12+ House Hunting Scams in Nairobi and How to Avoid Them

Looking to avoid the most common house hunting scams in Nairobi? This article is for you! We have tried as much as possible to provide you all the details you should know to be on the safer side. Keep reading!

House hunting in Nairobi can be an exciting yet stressful endeavor. But brace yourself and don’t let excitement cause you to let your guard down. It seems some crafty folks out there have turned the desire to find a dream home into a minefield of scams.

To help you stay ahead in this digital age, we’ve compiled a list of scams that have been giving house hunters a real headache. 

Most Common Rental Scams in Nairobi 

Don’t be scammed! Check out how scammers operate and how to avoid them.

“Other people are interested. So, pay fast to reserve!”

Here’s a scenario. You’ve stumbled across the perfect apartment on a legit-looking website, or your favorite social media, say Facebook. 

The pictures fit your idea of a perfect home, the rent is within your budget, and the location is just right. You’re sold, and the excitement starts to build up. 

But here is where the drama begins: the rent is so good, the “agent” tells you other people are also interested and you need to make a quick decision. You’re asked to send a deposit to secure the property. After sending the cash, the “agent” disappears faster than your favorite TV show character. 

Lesson learned: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't let the pressure of securing your "dream house" cloud your judgment. 

The Double-Dealing Scam 

In this setup, a “landlord” or “agent”, who is not the actual owner of the property, rents or sells it to multiple tenants/buyers.

Everyone involved is handed fake documents, then shock on you when the real owner shows up! Goodbye money, hello heartbreak! 

Our advice to you is, always verify whether the person you’re dealing with is the actual owner or a recognized and registered agent.

Do not sign the deals outside without getting into the property, and even talking to a few tenants if you can. A little detective work won’t hurt! 

The Ghost Houses Scam 

It’s hard to believe that people would sell houses that don’t even exist, but hey, it happens! These “ghost houses” scams involve seemingly real listings for properties that actually don’t exist in reality.

They lure you in with affordable prices and pretty pictures, then ask for upfront fees. But when it comes to visiting the property… Well, ghost houses are just as elusive as actual ghosts. 

When house hunting, seeing is believing. Always visit a property before making any payments. Don’t believe in ghosts!

The Fake Agent Scam

Usually, these crafty rental scammers have an impressive set of ready answers for all your probing questions and doubts. The aim? To convince you that they are actually managing the property.

Usually, they ask for payment upfront, either for services they ‘offer’ or toward a deposit on the property. Once they grab your cash, they block you. But here’s how to spot them: 

• High-pressure tactics: Common house hunting scammers in Nairobi often employ a sense of urgency. If they’re pushing you to make a decision right away or to make a speedy payment, hit the pause button!
  
• No office: Scammers typically meet victims in public places rather than a real estate office or in the property. If you haven’t visited their business premises, this might be a red flag.
  
• Charges before services: Most genuine agents receive their commission after making a successful deal. A “pay us first” policy usually suggests foul play.
  
• Disabled Social media comments: If you notice the ‘agent’ has posted a property for rent on their social media platform and has blocked users from commenting on their post, run very fast! Why would they do that if they were clean? Probably they are avoiding their past victims from exposing them!
  

The Bogus Listing Scam

A scam agent will advertise a property that doesn’t exist, isn’t for rent, or isn’t as portrayed – and after they got you all smiling and agreeable, they’ll ask for money upfront. See how that works? 

Let’s say, you spot a listing and it has everything you’ve ever dreamt of, from the perfect location to the right price. But wait, was that meant to be too good to be true? 

• It usually is. Red flag alert!
• Are all the photos looking like they’re taken straight from a realtor’s model home brochure? Bogus again!
  

The Deposit Fraud Scam

Alright, let’s talk about the ‘Deposit Fraud Scam’. 

Here’s how it plays out: The con artist will dangle a sweet deal in front of you (we’re talking stupidly low rent for a shockingly good house) and all you need to do is put down a deposit to secure it.

The ‘agent’ might say the deposit will take the property off the market, reserve your spot or verify your serious interest. Sounds realistic, right? 

But wait for it… once you’ve passed over your hard-earned cash, the so-called ‘agent’ is gone.

The Deposit Fraud Scam doesn’t just happen face-to-face. With the rise of online house hunting, it has become increasingly common over the internet. 

The Hidden Costs Scam

This scam will have you scratching your head and emptying your wallet faster than you can imagine. In this routine, you love a house, agree on the price and are all ready to move in.

