Terms of Service

Effective Date: 31 July 2026

Last Updated: 31 July 2026

Legal Entity: Makao Hive

1. Introduction

Welcome to Makao Hive ("Makao Hive", "we", "our", or "us").

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Makao Hive websites, mobile applications, administrative platforms, APIs, and any related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By creating an account, accessing, browsing, or otherwise using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms together with our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Payment Terms, and any additional policies incorporated by reference.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

2. About the Platform

Makao Hive operates a technology platform focused on helping individuals discover, verify, view, lease, and manage residential rental properties within Kenya.

Unlike traditional classifieds platforms, Makao Hive places significant emphasis on physical verification of properties before they are published as verified listings.

The Platform may include services such as:

• Verified property listings
• Residential unit listings
• Property verification services
• Guided property viewing tours
• Rental application management
• Electronic lease generation and signing
• Educational blogs and neighbourhood guides
• AI-assisted content generation
• Property management tools
• Administrative tools for managers and staff
• Public APIs and integrations where available

Availability of individual features may change over time.

3. Acceptance of these Terms

By using the Platform you confirm that:

• you have legal capacity to enter into legally binding agreements;
• you are at least eighteen (18) years old or otherwise legally capable under the laws of Kenya;
• the information you provide is accurate;
• you will comply with all applicable laws and regulations;
• you accept these Terms in full.

If you use the Platform on behalf of a company, partnership, landlord, property management company or other legal entity, you confirm that you have authority to bind that entity to these Terms.

4. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms:

Account means a registered Platform account.

Application means a rental application submitted through the Platform.

Content means all text, photographs, videos, documents, floor plans, logos, graphics, software, databases, metadata and other information available through the Platform.

Guide means an individual approved by Makao Hive to facilitate property viewing tours.

Landlord means the owner of a property or a person legally authorized to lease that property.

Manager means a verified property manager, management company or authorized representative responsible for managing one or more listings.

Platform means every website, mobile application, administrative portal, API and software operated by Makao Hive.

Property means a residential building or development listed on the Platform.

Unit means an individual rentable home, apartment, bedsitter, studio, townhouse or other residential space within a Property.

Verification means the inspection process conducted by Makao Hive or its authorized personnel.

Verified Listing means a listing that has successfully completed Makao Hive' verification process.

Viewing Tour means an organized visit to one or more properties coordinated through the Platform.

5. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time.

Where changes are material, we may notify users through:

• email;
• notifications within the Platform;
• publication on our website; or
• any other reasonable communication method.

The revised Terms become effective on the stated Effective Date unless otherwise specified.

Continued use of the Platform after updated Terms become effective constitutes acceptance of those changes.

6. User Accounts

Certain Platform functionality requires registration.

You agree to:

• provide complete and accurate information;
• maintain current account information;
• keep your password confidential;
• maintain the security of your account;
• promptly notify us of unauthorized access.

You remain responsible for activities carried out under your account unless caused by our negligence.

We reserve the right to suspend accounts that:

• contain inaccurate information;
• impersonate another person;
• violate these Terms;
• present security risks;
• are used fraudulently.

7. Authentication and Security

The Platform may use one or more authentication methods including:

• passwords;
• one-time passwords (OTP);
• email verification;
• SMS verification;
• authenticator applications;
• multi-factor authentication;
• device verification.

You agree not to:

• bypass authentication systems;
• share authentication credentials;
• attempt unauthorized access;
• interfere with security controls.

Unauthorized attempts to access the Platform may result in immediate suspension and may be reported to relevant authorities.

8. User Roles

Depending on your permissions, you may access one or more Platform roles.

8.1 Renters

Renters may:

• browse listings;
• save listings;
• request viewing tours;
• submit rental applications;
• communicate with managers;
• receive lease offers;
• sign electronic leases;
• access educational content.

8.2 Guests

Guests may browse publicly available information without creating an account.

Certain functionality may require registration.

