doors and a mix of open and closed storage also work. Instead of floor lamps, try sconces and wall lights.

2. Go for Folding Pieces
Consider installing furnishings that can fold up when not in use. You’ll free up floor space and avoid the stacks of stuff that inevitably pile up on these surfaces. Introduce a daybed that can be used daily for lounging but will also double as a guest bed. "For example, a console provides ample storage space with interior shelving and drawers so you can keep everything in one place and without sacrificing aesthetic or appeal. When it’s closed, it looks like solid piece of furniture." —Melissa Benham, co-founder of Studio Gild

3. Light it up
Small spaces usually feel dark due to small or nonexistent windows. To make up for the lack of natural light, add plenty of light sources in every room, from the kitchen to the bedroom. Using light and bright walls throughout a space makes it feel open and airy since lighter walls are more reflective; dark colors on the other hand, tend to absorb light making a room look smaller

4. Mirrors...
If you’re not blessed with an abundance of natural light, mirrors that are strategically placed can help you make the most of what you do have by reflecting it around the room and making the space seem larger and brighter.

5. Tone your colours
Having a small space doesn’t mean it has to be a white box. You can still go bold with color and embrace the size of your apartment. Have a clear color vision. Picking a monochrome palette of any shade will help focus your look and help minimize visual clutter. Be mindful when planning this because incorporating a polished palette of mixed neutrals with layers of color can create a space that feels more open while offering lots of visual interest.
There are only so many things to look at in a small space, so make sure they all fit.

6. All things must be useful
Make the most of your space by finding furnishings that also boast storage. Opt for a bed with built-in drawers or benches. In a small space, every piece needs to pull its weight.

7. Play with scale
There’s no need to use pint-size furniture and decor in a small space. The key is choosing a few statement pieces that will really draw the eye. You can use regular-size furniture and large-scale art; you’ll just need to use fewer pieces in the room overall. Using large rugs where most of the furniture can be placed on the rug is a great way to make a small space feel more open. Ensure you don't stack the furniture against the wall, pull furnishings away from the wall if you can and make sure there’s space between pieces.

To rent apartments with both big and small spaces, visit www.gbale.com.ng or contact 07083575049.

ShayAaaa:
Questions to ask your landlord before renting an apartment in Ibadan

You love the apartment and you love everything you read about it ( haven't found the apartment you love yet? But what about what wasn’t in the listing? Below are some questions to ask before renting, and a good landlord or company should be happy to answer them.

1. What’s included in my rent?
You need to know what you're paying for so as to maximise your budget. Here are things that may or may not be included:
Utilities: Ask which ones, too—electricity, water, Wi-Fi...

2. How do I pay rent?
Some places stick with checks and tellers and see it as the least expensive option, but some places allow you to pay rent online.

3. What are your late payment policies?
Find out if there are late fees and when they come into play.

4. What’s the view on pets?
Pets may be allowed, but sometimes certain pets are not. Don’t forget to ask about any fees connected with your pet, for instance, an additional amount on your security deposit or rent.

5. What’s the guest policy?
Guests are typically allowed, but landlords like to define guests. Otherwise, the line between a long-term guest and a roommate can get blurry. Your contract may state that guests can stay no longer than two weeks.

6. What are the terms on your contract?
When does your contract begin and end? And how does it end? Read the lease carefully. Some leases renew automatically unless you give your landlord notice that you’re leaving.

7. How often is the rent raised?
This information may not be in the contract document itself. If you’re thinking of staying in this apartment for a long time, you’ll want to know if you should expect an increase in rent each year.

8. How far in advance do I have to give notice before moving?
If you sign a one-year contract and you want to move out when it’s over, 30-day’s notice is generally an acceptable amount of time.

9. Can I make changes to the apartment?
Some places are fine with you painting, for example, but it’s unlikely they’ll let you take down walls. Some landlords might ask you to put the apartment back to the way you found it before you move out.

10. Any building updates heading our way soon?
You want to know in advance if you’re going to be facing a lot of construction noise, debris, etc. in and out.

