Verification Policy

This Verification Policy explains how 254rent verifies users and property listings to maintain platform integrity and user safety.

1. User Verification

1.1 Account Verification

When you create an account, we verify:

• Email Address: We send a verification email to confirm your email address
• Phone Number: We may send an SMS verification code (optional)
• Profile Information: Basic profile information is reviewed for completeness

1.2 Landlord/Agent Verification

For landlords and agents, we may request additional verification:

• Identity Document: National ID, passport, or business registration
• Business License: For real estate agents or property management companies
• Proof of Ownership: Property ownership documents (for property owners)
• Authorization Letter: For agents representing property owners

Verification documents are reviewed by our team and stored securely in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

1.3 Verification Badges

Verified users may receive verification badges indicating:

• ✓ Verified Account: Identity and contact information verified
• ✓ Verified Landlord: Property ownership or authorization confirmed
• ✓ Verified Agent: Real estate license and credentials verified

2. Property Listing Verification

2.1 Basic Verification

All property listings undergo basic verification:

• Listing contains required information (title, description, price, location)
• At least one property photo is provided
• Contact information is valid
• Listing does not contain prohibited content
• Price and details appear reasonable

2.2 Enhanced Verification

Premium listings may receive enhanced verification:

• Property photos are reviewed for authenticity
• Property location is verified (if coordinates provided)
• Landlord's authority to rent is confirmed
• Property details are cross-checked for consistency

2.3 Verified Listing Badge

A "✓ Verified" badge on a listing indicates:

• The listing has passed our verification checks
• The landlord's account is verified
• Basic property information appears legitimate
• No obvious fraud indicators were detected

Important: Verification does NOT guarantee property ownership, condition, or the legitimacy of rental terms. Tenants should always conduct their own due diligence.

3. Verification Limitations

Our verification process has limitations:

• Not a Guarantee: Verification does not guarantee accuracy, ownership, or legitimacy
• No Property Inspection: We do not physically inspect properties
No Legal Verification: We do not verify legal compliance, zoning, or building codes
• Ongoing Monitoring: Verification is performed at listing creation, not continuously
• User Responsibility: Users must verify information independently

4. Verification Process

4.1 Automated Checks

We use automated systems to check for:

• Duplicate listings
• Suspicious patterns or behavior
• Prohibited content or keywords
• Invalid contact information

4.2 Manual Review

Our team manually reviews:

• Verification documents submitted by users
• Reported listings for potential fraud
• High-value or premium listings
• Accounts flagged by automated systems

4.3 Verification Timeline

Verification typically takes:

• Basic Account: Immediate (email verification)
• Property Listing: 1-24 hours for basic verification
• Enhanced Verification: 1-3 business days
• Document Verification: 2-5 business days

5. Verification Failure

If verification fails, we may:

• Request additional information or documents
• Suspend the listing or account pending verification
• Reject the listing or account if verification cannot be completed
• Provide feedback on why verification failed

6. Ongoing Monitoring

We continuously monitor:

• User reports and complaints
• Suspicious activity patterns
• Account behavior and listing updates
• Fraud indicators and red flags

Verification status may be revoked if we discover fraudulent activity or policy violations.

7. User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for:

• Providing accurate information during verification
• Submitting authentic documents
• Keeping verification information up-to-date
• Notifying us of any changes that affect verification status
• Conducting independent verification of other users and listings

8. Contact Us

For verification inquiries, please contact us:

• Email: verification@254rent.com
• Phone: +254 703 922 274
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EAT