Safety Guidelines

1. Never send money before visiting the property in person.
2. Always meet the owner face-to-face before signing anything.
3. Ask to see proof of ownership (title deed or recent utility bill in the owner's name).
4. Pay only to the owner — never to a "broker" or "agent" who hasn't been disclosed on the listing.
5. Get a written, signed lease before handing over rent or deposit.

If anyone asks you to break one of these rules, walk away. A legitimate owner will never refuse a face-to-face meeting before payment.

Be especially cautious if you notice any of these signs:

• The owner refuses to meet you in person. Excuses like "I'm traveling" or "send the money first, then I'll send my agent" are classic scam patterns.
• The price is far below market rate. If a typical apartment in Masaki goes for TZS 800,000 and someone is offering "the same" for TZS 200,000, something is wrong.
• You're pressured to pay quickly. "Many other people are interested, you must pay today" is a manipulation tactic.
• The owner won't show proof of ownership. A real owner has a title deed, a utility bill, or a sale agreement and can show it.
• Payment is requested by mobile money to a number that's different from the one on the listing. This is a major red flag.
• The "owner" introduces a broker who actually shows the property. Nyumba Direct is no-middleman by design. If a broker appears, the listing has violated our covenant — flag it.
• Photos don't match what you see when you visit. Different building, different finishes, different neighborhood — this is intentional bait-and-switch.
• The lease offered is verbal only, or the written document is incomplete. Always insist on a complete, signed lease.

• Tell someone where you're going. Share the listing link and address with a friend or family member. Tell them when you expect to be back.
• Visit during daylight hours. For first visits, especially. You'll see the property more clearly and you're safer in case anything feels off.
• Bring someone with you. A friend, family member, or partner. Two pairs of eyes catch more, and you're less vulnerable.
• Carry only what you need. Don't take large amounts of cash to a first viewing — there is no legitimate reason to pay on the spot.
• Save the owner's number in your phone. So you can call them on arrival and confirm.

• Always get a written lease. Even a one-page document is better than a handshake. Read it carefully before signing.
• The lease should specify: the rent amount, the deposit amount, the rent cycle (monthly/quarterly/etc.), the lease duration, what's included (water, electricity, parking, security), the notice period for both parties, and the conditions for the return of the deposit.
• Pay only after signing. Both parties should sign the same document, ideally in front of a witness.
• Keep proof of every payment. Mobile money confirmations, bank receipts, signed cash acknowledgments. If a dispute arises, you'll need them.
• Pay only the owner. Never pay an agent or broker without verifying they are legitimately authorized — and remember, on Nyumba Direct, no third-party agents should be involved unless disclosed on the listing.
• Be wary of large upfront payments. Tanzanian custom often involves 6-12 months upfront. This is normal but represents a big risk — only pay this much after you have verified the property and the owner thoroughly.

• If a viewing feels uncomfortable for any reason, leave. Trust your instincts.
• Don't be alone in an empty property with a stranger if you can avoid it.
• Don't share your home address, ID, or financial information with anyone before you've decided to proceed with a lease.
• If you feel threatened during or after a viewing, contact us at support@nyumbadirect.tz and consider reporting to the police.

• Stop all communication and do not send any (more) money.
• Flag the listing on Nyumba Direct. Use the "Report a problem with this listing" button on the listing page. Tell us exactly what happened.
• Report to the police if money has changed hands. Tanzanian authorities take rental fraud seriously, and your report helps protect others.
• Email us at safety@nyumbadirect.tz with details. We will investigate and take action against the listing and the owner if confirmed.
• Warn others by leaving a careful, factual flag — this is how we keep the platform safe for everyone.

Owners face risks too. A few common-sense practices:

• Don't share your bank or mobile money PIN with anyone, even people claiming to be from Nyumba Direct. We will never ask for it.
• Verify the tenant's identity before signing a lease — ask for a national ID and a reference.
• Don't hand over keys before the lease is signed and the agreed payment has cleared.
• If a tenant inquiry feels suspicious (pressure to sign without viewing, willingness to pay sight unseen, request to wire money internationally), be cautious.
• Document property condition before move-in — photos with timestamps are your best friend for deposit disputes later.

• We verify every owner's phone number with a one-time SMS code at signup.
• First-time owners are reviewed by our team before any listing goes live.
• We respond to every flag, usually within 24 hours.
• We ban owners who attempt fraud or who repeatedly violate our no-middleman covenant.
• We display strikes on owner profiles where relevant for transparency.
• We never charge tenants anything, and we never let anyone else charge tenants on our behalf.