11. How do maintenance requests work?
You want to know who to call if there's water coming from your upstairs neighbor’s bathroom. You want to have access to help 24/7.

Now that you know all the questions to ask when renting an apartment, it’s time to start thinking hard about that rent. Too hard?

To get an apartment for rent in IB, visit www.gbale.com.ng

But it's our duty to speak up when an injustice has been done to us.

Questions to ask your landlord before renting an apartment in Ibadan

You love the apartment and you love everything you read about it ( haven't found the apartment you love yet? But what about what wasn’t in the listing? Below are some questions to ask before renting, and a good landlord or company should be happy to answer them.

1. What’s included in my rent?
You need to know what you're paying for so as to maximise your budget. Here are things that may or may not be included:
Utilities: Ask which ones, too—electricity, water, Wi-Fi...

2. How do I pay rent?
Some places stick with checks and tellers and see it as the least expensive option, but some places allow you to pay rent online.

3. What are your late payment policies?
Find out if there are late fees and when they come into play.

4. What’s the view on pets?
Pets may be allowed, but sometimes certain pets are not. Don’t forget to ask about any fees connected with your pet, for instance, an additional amount on your security deposit or rent.

5. What’s the guest policy?
Guests are typically allowed, but landlords like to define guests. Otherwise, the line between a long-term guest and a roommate can get blurry. Your contract may state that guests can stay no longer than two weeks.

6. What are the terms on your contract?
When does your contract begin and end? And how does it end? Read the lease carefully. Some leases renew automatically unless you give your landlord notice that you’re leaving.

7. How often is the rent raised?
This information may not be in the contract document itself. If you’re thinking of staying in this apartment for a long time, you’ll want to know if you should expect an increase in rent each year.

8. How far in advance do I have to give notice before moving?
If you sign a one-year contract and you want to move out when it’s over, 30-day’s notice is generally an acceptable amount of time.

9. Can I make changes to the apartment?
Some places are fine with you painting, for example, but it’s unlikely they’ll let you take down walls. Some landlords might ask you to put the apartment back to the way you found it before you move out.

10. Any building updates heading our way soon?
You want to know in advance if you’re going to be facing a lot of construction noise, debris, etc. in and out.

11. How do maintenance requests work?
You want to know who to call if there's water coming from your upstairs neighbor’s bathroom. You want to have access to help 24/7.

Now that you know all the questions to ask when renting an apartment, it’s time to start thinking hard about that rent. Too hard?

Tenant rights in Ibadan

When you’re renting, sometimes tricky situations come up, and it can be tough to decide how to sort them out. To get an apartment for rent visit www.gbale.com.ng Knowing your renters rights is a big help. These rights include:

1. Your landlord is bound by the terms of your lease
A lease is a legal agreement. Read through your lease so you know if your landlord is in violation of it. If it says the landlord will give you 60 days notice before raising your rent, and they try to tell you a higher rate is due next week, they have to give you more time.

2. You have the legal right to break your lease
You’re never stuck in a rental where you no longer want to live. While you do have to follow the rules of your lease if you want to continue living there, you can get out of lease by breaking it, or leaving the agreement. You will likely pay a penalty to break your lease, but your lease must outline how you can go about getting out of it.

3. You are entitled to information on your security deposit
When your lease is up, you have a right to get your security deposit refund, usually, within 30 days (but it varies). If the landlord only partially refunds you, you have a right to ask for an itemized list explaining how your money was spent. If you have proof the noted damage was there before you moved in, you can insist the landlord to return the full deposit.

4. You have the right to peace and quiet
You’re entitled to live in a place without constant disruptions from loud neighbors or a landlord knocking on your door every day. This is called your right to “quiet enjoyment” of your space, and it’s what’s known as an implied covenant, meaning it’s not necessarily written in the lease, but it’s still your right.


5. You can live in a healthy, safe environment.
Your tenant rights say your apartment must be livable. That means it shouldn’t have bad wiring, holes in the floor, rats, bad locks or windows or anything that threatens your health and safety.

6. You have the right to maintenance requests.
If something is broken and needs repair, you have the right to ask for maintenance. Your landlord is responsible for major repairs that have to do with your safety and your basic comfort.

7. You’re guaranteed a notice before eviction.
If your landlord starts the eviction process, you have a right to know the reason why. Legally, you are required to have time to pay any unpaid rent or fix whatever led to the termination process. If you don’t, the landlord will file an eviction notice in court. You must receive notice of this and have a chance to appear in court.

Many states have other tenant rights. Often you can find these online by visiting the attorney general’s website and searching for landlord tenant law.

How to find a neighborhood in Ibadan

When you’re house hunting, it’s easy to focus on finding that perfect kitchen or great bedspace and bathroom. While those things will be really great while you’re indoors what about when you step out. Below are some tips on finding a neighborhood you’ll love.

1. Ask people in the area of interest.
You don’t have to go door to door for this. Look up a neighborhood you’re interested in (you can also check on http://www.gbale.com.ng) to see what people in the neighbourhood say as well as find information on schools, safety, crime, entertainment, etc.

2. Look for your lifestyle needs (and wants).
Make a wants and needs list for finding a neighborhood. Do you want to restaurant, cinema and mall within walking distance? Is a nearby park or gym a must? Click on the Find a House link on http://www.gbale.com.ng you’ll find dining, nightlife, shopping, fitness, entertainment destinations, etc. on each property listing, including commute info & demographics, so you can get a feel for your future neighbors before you even meet them.

3. Check out the schools.
There are two big reasons to screen neighborhood schools. If you have kids, you know the first one: finding the right school for your family is huge. But the second reason applies to everyone—houses in the best school districts tend to hold their value better and are more appealing to future buyers.

4. Consider crime and safety.
How safe is the neighborhood? This is really important as a neighborhood with a high crime rate won't be good for your health and state of mind.

5. Factor in local costs.
A house with the same asking price in two different neighborhoods can have two different effects on your monthly budget. Property taxes, for example, will vary based on your state and city rates, as well as the school district. You can get an estimate of your local taxes by checking with the municipal tax office for specific rates.

6. Go for a neighborhood walk.
Once you’ve narrowed your options try taking a walk around the area. See things for yourself Hang out during peak traffic and on a quiet weekend morning to find a neighborhood that fits your style.

Ready to start checking out homes in your ideal neighborhood? Go on to http://www.gbale.com.ng to start your 'Find a House' search or contact 07083575049.

How to split rent with a roommate in Ibadan

So you want to rent an apartment with a friend, how do you split the rent? In theory, the decision is an easy way to save money. But remember, anything that involves money can raise questions, here are some tips to going about splitting rent in a way that's fair to all parties.

Equal splitting of rent
If every one involved will have roughly the same amount of space and the same amenities, this is the easiest method. Everyone pays the same amount. Just divide your rent equally by the number of roommates, and you’re done.
It’s also really smart and nice to check in with your roommates occasionally to ensure that they still think it is fair if one or two persons have an access to some amenities that they don't. For example, after months of sharing a bathroom, some roommates might feel differently about paying the same as the roommate who has their own sink.

Using the allotted spaces to calculate the rent
If different roommates have access to different amounts of space, dividing the room evenly is a fair way split rent.
Measure everyone’s private space—bedrooms, bathrooms, balconies, and any living spaces that one roommate uses alone—along two perpendicular walls then multiply the numbers to get your square footage. the room is 120 square feet. You can leave common areas out of it.
Total up the square footage of all the private space in the apartment. Each roommate should pay the same percentage of the rent as they have personal space. If one roommate has 50% of the private space and two other roommates have 25% each, divide the rent by the same amount (or rearrange how much space each roommate has access to).
Note that the fairness of this formula depends on the layout of each apartment and how it is used, if one bedroom happens to be huge, but it’s just a bunch of empty, unused space, another method of splitting rent might be fair.

Splitting by income.
This is best when the parties involved have significantly different incomes. Here the method of splitting is based on how much rent you can afford.
The roommate who pays less can volunteer to take on extra household duties, like taking out the trash or handling maintenance requests to contribute to the apartment in a non-monetary way.

Remember to put your plan to split the rent in writing. To get comfortable and stunning apartments for the right price visit http://www.gbale.com.ng or contact 07083575049

Things to do this week in Ibadan
Check out our weekly picks and discover all of the best events, festivals, museum exhibits, concerts and more happening in the Nigeria's oldest city.

Destiny Convention 2019 - What Wisdom Is This?
Looking to find your spirituality this week? This event hosted by Lifeline Tabernacles is a go to for you then.
Wed 13th - Sun 17th|Free Admission |5:30pm|Destiny Place, 1-3 Lifeline Avenue State High Court Bus-Shop, Ring Road Ibadan.

Nutritious Food Fair 2019
The 3-day annual event gathers stakeholders in the nutritious food sector including policymakers, researchers, farmers, food processors among others to showcase and market innovations, share updates and discuss topical issues emerging in the nutritious food sector.
For Enquiries: 08039784219, 08039784174, foodfair@harvestplusng.org
Wed 13th - Fri 15th|Free Admission|7:00pm|IITA HEADQUARTERS, Oyo Road

Ibadan Social Media Festival
The theme for this year’s event is ‘EXPAND’. Day 1 features masterclass session on SocialMedia Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Blogging and a Special SME Online Business Growth Training & Mentorship while day 2 will feature four panel sessions centered around Entertainment, Government, Mainstream Media, Business and Entrepreneurship.
Followed by a Mask themed Party.
Fri 15th - Sat 16th|Entry fee (2000)|9am daily|Pentorise Event Centre, Bodija, Ibadan

Songwriting Masterclass with Beautiful Nubia
A special songwriting workshop for serious songwriters who are highly devoted to the craft and wish to learn how to consistently produce works that will stand the test of time. For Fee and Registration, contact 08137755008 or eniobanke@gmail.com
Fri 15th|10am - 3pm

PROVINCIAL DRAMA NIGHT
by RCCG OYO PROVINCE 13 DRAMA DEPARTMENT
A spiritual live drama program themed 'The Works of Flesh'
Fri 15th|9pm|Free Admission|Trinity Assembly Hospital Road, Ibadan

TensorFlow World Extended Ibadan
Learn the latest TensorFlow knowledge from the TensorFlow World event and meet, partner with the local developers through the community event.
Sat 16th|9am -2pm|Senate Chamber, University of Ibadan

Blogging/Digital Marketing Masterclass
The process of building a successful blog from scratch or take your existing blog to the point of huge success.
Sat 16th|10am - 3pm|Fee: 10,000|PRIMACY EDGE HUB,15A Adebajo Street, Ibadan

Celebrating Jesus by Zamar Ministries
Praise connect.
Sat 16th|10am - 5pm|Free Admission|Jogor Centre. Felicia Hall, Liberty Road, Ibadan

Ibadan Digital Marketing Summit
A conference dedicated to help you discover the art and science behind digital marketing strategies that gets massive result for any business. Experience a full day serving of collaborative workshops, networking and practical insights from the industry thought leaders.
For inquiries: Whatsapp 08032762007
Sat 16th|10am - 3pm|Ibadan Jubilee Conference Center, 173, Awolowo way, òkè Ado, Ibadan

UNIBADAN Art and Comic Convention
Come and mingle with other art and comic book fans like yourselves. There will be character posters, game competitions, exhibitions.
Sat 16th|12pm|University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Looking for a place to stay to enable your attendance? No worries, visit http://www.gbale.com.ng or contact 07083575049.

Contact Gbale housing at 07083575049

4 steps to answering "How much rent can I afford?"

Experts recommend that you spend no more than 25% to 30% of your monthly income on rent.

1. Look at your budget
Your budget should be about:
50% of your income - fixed costs, like rent, transportation, etc.
30% of your income on wants, like eating out, shopping, etc.
20% of your income on goals, like saving for the future and debts.

