Most rental losses happen at one moment:
when money is sent before certainty exists.
This checklist exists to slow that moment down.
If even one item below is unclear, payment should not happen.
1. Confirm Who You Are Dealing With
Before anything else, identify the person in front of you.
Ask:
- Are you the owner or an agent?
- What is your full name?
- How can you be reached beyond WhatsApp?
If identity is vague, stop.
2. Confirm Authority to Rent
If you are dealing with an agent, ask for proof that they are authorised to market the property.
This can be:
- A written mandate
- A signed agreement
- Clear confirmation from the owner
No authority means no transaction.
3. Physically Access the Property
Never pay for:
- A house you have not entered
- A property you’ve only seen in photos or videos
Physical access matters because:
- Photos can be reused
- Videos can be staged
- Listings can be outdated
If you cannot walk inside, do not pay.
4. Confirm the Exact Location
You should know:
- The estate
- The street or access road
- The building or compound
Vague landmarks create confusion and remove accountability.
Clarity protects you.
5. Compare the Price to the Area
Before committing:
- Check similar houses nearby
- Understand the normal range
If the price is far below market:
- Ask why
- Verify harder
- Slow down
Unexplained bargains require explanation.
6. Get Terms in Writing
Before paying any money, confirm in writing:
- Rent amount
- Deposit amount
- Move-in date
- Refund conditions (if any)
Verbal agreements disappear easily.
7. Avoid Viewing and “Commitment” Fees
Viewing fees and pre-view deposits are not requirements of renting.
They exist to:
- Filter many people quickly
- Collect small amounts repeatedly
- Disappear without follow-up
You do not need to pay to inspect a house.
8. Ask About Verification
Ask one direct question:
“Is this listing verified on NyumbaSure?”
A serious agent will understand the importance of verification.
Defensiveness is a signal to pause.
9. Take Time Before Paying
There is no legitimate reason to rush payment before verification.
If pressure increases when you slow down, that pressure is intentional.
10. Trust Structure, Not Instinct
Instinct helps, but structure protects.
A safe transaction relies on:
- Identifiable parties
- Proven authority
- Verified listings
- Clear terms
Without these, risk increases.
The Rule to Remember
Payment should come after proof, not before.
If proof is missing, payment waits.
Why NyumbaSure Exists
NyumbaSure exists to reduce the number of decisions tenants have to make under pressure.
Verified listings mean:
- The basic checks have been done
- Accountability exists
- Risk is reduced before you engage
If a house is not verified, treat it as unconfirmed.
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