Protect Your Investment with Professional Tenant Vetting & Tracing

A professional landlord tenant investigation is your first line of defense against problematic tenancies and financial loss. For property owners in Nairobi, particularly around the CBD, verifying a potential tenant's background or locating one who has absconded with rent arrears is a critical task. Swipe Recoveries Experts Ltd, conveniently located at International Life House on Mama Ngina Street, provides two core services: comprehensive pre-tenancy screening to ensure you onboard reliable occupants, and discreet post-tenancy skip tracing to locate tenants who have disappeared. Our investigative services are designed to give landlords peace of mind, mitigate risks, and provide the necessary information to take legal action or recover assets. We operate with strict adherence to Kenyan law, ensuring all intelligence is gathered ethically and legally.

Compliance and Legal Considerations in Tenant Investigations

All landlord tenant investigations in Kenya must be conducted within the bounds of the law. The Data Protection Act, 2019 is a key piece of legislation that governs how personal data is collected, processed, and stored. For pre-tenancy screening, it is mandatory to obtain explicit, written consent from the prospective tenant before conducting background or credit checks. Our application and consent forms are drafted to be fully compliant with this Act.

When investigating an absconded tenant (skip tracing), the legal basis shifts. The existing tenancy agreement, which establishes a commercial relationship and a debt, provides the legal standing for the investigation. Our activities are aimed at locating the debtor to serve them with demand notices or court summons, a legitimate interest under the law. We are well-versed in the procedures outlined in The Landlord and Tenant (Shops, Hotels and Catering Establishments) Act (Cap 301) for commercial properties and the Rent Restriction Act (Cap 296) for residential tenancies, ensuring our findings can be used to support further action, such as filing a claim at the Business Premises Rent Tribunal or the courts.

Landlord tenant investigation
Swipe Recoveries Experts Ltd

Our Investigation Methods: Screening vs. Skip Tracing

Our approach is tailored to the specific need of the landlord. We offer two distinct investigative services:

1. Pre-Tenancy Screening: This is a preventative measure. Upon receiving the prospective tenant's consent and details, our team conducts a multi-point verification process. This includes:

Identity Verification: Confirming the validity of National ID or Passport.
Employment & Income Check: Contacting the stated employer to verify employment status and stability.
Reference Checks: Speaking with previous landlords and personal referees.
Credit History Review (with consent): Assessing creditworthiness through licensed Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs).
Public Record Search: Checking for any adverse records, such as prior litigation or criminal history.

2. Post-Tenancy Skip Tracing: This is a reactive measure for locating absconded tenants. Our skip tracers use a combination of digital and physical techniques, including database analysis (e.g., utility records, public registers), social media intelligence, and discreet field inquiries in the tenant's last known neighbourhood to establish their new location or place of work. The goal is to obtain a current address for service of legal documents.

Investigation Costs and Requirements in Nairobi (KES)

A professional investigator reviewing tenant application documents in an office on Mama Ngina Street, Nairobi.

We offer clear, fixed-fee pricing for our investigative services to ensure you can budget effectively. Our rates are competitive for the Nairobi market and reflect the depth of our inquiries.

For Pre-Tenancy Screening, we offer tiered packages:

Basic Screening: (ID & Reference Check) - Approx. KES 5,000
Standard Screening: (Basic + Employment Verification) - Approx. KES 8,500
Comprehensive Screening: (Standard + Credit Check & Public Records) - Approx. KES 12,000

For Skip Tracing Services, the fee structure is typically a combination of a non-refundable retainer and a success fee. The retainer, starting from KES 20,000, covers the initial investigative work and man-hours. A success fee, often a percentage of the recovered debt or a fixed amount, is charged only upon the successful location of the individual. This model ensures we are motivated to deliver a positive result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to perform a background check on a potential tenant in Kenya?
Yes, it is legal, provided you obtain clear, written consent from the applicant before conducting the check. The Data Protection Act, 2019, requires transparency and a lawful basis for processing personal data. Our consent forms are designed to meet these legal requirements, protecting you as the landlord.
What information do I need to provide to start a skip trace on a former tenant?
To begin a skip trace, you should provide as much information as possible. This includes the tenant's full name, ID number, last known address (your property), phone numbers, email, next of kin details, and place of work if known. A copy of the lease agreement and application form is also extremely helpful.
I own a property near Mama Ngina Street. How quickly can I get a tenant screening report from you?
Given our office is located right at International Life House on Mama Ngina Street, we are perfectly positioned to serve landlords in the Nairobi CBD. For basic screening, we can often provide a report within 24-48 hours. Comprehensive reports may take 3-5 business days, depending on the responsiveness of employers and referees. Our proximity ensures you can easily drop off documents and consult with us in person.