Avoid Rental Scams. Renting a house in Kenya should be simple.
But for thousands of tenants every year, it turns into financial loss, stress, and heartbreak.
From fake agents to duplicate listings and nonexistent houses, rental scams are now one of the fastest-growing forms of fraud in Kenya.
This guide shows you exactly how scams happen, how to spot them before they cost you, and how to rent safely — every time.
🧨 The Most Common Rental Scams in Kenya
1. Fake Agents With Stolen Listings
Scammers steal real house photos from legitimate listings, post them on Facebook and WhatsApp groups, then pretend to represent the property.
They pressure you to “pay a viewing fee” or “book the house” — then disappear.
2. Duplicate Listings
One house appears under 10 different agents.
Only one is real.
The rest are bait.
3. Deposit Before Viewing
If someone asks for any money before a physical viewing, you are dealing with a scammer.
4. Landlords Who Are Not Owners
Some people rent houses, then illegally sublet them to multiple tenants and vanish with deposits.
🚩 Red Flags You Must Never Ignore
- Refusal to meet at the property
- “Send deposit now, I’m holding it for you”
- Poor documentation
- No written agreement
- Pressure tactics (“others are coming with cash right now”)
If you see even one of these — walk away.
🛡️ The Safe Way to Rent a House in Kenya
Step 1: Use Verified Listings Only
Platforms without verification expose you to scammers.
NyumbaSure verifies:
✔ Property ownership
✔ Agent identity
✔ Listing authenticity
✔ Property existence
Step 2: View Before Paying
Always view the house physically.
Meet the agent or landlord at the property.
Step 3: Confirm Ownership
Ask for:
- Title deed / lease documents
- Landlord ID
- Written tenancy agreement
Step 4: Pay After Agreement Only
Never pay deposits or rent without signing documents.
🏆 Why Most Renters Are Now Choosing NyumbaSure
NyumbaSure was built for one reason:
To eliminate rental scams in Kenya.
Every listing on NyumbaSure is:
✔ Verified
✔ Inspected
✔ Matched to real owners
✔ Protected by our platform policies
No fake agents.
No duplicate listings.
No scams.
Just real homes — and peace of mind.
🧭 Final Advice
If a deal feels rushed, secretive, or too good to be true — it is.
Protect your money.
Protect your peace.
Use verified platforms. Rent smart. Live secure.
Comments