Tricks Nairobi Landlords Use to Market Flooding Houses

A resort immersed in flooded water in Naivasha in May 2020
A resort immersed in flooded water in Naivasha in May 2020
File

The Nairobi rental market is one of the most lucrative investments with ready tenants always looking for places to stay.

On the other hand, some landlords have crafted ways to trick unsuspecting house hunters into occupying homes that are at risk of flooding every rainy season.

One victim recently recalled how their money went down the drain, just as their household items would have, during the rainy season.

A flooded neighbourhood after heavy rains
A flooded neighbourhood after heavy rains in Nairobi County in 2023.
Photo
Ma3Route

Seasonal Offers

Landlords who know that their houses are prone to flooding usually advertise during the dry seasons. 

Some will offer unbelievable discounts to lure unsuspecting Kenyans who are looking to move. 

"I know this apartment in Nairobi's Parklands area, which is sits on riparian land. The owners would advertise the property during the dry season, but then tenants would move in only to grapple with tones of water sweeping through half of the house during rains,” a victim of the scam recalled. 

Repainting

It's common practice for landlords to repaint houses once a tenant vacates in order to impress their next customer.

Such paint is used to camouflage red flags; cracks and spots damaged by water. As a tenant seeking a place to live, one is advised to be on the lookout for the red flags.

“I paid deposit fees and 1-month rent and called my usual fundi to fix up the place. He has a sharp eye and took me around the house showing me the water damage line covered in a poor paint job, the damaged tiles outside, the flood lines along the wall and riverbank, I couldn't believe it,” stated the tenant.

Upon realising they had been swindled, the tenant tried to demand back their money, but the request fell on deaf ears. Their efforts to involve the police did not help. They lost their money.

Housing experts advise that when looking for a house, it is important to have another person accompany you to help spot things which would have otherwise passed you. 

Sometimes fatigue, stress and emotions can cloud your judgement when house hunting but a friend can help redirect your focus to avoid being swindled. 

A flooded street in Nairobi 2019.
A flooded street in Nairobi 2019.
File
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