Disclaimer & Safety Guidelines

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Important Safety Notice

Your safety is paramount. Please read these guidelines carefully before conducting property viewings or making any payments. RentMata provides a platform to connect users but cannot guarantee the safety of in-person interactions or financial transactions conducted outside our platform.

General Disclaimer

RentMata is a technology platform that connects property owners (Landlords) with prospective tenants (Tenants). While we strive to verify users and listings on our platform, RentMata does not own, manage, or control any properties listed. We are not a real estate agency, broker, or property management company.

All information provided on the Platform, including property listings, user profiles, and verification results, is provided "as is" without any warranties of accuracy, completeness, or reliability. Users are strongly encouraged to conduct their own independent verification and due diligence before entering into any agreements or making any payments.

🏠 Property Inspection Safety Guidelines

When scheduling and attending property viewings, please follow these safety precautions:

Before the Viewing

Verify the Landlord's identity - Confirm that the person you are meeting is the actual property owner or authorized agent. Request identification documents and cross-check with property ownership records where possible.
Research the property address - Verify the property exists at the stated address using online maps or by driving by beforehand.
Inform someone of your plans - Always tell a friend, family member, or colleague where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to return.
Schedule viewings during daylight hours - Avoid evening or nighttime viewings, especially for first visits to unfamiliar areas.
Communicate through the platform - Keep initial communications within the RentMata messaging system for your records.

During the Viewing

Never go alone - Bring a friend, family member, or trusted person to all property viewings.
Meet in public first - Consider meeting the Landlord in a public place before proceeding to the property.
Keep your phone charged and accessible - Ensure your phone has sufficient battery and is easily reachable.
Share your live location - Use your phone's location sharing feature with a trusted contact.
Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong or unsafe, leave immediately. Your safety is more important than any property.
Do not enter isolated or poorly lit properties - Be cautious of properties in remote areas or buildings with no other occupants.
Inspect the property thoroughly - Check all rooms, utilities, safety features, and the surrounding neighborhood.

After the Viewing

Document everything - Take photos and notes of the property condition.
Verify property ownership - Before making any commitment, verify the landlord's ownership through official channels (land registry, property documents).
Request written agreements - Ensure all terms are documented in writing before making any payments.
Take time to decide - Be wary of landlords who pressure you into making immediate decisions or payments.

💳 Payment Safety Guidelines

Protect yourself from fraud by following these payment safety guidelines:

⚠️ Critical Payment Warnings

NEVER pay rent or deposits before physically viewing the property
NEVER send money to accounts that do not match the landlord's verified identity
NEVER pay via untraceable methods (gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash to unknown persons)
NEVER pay the full rent upfront - Be suspicious of requests for multiple years of rent in advance
BEWARE of deals that seem too good to be true - Significantly below-market prices are often scam indicators

Verify Before You Pay

Confirm account ownership - Ensure the bank account name matches the landlord's name or registered business name. Ask for a bank statement or account verification if necessary.
Request official receipts - Always obtain official receipts for every payment made.
Verify property ownership documents - Request and verify the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, or Governor's Consent as applicable.
Use bank transfers - Prefer traceable payment methods such as bank transfers that create a record of the transaction.
Keep all payment records - Save screenshots, transfer receipts, and any written confirmation of payments.
Verify the property is not already occupied - Confirm the property is vacant or will be vacated before making payment.

Red Flags to Watch For

Landlord refuses to meet in person or show the property
Requests for payment before viewing
Unusually low rental prices compared to similar properties in the area
Pressure to pay immediately or lose the property
Bank account name does not match the landlord's name
Landlord claims to be abroad and cannot show the property
Request to pay through unofficial channels or to third parties
Incomplete or suspicious property documents
Landlord avoids questions about property ownership
Multiple listings with the same photos at different prices or locations

📋 Recommended Verification Steps

Before finalizing any rental agreement, we recommend the following verification steps:

Verify Landlord Identity - Confirm the landlord's identity matches their NIN or other government-issued ID.
Verify Property Ownership - Request and verify property ownership documents with the appropriate land registry.
Physical Inspection - Visit the property in person, ideally multiple times and at different times of day.
Neighborhood Check - Speak with neighbors or local residents about the property and landlord.
Written Agreement - Ensure all terms, conditions, and payments are documented in a proper tenancy agreement.
Legal Review - Consider having the rental agreement reviewed by a legal professional.
Payment Verification - Confirm bank account details match the landlord's verified identity before making payment.

Limitation of Liability

RentMata provides this platform as a service to connect users. While we implement verification measures, we cannot guarantee:

The accuracy or authenticity of any listing or user information
The safety of in-person interactions between users
The security of financial transactions conducted between users
The quality, condition, or legal status of any property
The honesty, reliability, or conduct of any user

By using the RentMata platform, you acknowledge and accept that you are solely responsible for your own safety and for conducting appropriate due diligence before entering into any rental agreement or making any payment. RentMata shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, injury, or harm arising from interactions between users or from any rental transaction.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

If you encounter any suspicious activity, fraudulent listings, or safety concerns, please report them immediately:

Email: support@rentmata.com
Use the "Report Listing" feature within the app
Contact local law enforcement if you have been a victim of fraud or feel unsafe

Related Policies

Please also review our other policies for complete information about using RentMata:

Remember: Your safety is your responsibility. RentMata provides tools and information to help you make informed decisions, but we cannot replace your own judgment and due diligence. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and prioritize your safety above all else.