Property Safety & Due Diligence Guide

Do

• Physically inspect the unit, water, power, security and common areas before paying.
• Confirm the landlord or property manager's identity and authority to rent.
• Ask for a written tenancy agreement and signed receipts.
• Pay deposit and rent only to verified business numbers or accounts.

Avoid

• Don't pay deposit before viewing the actual unit.
• Don't send money to personal mobile numbers unless explicitly verified.
• Don't rely on photos only — staged photos can hide real conditions.

Do

• Get a lawyer to review the sale agreement before signing anything.
• Verify the title deed and conduct a land search at the registry.
• Confirm there are no caveats, encumbrances or pending disputes.
• Use escrow or bank-controlled payments where possible.

Avoid

• Don't pay the full purchase price upfront.
• Don't sign a sale agreement you haven't fully read and understood.
• Don't accept verbal promises — get every commitment in writing.

Do

• Visit the plot physically and confirm boundaries with the seller.
• Confirm access roads, utilities, county approvals and zoning.
• Check land rates and land rent status at the county office.
• Confirm survey map matches the title and beacons on the ground.

Avoid

• Don't buy land you haven't physically visited.
• Don't pay before confirming title ownership and that the seller is the real owner.
• Don't ignore neighbour confirmation — talk to people on adjacent plots.

Do

• Ask for the agent's licence, business registration and references.
• Confirm the agent is authorised by the property owner.
• Cross-check the listing on CloudEstateHub for the Verified Agent badge.

Avoid

• Don't pay 'viewing fees' to unverified individuals.
• Don't accept pressure to commit without documentation.

Do

• Pay only after signing a tenancy agreement or sale agreement.
• Always request a signed and stamped receipt that references the property.
• Keep M-Pesa and bank transfer records.

Avoid

• Don't pay cash without a receipt.
• Don't pay to a third party not named in your agreement.

Do

• Read every clause — especially deposit terms, notice period and rent escalation.
• Ensure both parties sign and date every page.
• Keep a counter-signed original copy in a safe place.

Avoid

• Don't sign blank or incomplete documents.
• Don't agree to terms you don't understand — ask, or get legal advice.

Do

• Visit during the day where possible and bring someone with you.
• Test taps, lights, sockets, locks and doors during the viewing.
• Ask about water, power, security, parking and neighbours.

Avoid

• Don't go alone to unfamiliar areas or remote plots.
• Don't share your ID or banking details during a casual viewing.

Do

• Watermark scans of your ID and bank statements before sharing.
• Share documents only after verifying the recipient is authorised.

Avoid

• Don't send original IDs, passports or KRA PINs over WhatsApp without context.
• Don't post personal documents in public listings or chats.

Do

• Confirm the receiving account/paybill name matches the landlord or company.
• Pay in instalments where allowed and tied to milestones.
• Keep receipts and reference numbers for every payment.

Avoid

• Don't make payments under time pressure.
• Don't ignore mismatched names between agreement and payment account.