How to Verify a Rental House and Avoid Scams in Kenya (2026 Guide)
The Reality of House Hunting in Nairobi
Renting a house in Nairobi can be frustrating when dealing with unverified middlemen. Every month, prospective tenants lose deposit money to fraudsters posing as landlords or "caretakers." At KejaMarket, our mission is to eliminate rental fraud by connecting tenants directly with verified landlords.
5 Golden Rules to Protect Yourself Before Paying Any Deposit
1. Never Pay a "Viewing Fee" to See a Vacant House
Legitimate landlords and registered property managers do not charge viewing fees or consultation fees. Any agent demanding KSh 1,000 to KSh 2,500 before showing you an apartment is engaging in predatory practices. On KejaMarket, all listings provide genuine photos, location details, and direct contact with zero viewing fees.
2. Inspect the Property In Person During Daylight
Always inspect the unit physically before committing. Check essential utility infrastructure:
- Water supply and pressure: Ask current neighbors how many days a week water runs and whether the building has backup borehole/tanks.
- Electricity tokens (KPLC): Check if the meter is a separate prepaid sub-meter or a shared post-paid bill with previous arrears.
- Cellular network & internet: Test Safaricom/Airtel signal inside bedrooms and check if fiber providers (Safaricom Home Fibre, Zuku, Faiba) are installed.
- Security: Note the compound gates, electric fencing, CCTV presence, and night security guard arrangements.
3. Confirm Landlord Identity and Payment Recipient
Always pay via official, traceable payment channels. When paying via Safaricom M-Pesa:
- Prefer Paybill or Buy Goods Till numbers registered to the property management firm or building name.
- If paying a personal phone number, ensure the name on M-Pesa matches the name on the signed tenancy agreement.
- Never wire money to Western Union, crypto, or untraceable third-party accounts.
4. Demand a Written Tenancy Agreement
A verbal agreement is legally weak. Before paying your deposit, ask for a written tenancy agreement detailing:
- Exact monthly rent and due date (e.g. 5th of each month).
- Security deposit amount and terms of refund upon vacation.
- Garbage collection fees, water rates per unit, and service charges.
- Notice period required before moving out (standard in Kenya is one calendar month).
5. Photograph Existing Damages Before Move-In
On move-in day, take clear time-stamped photos of all existing wall cracks, chipped tiles, plumbing leaks, and paint condition. Share these with the caretaker in writing (WhatsApp or email) so you are not unfairly docked from your deposit when you move out.
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