8.3 Property Managers

Managers may:

• create property listings;
• manage units;
• upload media;
• request verification;
• review applications;
• issue lease offers;
• manage property information;
• communicate with applicants.

Managers are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted remains accurate and current.

8.4 Landlords

Landlords using the Platform remain solely responsible for:

• ownership rights;
• authority to lease;
• pricing decisions;
• tenancy decisions;
• compliance with Kenyan law.

Nothing in these Terms transfers those responsibilities to Makao Hive.

8.5 Viewing Guides

Viewing Guides are independent contractors unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Guides facilitate viewing tours coordinated through the Platform.

Guides are not employees of Makao Hive solely by virtue of using the Platform.

Additional Guide Terms may apply.

8.6 Publishers

Publishers may manage:

• blog content;
• neighbourhood guides;
• educational resources;
• editorial material.

8.7 Verifiers

Authorized Verifiers perform physical inspections in accordance with Makao Hive verification procedures.

Verification findings are recorded using standardized checklists.

8.8 Administrators

Administrators may:

• moderate content;
• manage users;
• approve verification requests;
• review listings;
• investigate misuse;
• manage operational settings.

Administrative actions are logged for security and audit purposes.

9. Availability of Services

We aim to provide reliable services but do not guarantee uninterrupted availability.

The Platform may occasionally be unavailable because of:

• scheduled maintenance;
• security updates;
• infrastructure failures;
• internet outages;
• third-party service interruptions;
• force majeure events.

We reserve the right to modify, discontinue or replace Platform functionality at any time.

10. Communications

By creating an account you agree that Makao Hive may send communications relating to your use of the Platform including:

• account verification;
• login alerts;
• security notifications;
• viewing reminders;
• application updates;
• lease notifications;
• payment confirmations;
• customer support responses.

Marketing communications are governed separately under our Marketing Communications Policy and applicable Kenyan law.

11. Relationship of the Parties

Makao Hive provides technology services that facilitate interactions between renters, landlords, property managers, viewing guides and other users.

Unless expressly stated otherwise:

• Makao Hive is not the landlord.
• Makao Hive is not a party to residential tenancy agreements.
• Makao Hive does not guarantee that any tenancy application will be accepted.
• Makao Hive does not guarantee that a listed property will remain available.

The Platform acts as a facilitator of property discovery and related services.

12. Contact Information

Makao Hive

Legal enquiries: legal@makaohomes.co.ke

General support: info@makaohomes.co.ke

Public website:

https://rentals.makaohomes.co.ke

Admin console:

https://management.makaohomes.co.ke

13. Listings and Property Information

Makao Hive provides a platform through which verified property managers and landlords may publish residential property listings.

Listings may include:

• Property details;
• Unit specifications;
• Rental pricing;
• Images;
• Walkthrough videos;
• Floor plans where available;
• Amenities;
• Verification summaries;
• Availability information;
• Lease information;
• Nearby points of interest.

While Makao Hive reviews verified listings through its verification process, property information may change after publication.

Users should review all information carefully before making rental decisions.

14. Listing Accuracy

Property Managers and Landlords are solely responsible for ensuring that listings remain accurate.

They agree to:

• provide truthful information;
• upload authentic photographs;
• disclose known material defects;
• update rental prices promptly;
• remove unavailable units;
• notify Makao Hive of material changes.

Material changes include, but are not limited to:

• rent adjustments;
• occupancy changes;
• renovations;
• changes to utilities;
• removal of amenities;
• internet availability changes;
• water supply changes;
• security changes.

Failure to maintain accurate listings may result in:

• listing suspension;
• verification revocation;
• account suspension;
• permanent removal from the Platform.

15. Property Verification

Verification is one of the core services provided by Makao Hive.

Verification is intended to improve transparency by documenting observable property conditions at the time of inspection.

Verification may include inspection of:

• property location;
• building exterior;
• common areas;
• individual units;
• utilities;
• water availability;
• electricity;
• internet providers;
• road accessibility;
• parking;
• security features;
• amenities;
• photographs;
• walkthrough videos;
• documentation supplied by the manager.

Verification procedures may evolve over time.

Makao Hive reserves the right to modify verification standards without prior notice.

16. Verification Disclaimer

A verification badge indicates only that the property was inspected by Makao Hive in accordance with its verification procedures at the date of inspection.

Verification is not:

• a structural engineering report;
• a valuation;
• a building compliance certificate;
• a guarantee of future property condition;
• a guarantee of landlord conduct;
• a guarantee of tenancy approval;
• a guarantee that utilities will remain available.

Property conditions may change after inspection.

Examples include:

• renovations;
• water interruptions;
• security incidents;
• changes in management;
• changes in neighbouring developments;
• internet provider changes;
• infrastructure works.

Users should perform their own due diligence before entering into tenancy agreements.

17. Verification Status

Makao Hive may assign statuses including:

• Verified;
• Verification Pending;
• Verification Scheduled;
• Verification Expired;
• Verification Suspended;
• Verification Revoked.

Makao Hive may revoke or suspend verification where:

• material changes occur;
• misleading information is discovered;
• fraud is suspected;
• access to the property is denied;
• the listing no longer reflects observed conditions.

Verification status may change without prior notice.

18. Property Media

Listings may include:

• photographs;
• walkthrough videos;
• floor plans;
• verification images;
• documents;
• maps;
• diagrams;
• virtual media.

Media may be supplied by:

• Makao Hive;
• Property Managers;
• Landlords;
• authorized photographers.

Users may not:

• remove watermarks;
• falsely represent media ownership;
• reuse verification reports;
• commercially redistribute media without permission.

19. Intellectual Property in Verification Materials

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all verification reports, verification summaries, professional photographs, walkthrough videos, inspection notes, graphics and other materials produced by Makao Hive remain the intellectual property of Makao Hive.

Publication of such materials on the Platform does not transfer ownership to:

• landlords;
• property managers;
• renters;
• third parties.

Limited viewing rights are granted solely for lawful personal use of the Platform.

20. Viewing Tours

The Platform may allow users to request guided property viewing tours.

Viewing tours may involve:

• one property;
• multiple properties;
• scheduled routes;
• assigned Guides.

Viewing tour availability depends upon:

• Guide availability;
• property availability;
• manager confirmation;
• operational capacity.

Makao Hive does not guarantee that every requested viewing can be accommodated.

21. Viewing Tour Fees

Certain viewing tours may require payment of a Platform fee before confirmation.

Viewing fees:

• are Platform service fees;
• are separate from rent;
• do not constitute tenancy deposits;
• do not reserve a property;
• do not guarantee acceptance of a rental application.

Payment methods may include approved M-Pesa payment channels or other supported payment methods.

Applicable fees are displayed before payment confirmation.

22. Viewing Tour Changes

Viewing tours may be:

• rescheduled;
• cancelled;
• modified;
• reassigned.

Reasons may include:

• Guide illness;
• landlord availability;
• weather;
• security concerns;
• operational issues;
• emergencies.

Where reasonably possible, Makao Hive will notify affected users promptly.

23. Rental Applications

The Platform may enable users to submit rental applications electronically.

Submission of an application does not guarantee:

• an interview;
• a viewing;
• acceptance;
• a lease offer.

Property Managers and Landlords retain sole discretion over tenancy decisions.

Makao Hive does not participate in tenant selection except by providing technological tools.

24. Electronic Leases

Where available, the Platform may facilitate preparation and electronic signing of tenancy documents.

Electronic signatures may be legally binding under applicable Kenyan law.

Users are responsible for reviewing lease documents carefully before signing.

Makao Hive does not provide legal advice regarding lease terms.

25. Payments

Makao Hive may collect Platform fees relating to services offered through the Platform.

