Protect Your Bookings Using Secure Escrow Payments for airbnb Bookings

Booking an airbnb should feel exciting — not risky. Unfortunately, airbnbs in Kenya have sometimes been exploited by fraudsters and scammers masquerading as legitimate hosts or guests.
For instance, in January 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested three suspects who lured two foreign nationals into a short-term rental, then robbed them at gunpoint after posing as Airbnb hosts.
In another case in Mombasa, a “guest” booked a short-term rental and vanished without paying a bill of KSh 370,300 — leaving the host out of pocket.
These incidents show why secure escrow payments for airbnb bookings are a must have.

Introducing Secure Escrow Payments for Airbnb Bookings on Zurubnb

Recognising these risks, Zurubnb offers secure escrow payments for Airbnb bookings. This means that when a guest makes a reservation and pays, their funds go into a safe escrow account — not directly to the host.
Funds remain locked until certain conditions are met (for example: confirmed check-in, the guest’s stay completion, or a dispute-free window). Only then does Zurubnb release the payment to the host.
This extra layer of protection gives both guests and hosts peace of mind: guests are less vulnerable to fake listings or fraudulent hosts; hosts are protected against chargebacks or no-show bookings.

How to Protect Your Bookings on Zurubnb Safebooking Escrow

1. Booking & Payment: A guest selects a listing and pays as usual. The payment is directed to a secure escrow wallet rather than immediately to the host, and only released 48 hours after checking in.
2. Booking Confirmation: The host confirms availability and booking terms. Once confirmed, the booking moves forward but funds remain in escrow.
3. Check-in / Stay Completion: Upon guest check-in — or after a predefined period post check-in — the system triggers the release conditions.
4. Escrow Release or Dispute Handling: If everything is fine, funds are transferred to the host. If a problem arises (e.g., mis-description, damage, cancellation), funds stay locked until a resolution is reached.

Benefits for Guests, Hosts, and the Platform

Guests Benefits:

• Lower risk of losing money to fake listings or malicious hosts.
• Simplified and secure access to cheap airbnbs in Nairobi.
• Confidence to book more expensive or longer-stay rentals without fear.

Hosts Benefits:

• Guaranteed payment once the stay is confirmed, reducing the risk of ghost bookings or unpaid bills making it possible to make money online.
• Reduced exposure to fraud or chargeback abuse, enabling better cash flow and stability.

For Zurubnb (the platform):

• Builds trust and credibility — especially important for a growing short-let market in Kenya.
• Reduces the operational burden of handling disputes or fraudulent bookings.
• Encourages more bookings, as guests feel safer using escrow-enabled listings. The platform is listed in a porpular business directory in Kenya.

Why Escrow Supports Affordability and Better Prices

When guests feel secure, they are more likely to book early or commit to longer stays. That steadier demand allows hosts to offer better nightly rates.
By helping hosts maintain stable occupancy and avoid losses from fraud, escrow protection contributes indirectly to more competitive, affordable pricing.

Compliance, Transparency, and Regulatory Alignment

The short-term rental sector in Kenya is increasingly under regulatory scrutiny. The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), together with national government agencies, has mandated that all short-stay rentals — including Airbnbs — register for safety inspections.

This push comes amid stories of crime, scams, and unregistered rentals that exposed guests to danger.
By using airbnb escrow payments, Zurubnb adds an extra layer of accountability: payments become traceable and conditional. Hosts and guests can see terms clearly before payment — helping align with broader efforts to fortify trust and compliance in the sector.

What Makes Zurubnb’s Escrow Feature Reliable and Transparent

• Clear “Escrow protected” badge on eligible listings.
• Transparent payment timeline: guests and hosts can view when funds will be released or under what conditions.
• Integrated refund/dispute policy — should anything go wrong (e.g., mis-description, cancellation, property issues), the escrow funds remain locked until resolution.
• Secure payment infrastructure — Zurubnb partners with payment processors that follow best security practices (e.g., encryption, no storage of raw card data).

How to Use Escrow on Zurubnb — Simple Steps for Users

• Guests: When searching for accommodation, use the filter “Escrow protected” to prioritise safe listings. