Legal

Terms of Service

Last updated: 1 May 2026 · Effective: 1 May 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Hodi Homes mobile application, website at hodihomes.co.ke, and related services (collectively, the "Platform") operated by Hodi Homes Limited ("we," "us," or "our"), a company incorporated in Kenya.

By downloading, registering for, or using the Platform you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

1. The Platform

Hodi Homes is a digital marketplace that connects:

  • Tenants — individuals seeking residential accommodation in Kenya;
  • Landlords — property owners or authorised agents listing vacant residential units; and
  • Mover Companies — vetted moving companies offering relocation services.

We are a technology intermediary, not a party to any rental agreement or moving contract between users. We do not own, manage, or control any listed property.

2. Eligibility & Accounts

2.1 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into binding contracts under Kenyan law to use the Platform. By creating an account you warrant that you meet these requirements.

2.2 Account Registration

You must register with a valid Kenyan mobile phone number in +254 format. We verify phone numbers via one-time SMS codes. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account and for all activity under it. Notify us immediately at hello@hodihomes.co.ke if you suspect unauthorised access.

2.3 One Account per Person

Each person may hold one account. Creating multiple accounts to circumvent bans or restrictions is prohibited and will result in permanent removal from the Platform.

3. Landlord Terms

3.1 Verification

Landlords must complete identity verification (government-issued ID upload and selfie match) before publishing a live listing. Verification is subject to our review process and may be revoked if fraudulent information is discovered.

3.2 Listing Accuracy

You warrant that all information in your listing — including photos, pricing, availability, and property description — is accurate, current, and not misleading. You must not list a property that is not genuinely vacant and available for rent.

3.3 Prohibited Listings

You may not list:

  • Properties you do not own or have express authorisation to list;
  • Properties subject to a legal dispute that would prevent tenancy;
  • Short-term or nightly-rate accommodation (Hodi Homes is for residential leases of one month or longer);
  • Commercial, industrial, or non-residential premises.

3.4 Viewing Management

Landlords are expected to respond to viewing requests within 24 hours. Persistent non-response, repeated no-shows, or confirmed fraudulent listings will result in account suspension.

4. Tenant Terms

4.1 Booking Viewings

When you book a viewing you are making a binding commitment to attend at the agreed time. Please cancel viewings you cannot attend as early as possible through the app. Repeated last-minute cancellations or no-shows may result in restrictions on your ability to book future viewings.

4.2 Rental Agreements

Any tenancy agreement is solely between you and the landlord. Hodi Homes is not a party to that agreement and has no liability arising from it. We strongly recommend you read any tenancy agreement carefully before signing and, where in doubt, seek independent legal advice.

4.3 Due Diligence

While we ID-verify landlords, verification does not constitute our endorsement of any listing or guarantee that the property meets your expectations. You are responsible for conducting your own due diligence before entering into a rental agreement.

5. Moving Services

Moving company bookings made through the Platform are contracts between you and the relevant mover, not Hodi Homes. We facilitate the booking and payment but are not liable for the quality, timeliness, or outcome of any moving service. Any damage claims must be directed to the moving company in the first instance. We may mediate disputes at our discretion but are not obliged to do so.

6. Payments & M-Pesa

All in-app payments are processed via Safaricom M-Pesa using the official Daraja API. By initiating a payment, you authorise us to trigger an M-Pesa STK Push to your registered phone number for the stated amount. Your M-Pesa PIN is processed directly by Safaricom and is never stored by Hodi Homes.

Refunds for mover deposits are subject to each mover's cancellation policy. If a payment is deducted but your booking is not confirmed, contact us within 48 hours at hello@hodihomes.co.ke with your M-Pesa transaction ID.

7. Prohibited Conduct

You must not:

  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent listings or reviews;
  • Use the Platform to harass, threaten, or discriminate against any user;
  • Attempt to circumvent fees by conducting transactions off-platform once introduced by us;
  • Scrape, copy, or reproduce Platform data without our written consent;
  • Impersonate any person or entity, including Hodi Homes staff;
  • Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose under Kenyan law;
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's infrastructure or security.

Violations will result in account suspension or permanent removal without refund of any fees paid.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform — including the Hodi Homes name, logo, software, design, text, and graphics — is owned by or licensed to Hodi Homes Limited and is protected under Kenyan and international copyright and trademark law. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our prior written consent.

When you upload photos or content to the Platform (e.g., listing photos, profile pictures), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to use, display, and distribute that content solely for the purpose of operating the Platform.

9. Privacy

Our collection and use of your personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms. By using the Platform you consent to the data practices described therein, in compliance with the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019.

10. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses. We disclaim all liability for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of any listing posted by third-party landlords.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Kenyan law, Hodi Homes Limited and its directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages — including loss of profits, data, or goodwill — arising from your use of or inability to use the Platform, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Our total aggregate liability for direct claims shall not exceed KES 10,000 or the total amount you paid to us in the 3 months preceding the claim, whichever is lower.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for breach of these Terms, suspected fraud, or where required by law, without prior notice. You may delete your account at any time via the Profile → Settings → Delete Account option in the app.

13. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be notified via push notification or email at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of the Platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

14. Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms shall first be subject to good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, disputes shall be submitted to the courts of Kenya having jurisdiction, specifically the courts of Nairobi.

15. Contact

For legal queries or notices, contact us at: