Introduction
Finding a house to rent in Kenya — whether in Nairobi, Mombasa or smaller towns — can be painful and expensive. From fake agents to overpriced listings, many people end up spending more than they should or getting scammed.
But thanks to online classifieds like Bidorbuy.co.ke, more Kenyans are finding affordable, direct-to-landlord houses — without brokers or unnecessary fees.
In this article, we break down how to use classifieds safely and smartly to rent your next house, whether you’re a student, young professional or growing family.
1. Why More Kenyans Are Turning to Classifieds
Classifieds offer:
- More listings, updated daily
- Direct landlord contacts (in some cases)
- No commission for most listings
- Easier comparison of rents and amenities
- Urban and rural property listings
Plus, it saves time — you can shortlist options from your phone before scheduling visits.
2. What to Look for in a Genuine Listing
Before contacting the poster, check:
- Clear photos of the interior and exterior
- Exact location or neighborhood
- Mention of amenities (water, electricity, security)
- Rent amount and if there’s a deposit
- Whether it’s direct from landlord or through agent
Tip: Listings with too-good-to-be-true prices are red flags.
3. Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
Unfortunately, scammers exist. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Never pay a viewing fee before visiting the house
- Avoid listings where the agent is “out of town” but wants a deposit sent
- See the actual house, not just photos
- Ask for tenant references for the agent or landlord
- Prefer listings from verified or reviewed users (where platform allows)
If it feels off, walk away.
4. Benefits of Direct-to-Landlord Listings
If you’re lucky, some listings on classifieds are direct from the landlord. This means:
- Lower rent, no agent commission
- Faster negotiation on move-in dates
- Better chance of building a long-term relationship with the property owner
Tip: Use keywords like “direct” or “no agent” when searching.
5. How to Use Bidorbuy.co.ke to Find Rental Property
- Go to the Real Estate section
- Filter by “For Rent”, your city and budget range
- Check new listings daily — good deals disappear fast!
- Contact via the platform, WhatsApp or direct call
- See the house before paying anything
Here’s how:
You can also post “House Wanted” ads and landlords sometimes reach out to you.
6. Pro Tips from Experienced Renters
- Visit at different times of day – check traffic, noise, and safety
- Ask neighbors about water supply and security
- Take photos and videos during viewing
- Read the lease agreement carefully before signing
- Pay rent via bank or M-Pesa with a clear trail
Conclusion
Using online classifieds like Bidorbuy.co.ke to find a rental house is not just easy — it can save you money, time and stress. But like everything online, be cautious and smart.
Whether you’re looking for a bedsitter in Rongai or a 3-bedroom in Kilimani, the listings are there — you just need to know how to search, verify and act fast.
Leave a Reply