A Nigerian lady residing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has issued crucial advice for individuals searching for rental accommodation, urging them to look beyond the most common considerations. In a TikTok video posted on January 5, 2026, the user identified as @favour Richman shared her personal regret to warn others.
The Overlooked Factor in House Hunting
The lady explained that prospective tenants often make their decision based on primary amenities like constant electricity, reliable water supply, and the general cleanliness of the compound. While these are important, she stressed that they do not automatically translate to a peaceful living experience. She revealed that her own house was comfortable and the compound was well-kept, but the environment created by her neighbours made daily life difficult.
She lamented that her peace was constantly disrupted, especially in the mornings, by loud conversations and arguments from people living nearby. According to her, the noise often stemmed from heated debates about trivial matters, including celebrities like Davido and Burna Boy, or topics she referred to as meaningless.
"Please be careful where you choose to stay in Port Harcourt. Ask questions o. Take your time," she advised. "Don't just check for light and environment. Check for the neighbors that stay in the environment... I did not check. I am so much in regret."
Netizens React with Shared Experiences
The video sparked significant reactions on TikTok, with many users flooding the comments section to share similar stories and endorse her advice.
User @estar suggested the noisy behaviour was due to idleness, commenting: "Na joblessness and yahoo cause am just call efcc to come pack them." Another user, @Gabriella, expressed hesitation about leaving her current quiet apartment, while @Ifeomachukwumerem advised: "Before you move into any house make sure your neighbors and landlord are not jobless."
Some, like @Berry Ice, shared their own tactics for dealing with noisy neighbours, proving the issue is a common point of contention for many renters in Nigerian cities.
A Broader Lesson for Tenants
This incident highlights a critical but frequently ignored step in the house-hunting process. The lady's experience serves as a practical lesson for anyone seeking a new home: the character and lifestyle of your immediate community are integral to your comfort. Due diligence should extend beyond the physical structure and utilities to include observing the area at different times of the day and engaging potential neighbours in conversation.
Failing to assess the social environment can lead to a situation where, despite having all basic amenities, a tenant finds themselves in an uncomfortable and stressful living situation, filled with regret as expressed by the Port Harcourt lady.
