Spotting a rental scam

Rental scams in Nairobi and other cities follow a pattern. A listing shows a nicer unit at a lower rent than the area suggests, the “agent” pushes you to pay a booking fee before you can view it, or you are shown a house that someone else lives in and then asked to pay.

Warning signs: - The rent is far below similar units nearby. - You are asked to pay before you have viewed the unit, or to pay a personal number. - The person showing you the unit cannot show proof they manage it, such as a letter from the landlord. - The photos match other listings, or the unit does not match the photos. - You are told it will be gone today unless you pay now.

What to do: view the unit, meet the landlord or manager at the building, ask for the tenancy agreement before paying, and pay rent into an account in the landlord’s or management company’s name. Use the report button on a listing if something looks wrong.