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How to avoid being scammed when you are urgently seeking a new house to rent
15th March, 2026 07:26 AM
Finding a house in Nairobi can be stressful, especially for people moving into the city for the first time.
With housing demand constantly rising, many tenants rush to secure a house quickly to avoid missing out on a good deal. Unfortunately, this urgency has created an opportunity for fraudsters posing as landlords or agents to scam unsuspecting tenants.
Now and then, many people lose thousands of shillings after paying deposits for houses that either do not exist or are already occupied. Understanding how these scams work is the first step to protecting yourself when searching for a new place to live.
Always visit the house before paying money
One of the biggest mistakes new tenants make is sending money for a house they have only seen in photos online. Scammers often post attractive pictures of houses on social media or property websites and pressure potential tenants to pay a deposit quickly, claiming there are many interested applicants.
Before paying even a single shilling, make sure you physically visit the property. Walk around the building, check the house, and confirm that it actually exists. If someone claims they cannot show you the house because they are out of town or busy, that is usually a red flag.
Confirm the identity of the landlord/agent
Another common trick involves people pretending to be landlords or agents when they have no connection to the property. They collect deposits from several tenants and disappear after receiving the money.
To avoid this, ask for identification from the person renting out the house. If it is an agent, request proof that they work for a registered agency or that they are authorised by the property owner. You can also ask to meet the caretaker or building management to confirm who is responsible for renting out the units.
Never pay cash without proper documentation
Many scammers insist on cash payments because it is harder to trace. They may promise to send a receipt later or claim that paperwork will be handled after you move in.
Always insist on a written agreement before paying any deposit or rent. The agreement should clearly show the landlord’s name, the amount paid, the house number, and the terms of the tenancy. If possible, make payments through a bank transfer or mobile money to create a transaction record.
A legitimate landlord will not have a problem providing receipts or signing a tenancy agreement before accepting payment.
House hunting in Nairobi can be competitive, but rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes. Taking time to visit the property, confirming the identity of the landlord or agent, and ensuring proper documentation before making any payment can help you avoid common rental scams.
