Looking for a house is stressful enough without worrying about being conned. Rental scams in Kenya usually follow the same pattern: an attractive house at a price that looks too good, an "agent" who is in a hurry, and a request to send money before you have seen anything. The good news is that a few simple checks stop almost all of them.
1. Never pay before you view
A genuine landlord or agent will let you see the house first. If someone asks for a "booking fee", a "viewing fee to hold the house" or the deposit before you have been inside, walk away. If you cannot visit yourself, send a friend or relative you trust.
2. Check that the person can actually let the house
Ask the caretaker or neighbours who manages the building, and confirm that the person showing you around is the landlord, the caretaker or an agent the landlord has appointed. Be careful if they cannot open every room or keep postponing access.
3. Compare the price with similar houses
If a two-bedroom in a popular estate is listed far below what similar houses cost, ask why. Browse a few listings in the same area to get a feel for normal rent. On PlugConnect KE, each category and location page shows the typical price from live listings.
4. Know the full move-in cost
Ask for everything in writing:
- monthly rent and deposit
- water and electricity arrangements
- garbage, service charge and parking
Many landlords ask for one or two months' rent as a refundable deposit, so find out exactly how and when it is refunded.
5. Pay to an account that matches
Pay rent and deposit to a bank account, paybill or till number in the name of the landlord or registered agency, never to a random personal number. Keep every M-Pesa message and receipt.
6. Get a tenancy agreement
Even a simple written agreement should state the rent, deposit, notice period, who pays which bills and how repairs are handled. Read it before you sign and keep a copy.
7. Trust your instincts
Pressure is the scammer's main tool.
"Many people want this house, pay now" is a red flag. A real landlord can wait a day while you check.
How PlugConnect KE helps
Every listing on PlugConnect KE is reviewed by our team before it goes live, providers can verify their identity, and you contact the landlord or agent directly from the listing. If you can't find what you need, post a customer request and let landlords come to you.
Stay safe, view first, and never pay for a house you have not seen.