One small thing though: a pile of unexpected costs pop up that the seller “forgot” to mention.

Here’s how it works: the scammer lures you with a fair price. Then, the “hidden costs” start popping up – like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

You’ve got this fee for paperwork, that fee for inspection, another fee for who knows what. Before you realize, your “budget-friendly” house has become as expensive as that skyline penthouse you dream about but can’t afford. 

How to avoid the Hidden Costs Scam 

Make sure to get everything in writing – every cost, every fee, and every charge. Bring a calculator if you need to. And don’t be too shy to ask questions or say no if things aren’t adding up.

Remember, you have the right to know each and every penny you’re spending. If something smells fishy, maybe it’s time to look for another house. 

They don’t want to show you the place first

Picture this: a super attractive house listing that’s too good to ignore. You reach out to the seller or agent, only to be told: “Sorry mate, can’t show you the place just yet.” Cue suspicious eyebrow raise. 

C'mon now, if it was your house, wouldn't you want to flaunt it?

Here’s the thing: when sellers don’t want to show you a property before you commit to some sort of payment, it’s a big red flag.

A legit house sale or rental involves allowing potential buyers to inspect the property before making any financial decisions. 

Tip: No matter how perfect the house seems in photos, put your foot down. Demand to see the property in person before anything else. It's your right, mate. After all, you wouldn't buy a car without giving it a test drive, right?

They pretend to be away when you want to visit the place

Then comes these other types of house hunting scammers, you want to see the house, but alas! The agent or owner is away.

They might be in a totally different part of the world, busy with an urgent matter and can’t meet you. But they’re willing to rent or sell you the house.

All you need to do is trust them and make a deposit. Easy peasy, right? Wrong! 

Now, here’s the twist. The agent isn’t away. There’s a pretty good chance they don’t even own the house they’re trying to rent or sell. It could be an empty house or even one that’s occupied.

The point here is, they want your money without letting you actually see what you’re buying. And when we’re talking about a house, that’s a big no-no. 

So, what’s the detective move here? 

1. Never pay money for a house you haven’t seen in person. This includes any deposits, fees, or rents.
   
2. Always insist on meeting and having a house tour before discussing payments.
   
3. If they can’t meet, request for a trusted party such as a friend, family member, or a respected real estate professional to stand in on their behalf.

Note: Keep a keen radar on because scammers may have fake stand-ins. Always cross-verify information and ensure that you research thoroughly about the property you're interested in. 

They want you to carry cash with you when you visit

Moving on, here’s another surefire sign to turn around and make a beeline out of the deal. What’s the play? They want you to show up for the property visit with cash in hand.

No receipts, no records, no nada, just cold hard cash. C’mon, let’s be real. Does that not sound fishy? It’s like a textbook scene from a bad movie plot. 

The issue with this request is, once you fork over that cash, it’s gone for good. There’s no tracking it, there’s no getting it back if things go sideways.

If you are really unlucky, some characters might even try to relieve you of that cash without even showing you the property. 

Rule of thumb - avoid carrying large amounts of cash if possible. It's always wiser to opt for legitimate means of payments, like bank transfers or even mobile money payments.

Still, we appreciate that sometimes, dealing in cash can be unavoidable. However, ensure the transaction happens in a public, well-lit area, ideally with CCTV. Speak up and have the deal recorded, keep receipts and ensure there’s evidence of the transaction. More importantly, never, ever do a cash deal without a written and signed agreement. 

In essence, our golden rule is – if a house hunting deal sounds more like gangster movie script than a legit real-estate deal, you’d best keep on moving.

They use stolen listings

Here’s another sneaky trick folks pull off – using stolen listings! This scam is as simple as it sounds. Real estate conmen find legitimate listings, make duplicates, and present them as their own.

Sometimes, they even go so far as to set up fake websites and pose as real estate agents. 

And guess what? These false listings often come with prices that are too good to be true. That’s all part of the con, friend. When you see a dream home at an irresistibly low price, they’ve got you hooked. 

So, how can you tell it’s a stolen listing? A couple of ways: 

• Photo quality: If the photos seem mismatched or of poor quality, it could be a hint they’ve been hastily snatched from the internet.
  
• Information deficit: Fake listings are shy on details since the scammers don’t actually know the property. So, if it’s light on specifics, consider raising an eyebrow.
  

Of course, not all listings with the above signs are scams. But they should ring some alarm bells and prompt you to dig deeper.

Research the agent, ask them for more details on the property, and request for comprehensive documentation. 

They want you to pay house tour fee before viewing the house

Think about it, buddy. Should you be forced to cough up cash just for the “privilege” of viewing a house? Oh, please! That stinks more than your socks at the end of a hot, sweaty day.

Some iffy guys will push for an upfront house tour fee. Sure, in the real world, realtors do charge for services, but here’s the catch – they only ask for their fees once you have viewed the house and have made your decision.

In fact, most legit agents or brokers will ask for viewing fees after showing you the house in question. 

You’re onto a scam if: 

• They demand payment before you even set foot on the property.
• They insist on cash transactions for the viewing fee.
• The “pay-first-view-later” policy is non-negotiable.
  

Protecting Yourself from Common House Hunting Scams in Nairobi

Here are some bulletproof methods to help you avoid fake agents, brokers, and scammers that only want to whisk your money away from you: 

Know Your Scammers 

Knowing is half the battle. Familiarize yourself with the common real estate scams detailed above. Knowledge about these tricksters and their sneaky shenanigans can help prevent you from falling into their unsuspecting trap. 

Trust but Verify 

You know how the saying goes, right? Make sure to follow it, especially when dealing with property agents. These folks can spin yarn! Always double-check the business registration and license details of the agent or company! 

The Name Game 

Registering a property in Nairobi goes under the property owner’s legal name. You should ensure that the name on the registration matches who you are dealing with. A mismatch can be a sign that someone’s trying to pull a fast one on you. 

Keep Eyes Peeled 

Be on your guard. If something seems too good to be true – think about it. Spot anomalies in the market or property value, check for signs of fake documentation or non-existent addresses. Remember – your vigilance can save you from a nasty swindle.
 

Legal Advice 

When it comes to legal documents and contracts, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of legalities and end up signing off your first-born child without realizing it. Always get a lawyer to go through the contract before your John Hancock goes anywhere near it. 

Payment Precautions 

Last but not least, always, always, ensure payments are made via legitimate channels. Cash-in-hand can sometimes be a recipe for disaster. Keep your receipts as proof and insist on stamped receipts for any financial transactions. 

Research and Verify Agents and Listings

Do you check the expiry date when you buy a loaf of bread? Of course, you do! Similarly, verifying real estate agents and house listings must be your top priority. 

Get to it: a flashy website or sweet talk should never be the green flag to trust an agent. 

Now, what does this verification look like, you ask? Well, you can begin by doing a quick online search about the agent or real estate company.

Look for any signs of trouble in paradise: customer complaints, unclear business practices, or even legal issues. Don’t forget to cross-check the physical address of the company. 

• If your agent is a ghost on the internet, that’s a red flag waving high. Modern agents maintain an online presence. In the age of Google, hiding is suspicious.
  
• Next, demand proof of their business registration. A legitimate agent won’t hesitate to share these details.
  
• Do not rely on email communication alone. A face-to-face meeting can tell you a lot more about the person you’re dealing with. Pay attention to non-verbal cues that indicate they might not be trustworthy. 
  

As for verifying listings, inspect the property images carefully. Use Google image search to see if the photos are ripped off from another site. 

Remember our adage: Trust, but always verify. Because precaution today can save a boatload of trouble tomorrow. We wouldn't want you to board the wrong ship.

Always Visit the Property in Person

Always, and we do mean always, visit the house in person. “But it’s far away, can’t I just see some pictures?” I hear you ask. 

And oh boy, how I wish it were that simple! Pictures can be deceiving. That chandeliered lounge might be a broom closet with a flashlight and some beads! There’s no substitute for the real deal. 

Get your shoes on, grab your notepad, and go see your potential new nest for yourself! You’ll tell heaps more from a personal experience. That tiny ink spot on their otherwise perfect image of the bathroom wall? It could speak volumes.

It might be a sign of dampness. And we all know how that can snowball, right? 

Breathe in the air, feel the floors, listen to the sounds, examine the walls and tap the tiles. You’ll discover a lot more than a sweet snapshot will ever show.

In-person visits will help you figure out if it’s all legit. 

Start asking questions like you’re the host of a talk show – about the neighborhood, utilities, maintenance, and anything else you can think of. Hey, be that person! The more information you have, the better.

