By Milton Were
A troubling case has emerged involving Ivory Homes Care Limited, a property management agency that has recently come under fire for allegedly withholding deposit refunds from tenants.
Housing Agent Ivory Homes Care Limited Exposed for Withholding Deposits
The complaint, shared by a former tenant of the agency, highlights a growing concern over questionable practices within the Kenyan housing market.
The tenant, who resided in an apartment in Kwa Kairo, Exodus, claims to have adhered to all contractual obligations, including paying rent on time and vacating the one-bedroom unit as stipulated.
However, upon following up on the return of his deposit after the agreed 15-day period, the tenant was informed that a significant portion had been deducted for repainting the apartment.
The tenant, who had lived there for only four months, found the deduction of nearly 9,000 shillings for repainting unjustifiable and unreasonable.
In a statement to Kenya-Today.com, the tenant expressed their frustration, citing the excessive nature of the charges: “They told me to wait 15 days for my deposit.
After complying with their instructions, I was shocked to be told that 9,000 shillings had been deducted for painting costs.
This makes no sense—how can a simple repainting of a one-bedroom apartment cost that much? It was only a four-month stay!”
Unfortunately, this experience seems to be far from isolated. A quick search reveals a disturbing pattern of similar complaints from other former tenants of Ivory Homes Care Limited.
Multiple reviews online suggest that the agency has been accused of overcharging for repairs, withholding deposits, and providing poor customer service. The agency, which operates from Pioneer House on Kenyatta Avenue in Kilifi, has garnered an overwhelmingly negative reputation among renters, many of whom warn others to steer clear of its services.
One tenant shared their experience on social media, urging others to be cautious when dealing with property agents: “I was living in one of their apartments in Kwa Kairo, Exodus. After I vacated the property, I was told to wait for my deposit. After the 15-day waiting period, I was told that nearly 9,000 shillings would be deducted for repainting. I couldn’t understand why, considering I had only lived there for a few months. My research later revealed that I wasn’t the only one facing such issues.”
As the complaints continue to pile up, many are questioning the ethics of property management agencies like Ivory Homes Care Limited. If tenants are forced to deal with exorbitant deductions for minor repairs, or worse, have their deposits outright withheld, it raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness within the sector.
The outcry has led to a broader conversation on the need for stronger regulations in the property management industry. With housing agents operating with little accountability, tenants are increasingly feeling exploited and powerless in these situations. It’s clear that these alleged unethical practices are causing significant harm to individuals simply seeking fair treatment and security in their rented homes.
As the story continues to unfold, many are calling for action to be taken against agencies engaging in such exploitative behavior. For now, potential tenants in Kilifi and beyond are being urged to thoroughly research property management companies before entering into any agreements.
In a time when housing should provide safety and security, it’s disheartening to see these agencies tarnish the trust of the very people they are meant to serve. Whether this case will spark change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle for tenants’ rights is far from over.
Stay tuned to Kenya-Today.com for updates on this developing story.
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