Unless expressly stated otherwise:

• rent is paid directly to the Landlord or Property Manager;
• security deposits are paid directly to the Landlord or Property Manager;
• Makao Hive does not hold rent in escrow;
• Makao Hive does not act as trustee for tenancy funds.

Separate Payment Terms form part of these Terms and govern payment processing, refunds and related matters.

26. Refunds

Refunds relating to Platform fees are governed by the Payment Terms.

Approval of refunds may depend upon:

• payment provider records;
• transaction status;
• fraud investigations;
• operational review.

Processing times may vary depending on the payment provider.

27. Third-Party Services

The Platform integrates with third-party providers including payment processors, mapping providers, communication providers, cloud hosting providers and artificial intelligence providers.

Makao Hive is not responsible for outages, delays or failures caused by third-party services beyond its reasonable control.

Use of third-party services may also be subject to those providers' own terms and privacy policies.

28. Artificial Intelligence Services

The Platform may use artificial intelligence ("AI") technologies to assist in generating or improving content and operational workflows.

AI-assisted features may include, but are not limited to:

• property descriptions;
• neighbourhood guides;
• blog articles;
• social media content;
• listing summaries;
• verification summaries;
• search assistance;
• translation;
• administrative productivity tools.

Some AI-generated content may be reviewed by Makao Hive before publication, while other AI-assisted outputs may be generated automatically depending on the feature.

29. AI Disclaimer

Artificial intelligence may occasionally generate inaccurate, incomplete or outdated information.

Users acknowledge that:

• AI outputs are provided for informational purposes only;
• AI-generated content should not be interpreted as legal, engineering, financial or professional advice;
• important decisions should not rely solely on AI-generated content;
• users remain responsible for verifying material information independently.

Makao Hive reserves the right to modify, suspend or discontinue AI-powered functionality at any time.

30. User Content

Users may upload or submit content through the Platform, including:

• property descriptions;
• photographs;
• videos;
• floor plans;
• verification requests;
• rental applications;
• lease information;
• support requests;
• feedback;
• blog comments where available;
• communications with managers or guides.

Users remain responsible for all content they submit.

31. User Representations

By submitting content to the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

• you own the content or have authority to submit it;
• the content does not infringe intellectual property rights;
• the content is accurate to the best of your knowledge;
• submission does not violate any law;
• submission does not violate any contractual obligation.

You agree to indemnify Makao Hive against claims arising from content you submit in breach of these Terms.

32. Licence Granted to Makao Hive

By uploading content to the Platform, you grant Makao Hive a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to:

• host;
• reproduce;
• display;
• publish;
• distribute;
• process;
• adapt;
• resize;
• compress;
• translate;
• archive;

such content solely for the purposes of operating, securing, improving and promoting the Platform.

This licence ends when the content is permanently removed from our systems, except where retention is required by law, contractual obligations, dispute resolution, backup procedures or legitimate business purposes.

33. Prohibited Content

Users must not upload content that:

• is false or misleading;
• promotes fraud;
• infringes copyright;
• infringes trademarks;
• violates privacy rights;
• contains malware;
• promotes discrimination;
• promotes violence;
• contains unlawful material;
• impersonates another person;
• contains unsolicited advertising;
• misrepresents verification status.

Makao Hive may remove prohibited content without prior notice.

34. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, all Platform intellectual property belongs to Makao Hive or its licensors.

This includes:

• software;
• databases;
• logos;
• trademarks;
• branding;
• verification methodologies;
• verification reports;
• inspection checklists;
• source code;
• APIs;
• documentation;
• educational materials;
• blog articles;
• original photography;
• walkthrough videos;
• maps;
• designs;
• user interface elements.

No ownership rights are transferred through use of the Platform.

35. Limited Licence

Subject to these Terms, Makao Hive grants users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable and revocable licence to access and use the Platform solely for its intended purposes.

Users may not:

• reverse engineer;
• copy Platform software;
• scrape listings at scale;
• reproduce verification reports;
• remove copyright notices;
• create competing databases using Platform content;
• circumvent security measures;
• interfere with Platform operations.

36. Educational Content

The Platform may publish educational resources including:

• blogs;
• neighbourhood guides;
• rental advice;
• verification guides;
• moving guides;
• tenancy information;
• market insights.

Educational content is provided for general informational purposes only.

It should not be interpreted as legal, financial, engineering or investment advice.

Users should obtain professional advice where appropriate.

37. Blog Feedback

The Platform may provide optional mechanisms allowing users to indicate whether an article was helpful.

Feedback may include:

• helpfulness ratings;
• optional written comments;
• article identifiers;
• coarse traffic source categories;
• whether the user was signed in.

Users should not include confidential, financial or sensitive personal information within free-text feedback fields.

Feedback submitted through the Platform may be reviewed by Makao Hive for purposes including:

• improving educational content;
• identifying knowledge gaps;
• correcting inaccurate information;
• improving user experience.

38. Community Standards

Users agree to interact respectfully with:

• landlords;
• property managers;
• guides;
• administrators;
• verifiers;
• publishers;
• other users.

Harassment, threats, discrimination, abusive conduct or intimidation will not be tolerated.

39. Acceptable Use

Users must not:

• use the Platform for unlawful purposes;
• create fake accounts;
• submit fraudulent applications;
• misrepresent ownership;
• impersonate another person;
• interfere with verification activities;
• attempt unauthorized access;
• upload malicious software;
• automate excessive requests;
• scrape Platform data;
• overload infrastructure;
• distribute spam;
• manipulate Platform metrics;
• interfere with viewing tours;
• misuse AI features.

Violation may result in immediate suspension.

40. Fraud Prevention

Makao Hive reserves the right to investigate suspected fraud.

This may include:

• reviewing account activity;
• verifying identity;
• requesting additional documentation;
• suspending transactions;
• removing listings;
• reporting suspected criminal activity to relevant authorities.

Users agree to cooperate with reasonable fraud prevention measures.

41. Privacy

Collection and processing of personal data is governed by the Privacy Policy.

By using the Platform, users acknowledge that personal information may be processed for purposes including:

• account management;
• property verification;
• viewing tours;
• communications;
• payment processing;
• security;
• fraud prevention;
• customer support;
• legal compliance;
• service improvement.

42. Cookies

Use of cookies and similar technologies is governed by the Cookie Policy.

Users may manage cookie preferences in accordance with that Policy, subject to the understanding that certain essential cookies are required for the proper operation of the Platform.

43. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services.

Makao Hive does not control those services and is not responsible for:

• their availability;
• their accuracy;
• their security;
• their privacy practices;
• their content.

Accessing third-party services is at the user's own risk.

44. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided on an "as available" and "as is" basis, subject to applicable law.

To the fullest extent permitted under the laws of Kenya, Makao Hive makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding:

• uninterrupted availability of the Platform;
• accuracy of third-party information;
• suitability of a property for any particular purpose;
• future availability of any listed property;
• future rental pricing;
• landlord conduct;
• tenant conduct;
• continuous operation of utilities;
• uninterrupted internet connectivity;
• structural integrity of buildings;
• future property condition;
• neighbourhood conditions after publication.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under Kenyan law.

45. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Makao Hive shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, exemplary or consequential damages arising from or relating to:

• use of the Platform;
• inability to access the Platform;
• rental decisions;
• tenancy disputes;
• failed negotiations;
• viewing cancellations;
• delays;
• property condition changes occurring after verification;
• landlord actions;
• tenant actions;
• loss of profits;
• loss of business opportunities;
• reputational harm;
• loss of data;
• interruption of business.

Makao Hive does not guarantee that every user will successfully secure or lease a property through the Platform.

Where liability cannot legally be excluded, it shall be limited to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

46. Force Majeure

Makao Hive shall not be liable for delays or failures resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• natural disasters;
• floods;
• fire;
• pandemics;
• epidemics;
• civil unrest;
• acts of terrorism;
• government actions;
• labour disputes;
• internet outages;
• telecommunications failures;
• payment provider failures;
• cloud infrastructure outages;
• cyber attacks;
• utility failures.

