Safety Tips & Guidelines
Your safety and security are our top priority. Follow these essential guidelines for a safe, scam-free rental experience — whether you're a tenant or a landlord.
Personal Safety
Stay safe during viewings, meetings, and property handovers
Online Security
Protect your account, data, and personal documents
Scam Prevention
Identify red flags and avoid fraudulent listings
Property Standards
Ensure your rental meets legal safety requirements
Personal Safety Guidelines
Take these steps every time you view a property or meet with a landlord.
Property Viewings
- Always inform someone of your viewing schedule and address
- Visit properties during daylight hours whenever possible
- Bring a friend or family member with you
- Meet the landlord or agent in a public place first
- Verify the identity of the person showing the property
- Trust your instincts — leave immediately if anything feels wrong
- Keep your phone charged and accessible at all times
Pro tip: Group viewings close together in the same area — it's safer and saves time.
Meeting Landlords
- Verify landlord identity through official documents
- Hold initial discussions in public places
- Confirm they own or are authorised to let the property
- Be wary of overly pushy or unusually urgent behaviour
- Never provide personal documents until identity is confirmed
- Avoid cash — use traceable, secure payment methods
- Get every agreement confirmed in writing
Red flag: Anyone demanding money before showing proper credentials or proof of ownership.
Online Security Best Practices
Keep your account, communications, and documents safe on our platform.
- Use a strong, unique password for your RentSmart account
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) when available
- Update your password and security questions regularly
- Always log out from shared or public computers
- Monitor your account for any unauthorised activity
- Never share your login credentials with anyone
- Use RentSmart's messaging system for all property communications
- Keep records of all conversations and agreements
- Be cautious about sharing personal information too quickly
- Report inappropriate or suspicious messages immediately
- Avoid moving conversations off the platform prematurely
- Never click suspicious or unrecognised links in messages
- If possible avoid sharing sensitive information with people you ave not met.
- Report any unauthorised document requests
- Keep backup copies of all important documents
Rental Scam Prevention
Know what to look for and how to protect yourself.
Common Warning Signs
Urgent payment demandsPressure to send money immediately to "secure" the property without viewing it
No in-person meetingsRefusal to meet in person or allow a physical viewing of the property
Prices too good to be trueRental price is significantly below the market rate for the area
Evasive communicationGeneric responses, poor grammar, or avoidance of direct questions
Untraceable payment requestsInsisting on wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
Never send money for a property you haven't visited in person with proof of ownership confirmed.
Verification Steps
- Research the property address on Google Maps and online listings
- Verify property ownership through public records
- Check the landlord's identity and credentials in person
- Compare the price with similar properties in the area
- Reverse-search property photos to check for duplicates
- Visit and inspect the property before paying anything
- Use secure, traceable payment methods only
Remember: Legitimate landlords will never pressure you to rush. Verification is always welcome.
!
If You Suspect a Scam — Act Immediately
Stop all communication, document everything, and report to the authorities. Do not send any money.
- Stop all communication immediately
- Screenshot and document everything
- Report to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
- Report the listing on RentSmart
- Do not send any money
Property Safety Standards
What every tenant, landlord, and occupant should know.
Safety Checklist During Viewing
- Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are present and working
- Test all locks on doors and windows
- Look for adequate lighting in common areas and entrances
- Identify fire escape routes and emergency exits
- Inspect for mold, water damage, or structural defects
- Ensure proper ventilation in all rooms
- Ask about building security measures and access control
Legal Safety Requirements
- Ensure all electrical work meets the applicable safety code
- Address water damage and mold problems promptly
- Provide secure locks, deadbolts, and entry systems
- Maintain exterior lighting and all common pathways
Both Parties Should
- Know the location of all utility shutoffs (water, gas, electricity)
- Share and keep up-to-date emergency contact information
- Understand and rehearse the building's evacuation procedure
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible and serviced
- Maintain a well-stocked first-aid kit on the premises
- Prepare a plan for natural disasters relevant to the area
- Review insurance coverage annually and keep policies current
Spotted Something Suspicious?
Report safety issues, suspicious listings, or fraudulent activity immediately. Our team monitors every report and acts fast.