Influence of Multi-tenancy Housing Challenges on Occupants’ Satisfaction in Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract

The research aims to identify the diverse challenges associated with cohabitation, shared facilities and management practices in multi-tenancy housing in Abuja, Nigeria, and to offer a holistic understanding of these dynamics. This research became imperative especially due to the paucity of information on occupants’ satisfaction of multi-tenancy housing in Nigeria. Existing studies mainly focus on the physical environment. Employing a survey-based cross-sectional design, data was collected through structured questionnaires administered across 10 multi-tenancy apartments across Abuja city, focusing on occupants' perceptions of the associated challenges. These challenges as identified in this research are categorized into four key components: Environmental Hygiene; Shared facility; Environmental Safety; and Privacy, which served as independent variables. Inferential analysis, including correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis, was conducted to assess the relationship between these challenges and occupants' satisfaction. Preliminary findings revealed a positive correlation between the identified challenges and occupants' satisfaction. Furthermore, the results of multiple regression analysis reveal a significant positive relationship, reinforcing the importance of addressing these challenges for enhanced occupants’ satisfaction. This research highlights the critical need to improve the overall quality of rental dwellings in Abuja, and the role of effective residential building design and property management in improving occupants' quality of life and fostering sustainable urban development. The findings have implications for policymaking, suggesting the need to refine multi-tenancy housing development and management practices, and empowering housing estate investors/developers and administrators/managers to meet the evolving needs and expectations and comfort of housing occupants. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics in multi-tenancy housing and provides insights to inform strategic interventions for improved living conditions in Abuja.