Safety First: Don’t Get Burned on Your First Property Viewing
That first property viewing is exciting.
Your mind is already racing:
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“This could be the one…”
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“Imagine the rental income…”
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“I can already see the listing photos!”
But here’s the truth:
Property viewings are where beginners get emotional… and professionals get careful.
Because what you don’t notice during the viewing can turn a “great deal” into a very expensive regret.
Whether you’re doing buy-to-let, rent-to-rent, or any other lettings strategy, this isn’t a casual tour.
This is a business inspection — with profit on the line.
Let’s make sure you walk out with clarity, not just hope.
1. Never Go Alone (Seriously)
One of the biggest rookie mistakes is scouting a property solo.
Bring someone with you:
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a trusted contractor
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a business partner
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a sensible friend with sharp eyes
Why?
Because while you’re imagining tenant demand, they’ll notice:
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damp patches
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dodgy wiring
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cracks you missed
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repair costs hiding in plain sight
Two pairs of eyes = fewer nasty surprises.
And honestly… it’s also safer.
2. Do Your Homework Before You Even Step Inside
Before you visit, do a little market detective work.
Check the Real Rental Value (Not Just Talk)
Don’t rely on what someone claims it can rent for.
Check what similar properties are actually going for through:
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local classifieds like Jiji (where available)
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trusted property agents who know the street-level prices
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community housing circles and everyday networks
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word-of-mouth referrals
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neighbourhood knowledge — the people who live there
Property here doesn’t move through fancy platforms.
It moves through people, trust, and everyday communication.
Until better systems exist, we use what works.
Ask: Why Is It Available?
A motivated landlord can mean opportunity…
But desperation can also mean hidden problems.
Ask gently:
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“How long has it been empty?”
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“What kind of tenant did you have before?”
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“Why are you renting it out now?”
You’ll learn a lot from the answers.
Location Matters More Than Paint
Use maps, yes — but also do the real test:
Walk the area.
Ask yourself:
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Is it close to transport routes?
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Are shops, schools, or workplaces nearby?
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Is the road usable in rainy season?
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Does the neighbourhood feel safe at night?
Tenants don’t rent walls…
They rent convenience.
3. Walk Through Like an Investor, Not a Guest
When you enter, don’t admire the curtains.
Inspect the bones.
Look Past the Surface
Fresh paint is cheap.
Structural problems are not.
Check:
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cracks (hairline or serious?)
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ceilings for water stains
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uneven floors
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doors that don’t close properly
If the property feels “off”… trust that.
4. Check the Systems (This Is Where Money Disappears)
The biggest profit killers are hidden in the basics.
Water
Turn on multiple taps at once.
Check:
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pressure
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drainage
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water source (municipal or borehole?)
Water problems become tenant complaints fast.
Electricity
Look at the fuse box.
Is it modern… or ancient?
Ask about:
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prepaid meters
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backup power options
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wiring safety
Electrical upgrades are not small expenses.
Damp and Ventilation
Trust your nose.
If it smells musty, investigate.
Check:
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corners
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under sinks
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behind cupboards
Damp is expensive — and unhealthy.
5. Think About Your Strategy
Every viewing should match your business model.
For Buy-to-Let
Ask:
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Is the layout practical?
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Is it low-maintenance?
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Will good tenants want this?
For Rent-to-Rent or Multi-Let
Ask:
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Can rooms be configured properly?
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Are there enough bathrooms?
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Can tenants live comfortably without chaos?
Take measurements. Photograph everything.
Your future self will thank you.
6. Safety and Compliance Are Non-Negotiable
This isn’t optional.
You are responsible for tenant safety.
Check:
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smoke detectors
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safe exits
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stair railings
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balcony security
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gas cylinder placement
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window bars (are they a fire trap?)
Document every issue.
These become:
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negotiation points
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budget items
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or deal-breakers
7. Pay Attention to the Landlord Relationship
You’re not just renting bricks.
You’re entering a partnership.
Ask yourself:
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Are they honest?
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Do they communicate clearly?
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Do they seem reasonable?
If they’re difficult during the viewing…
They won’t become easier later.
8. Don’t Fall for Pressure
You will hear things like:
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“Someone else is coming tomorrow…”
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“This price won’t last…”
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“You need to decide today…”
Relax.
Urgency is a sales tactic.
Your power is simple:
You can walk away.
Run the numbers calmly after the viewing.
If the deal works with real costs included, proceed.
If not?
There is always another property.
9. Trust Your Gut (It Counts as Data)
Sometimes something feels wrong:
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a strange neighbour
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awkward access
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evasive answers
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a weird vibe
Even if you can’t explain it…
Listen.
Your instincts are part of due diligence.
✅ Quick Property Viewing Checklist (Don’t Skip This)
Before you leave any viewing, pause and run through this quick list:
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Did I check water pressure and drainage?
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Did I look for damp, mould, or hidden wall damage?
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Did I inspect ceilings for stains or leaks?
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Did I check the electrics and meter setup?
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Did I walk the area and test the neighbourhood vibe?
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Did I spot any safety risks (stairs, exits, balconies)?
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Did I take photos and measurements?
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Did I feel pressured to decide too fast?
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Do the numbers still work after real repair costs?
Nyota Rule:
If something feels off, step back. There will always be another deal.
📌 Want the printable version? Download the full Property Viewing Checklist PDF at NyotaLiving.com.
10. After the Viewing: Do a Quick Debrief
Right after, sit down and ask:
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What did we notice?
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What repairs are needed?
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What will it really cost?
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Do the numbers still work?
That’s how you turn a viewing into a business decision.
Not a gamble.
Final Thought
Your first property viewing is where you separate:
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assets from liabilities
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real deals from expensive mistakes
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excitement from strategy
Inspect with care. Decide with calm.
And remember:
A good investor doesn’t rush.
A smart investor doesn’t guess.
A Nyota investor doesn’t get burned.
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For more beginner-friendly strategies on building a profitable lettings business, stay connected with NyotaLiving.com.