Affected obligations shall be suspended for the duration of the event.

47. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Makao Hive, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, affiliates and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs or expenses arising out of:

• your breach of these Terms;
• your misuse of the Platform;
• your violation of applicable law;
• your infringement of intellectual property rights;
• inaccurate information you submit;
• fraudulent activity associated with your account;
• disputes arising from your listings or tenancy arrangements.

This indemnity survives termination of your use of the Platform.

48. Suspension

Makao Hive may immediately suspend or restrict access to the Platform where it reasonably believes that:

• these Terms have been breached;
• fraud is suspected;
• security is compromised;
• false information has been submitted;
• verification processes have been obstructed;
• unlawful activity has occurred;
• another user's safety may be at risk;
• continued access may expose the Platform to legal or operational risk.

Suspension may be temporary or permanent depending on the circumstances.

49. Termination

Users may close their accounts at any time, subject to completion of outstanding contractual obligations.

Makao Hive may terminate or permanently disable accounts where:

• repeated violations occur;
• fraudulent conduct is established;
• abuse of Platform services continues;
• legal or regulatory obligations require termination;
• the Platform is discontinued.

Termination does not affect:

• accrued rights;
• outstanding payment obligations;
• intellectual property rights;
• confidentiality obligations;
• dispute resolution rights;
• provisions intended to survive termination.

50. Electronic Communications

By using the Platform, you consent to receive electronic communications from Makao Hive, including notices relating to:

• account activity;
• security;
• applications;
• viewing tours;
• leases;
• payments;
• policy updates;
• customer support.

Electronic communications satisfy any legal requirement that communications be in writing unless otherwise required by applicable law.

51. Compliance with Kenyan Law

Users agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of Kenya, including but not limited to laws relating to:

• residential tenancies;
• data protection;
• consumer protection;
• electronic transactions;
• intellectual property;
• anti-money laundering where applicable;
• fraud prevention.

Nothing in these Terms limits any statutory rights available under Kenyan law.

52. Data Protection

Makao Hive processes personal data in accordance with:

• the Data Protection Act, 2019 (Kenya);
• applicable regulations issued under the Act;
• guidance issued by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC);
• the Privacy Policy.

Where personal data is transferred outside Kenya, Makao Hive implements appropriate safeguards required by applicable law.

53. Dispute Resolution

Makao Hive encourages users to first contact our support team to resolve disputes informally.

If a dispute cannot be resolved through good-faith discussions, the parties may pursue any remedies available under the laws of Kenya.

Unless otherwise required by law, these Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya.

Subject to any mandatory statutory rights, the courts of Kenya shall have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising from these Terms.

54. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

The invalid provision shall, where possible, be interpreted in a manner that most closely reflects its original commercial intent.

55. Assignment

Users may not assign or transfer their rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of Makao Hive.

Makao Hive may assign or transfer its rights and obligations in connection with:

• mergers;
• acquisitions;
• corporate restructurings;
• sale of assets;
• financing transactions;
• operation of the Platform.

56. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the documents expressly incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and Makao Hive regarding use of the Platform and supersede all previous agreements, understandings and communications relating to the same subject matter.

Documents incorporated into these Terms include:

• Privacy Policy;
• Cookie Policy;
• Payment Terms;
• Acceptable Use Policy;
• Guide Contractor Terms (where applicable);
• Landlord & Property Manager Addendum (where applicable).

57. Contact Us

Makao Hive

Public website: https://rentals.makaohomes.co.ke

Admin console: https://management.makaohomes.co.ke

Email (General Support): info@makaohomes.co.ke

Email (Legal & Privacy): legal@makaohomes.co.ke

If you have questions regarding these Terms, your rights, or the operation of the Platform, please contact us using the details above.

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