2. Make sure your expenses are realistic
Before you start cutting down on your budget to maximize the amount of rent you can afford, think about your lifestyle. If you have to give up a gym membership of a TV subscription decide if that’s something you can really live without, so you can make the most realistic decision on how much rent you can afford.

3. Calculate your moving expenses
Think through all of the additional costs you’ll have once you move. In addition to furnishing your new apartment, there will be other one-time expenses you’ll need to have cash to cover as well. Ideally, plan up and save for these expenses ahead of time.

4. Don’t include savings or credit accounts
You may be tempted to grab some cash from your savings, don’t. Once you start draining these funds to cover rent, you’ll be without a safety net in no time.
You should also avoid taking personal loans to cover your expenses, even your one-time moving expenses. Similarly, if you find yourself buying on credit in order to pay your rent on time, it’s a sign that you’ve overstretched your budget, and you should step back and relook at your budget breakdown.

Now that you know how much rent you can afford, you can visit http://www.gbale.com.ng to continue your search for an apartment in Ibadan or contact 07083575049.

4 problems people face while renting in Ibadan
1. Finding a safe location
Among the residents of Ibadan, it’s common knowledge that for someone coming into the city or thinking of moving trying to find a place in a relatively safe location can be hard.
gbale.com.ng provides apartments in safe places. All the apartments provided meet quality standards.
2. Finding a place close to work
As a city, Ibadan is pretty vast. For the house hunter to get a great place at a sensible value, one may need to look at places far from their working environment.
But with gbale.com.ng, all you have to do is enter your preferred location and sort houses using your budget specifications.
3. Poor maintenance
Landlords have to take care of the maintenance of your accommodation, especially in cases with inclusive rent. The examples of defects include lack of ventilation, mold, windows that won’t open and rooms that can’t be locked. gbale.com.ng ensures that the spaces you get have been properly maintained.
4. Claiming back deposits
When you sign your rental contract, in most cases you have to pay a deposit. At the end of your stay, you receive this amount back, unless you do not leave the room in good condition. Gbale ensures that this is the case and if the deposit isn't gotten back immediately, it will be done in at least 3 months.

Apartment searching in Ibadan using the traditional methods could be considered stressful; with http://www.gbale.com.ng, it becomes really simple. Also, with a decent living space, one's mind is put at ease in a city that has plenty of good experiences to offer.

Apartment searching in Ibadan: Going about it the right way

The first thing that usually comes to mind when it comes to getting a new apartment is to check the online listings. Before you do that, I suggest you pause to think of what it is you want and what you need. This should help you start your search for an apartment in Ibadan the right way.

Do I really need to move?
To answer this, make a list of why you want to move and if during your search for an apartment in Ibadan you get positives to your list, that's a good sign you're ready.

What do I want and what do I need?
This is were another list comes in, your needs and wants. Your needs might include proximity to work, market, supermarkets, pet-friendliness, number of bedrooms, kitchen etc. and your wants might include laundry services, cleaning services, big kitchen, etc.

What is my budget?
Consider the following:
- your monthly salary after deduction of taxes and bills
- your monthly expenses subtracted from your monthly income
- research shows your rent should be about 25 - 30% of your gross monthly income.

Do I need a roommate?
Decide if your budget, goals, and ideal living situation would be well-suited to splitting rent with a roommate. If the answer is yes, use your apartment searching goals to find a roommate who wants the same things that you do.

When should I start looking seriously?
Start saving as soon as you start thinking of moving because some landlords ask for more than a month's rent upfront. Some prefer a full year's rent. Also don't forget to research on the neighbourhood and choose what works best for you.

Start searching
Once you've been through all these, you can go online and start your search. Be sure to check out www.gbale.com.ng and contact 07083575049
As you go on viewings remember to check the lists you made and see if the criteria is met. Also bring a list of all the amenities from the listing that attracted you to the apartment in the first place. While looking around, make sure you see everything you expect, and ask about anything you’re unsure of. With all your questions answered, you could be ready to make your big decision and rent an apartment.