Be Wary of Requests for Upfront Payments

Let’s be straightforward. It’s perfectly fine for property listings to request a deposit or down payment as part of the renting or buying process.

You know, once the paperwork is sorted and you’re ready to move in. But demanding money upfront? That’s a different ball game.

Think about it: why should you part with your hard-earned cash before seeing what you’re paying for? 

Keep this in mind: the idea of getting a deal may rush you into paying upfront. Don’t be that guy or gal.

Once you make a payment, getting it back can be as difficult as dancing a ballet in muddy boots (someone should do that!). So, be careful of upfront payment requests. They’re often a one-way ticket to the land of scams. 

Read and Understand Contracts Before Signing

Here’s a pinch of wisdom for you: Don’t let your pen get too chummy with the paper until your eyes have done some serious reading.

When we say “serious”, we mean scanning every single letter on that real estate contract. 

You see, some scammers are crafty chaps. They sneak in hidden fees, unexpected costs or loopholes in the agreements. Not the jolly good kind of surprise you were hoping for, right? 

Here’s some golden advice: 

• Cross-Check: Compare the details on the contract with those discussed in person or via a calll. If they don’t match, you might be about to step into a pitfall. Retreat!
  
• Legal Advice: If you find some fancy words too big to chew, it’s alright. Get a legal eagle’s advice. An advocate can parse the legal jargon and help you understand any sneaky conditions.
  
• Building Policies: Check if the contract includes the building’s policies. Do they allow pets? What about loud music at 3 am while you celebrate your house-warming? You need to know.
  

Remember, reading takes time and understanding even more. But don’t rush. Better safe than sorry, right? After all, it’s not just any place we’re talking about; it’s what you’ll be calling “home”. 

Consult the current or previous tenants

If you’re lucky enough to bump into a current tenant when you visit a property, they can give you the real lowdown without any sugar-coating.

The property manager telling you there are no water shortages? The guy in Apartment 5C might beg to differ. 

Now suppose you take a fancy to a vacant property. Call up the previous tenant if you can. The agent’s charming tale of the last dweller striking gold and moving to a palatial residence, might just turn out to be a massive business going belly up.

Don’t shy away from doing some simple detective work and you’ll thank yourself later. 

Quick hint: Shy tenants? No problem. Breakfast at the local cafeteria can uncover the home truths about the neighborhood. If Mama Njeri at the food joint mentions avoiding tap water in that location like the plague, you know what to do!

Compare the prices with current market price

One common scam is where the price is way below the market value. Smart as you are, you might think, “Score! What a deal!”

But hold your horses—or in this case, your wallet. It’s crucial to keep in mind that realistic pricing is key. So, how do you know what’s realistic? 

Begin by checking out the current market rates for similar properties in that area. Websites, fellow house hunters, social media platforms, Facebook groups, or even a quick chat with your to-be neighbors can give you a rough idea about the prevailing prices. 

Advice Alert: If it appears that you've hit the bargain jackpot, there might be something fishy cooking. 

Don't jump the gun and become the victim of a scam, just because you thought it was a fantastic deal. Meter your excitement and do your homework.

Remember to go with the flow of the market, not against it. 

Let  “Tenantt” House Hunt for You! 

Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid this house hunting circus all together? Guess what- you can! The perfect solution to all your house hunting woes in Nairobi is to find a trustworthy real estate guide.

And who better than “Tenantt”, let us carry the burden for you! 

“Tenantt” is not your run-of-the-mill estate agency. Nope! We’re tech savvy for starters. We understand that you are busy and time is money. So, let us do the house hunting, while you do you. How’s that for delegation? 

We’ve got a huge, no – massive database filled with genuine property listings. This isn’t some hocus pocus database either. Nope, we pride ourselves on keeping it up-to-date. If a property is off the market, it’s off our records faster than you can say “Kwaheri”. 

Neighborhood checks? Done. Property checks? Done. Title deed checks? Done and done. At “Tenantt”, we’ve got your back. We shall guide you through the process, ensure all documents are legit and the property is the real deal. No sister from Mars coming out of the woodwork to claim what’s hers or corrupt agents with fingers in every pie. Just genuine people helping you find your next home! 

So why not give “Tenantt” a try? Reach out to us today and together, let’s find you a home in Nairobi without a hitch. Save yourself the drama. Embrace the thrill of moving to a new place minus the fear of scams. House hunting in Nairobi can be fun. Trust us, we know because we do it all the time!