Rental scams in Kenya: 9 warning signs before you pay a deposit

House hunting scams cost Kenyans a lot of money every year, and they usually follow the same script: an attractive house at a great price, pressure to pay quickly, and a person you never meet. Knowing the signs is the best protection.

The 9 warning signs

1. The price is far below the area. A 2 bedroom in Kilimani at bedsitter prices is bait.
2. You're asked to pay before viewing. Never pay a deposit, "booking fee" or rent for a place you haven't seen in person.
3. A "viewing fee" or "registration fee". Genuine landlords and caretakers don't charge you to look.
4. The "landlord" is abroad or unavailable and asks you to send money so they can post the keys.
5. Pressure and urgency. "Three other people want it, pay now to secure it."
6. Payment to a personal number that doesn't match the name of the owner or a registered company.
7. The same photos appear on other listings with different locations or prices.
8. No written agreement, or the agreement has no ID or contact details for the landlord.
9. The caretaker and "landlord" tell different stories about who owns the building.

Before you pay anything

• Visit the unit, test the taps, switches and locks, and talk to a neighbour or the caretaker.
• Ask who the owner or managing agent is, and confirm with the building management office if there is one.
• Get a written tenancy agreement naming the landlord, the unit, rent, deposit and notice period.
• Pay through a traceable method and get a receipt for every payment — deposit and rent.

If you've been scammed

1. Stop all further payments and keep every message, number and transaction code.
2. Report to the nearest police station or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and get an OB number.
3. If you paid by M-Pesa, contact Safaricom immediately. Safaricom customers can also forward scam SMS messages to 333.
4. Warn others: report the listing to the website or group where you found it.

Seen a suspicious listing on UrbanEstate? Tell us by phone, WhatsApp or email and we'll take it down while we check it. Our listing standards explain what we expect from everyone who lists.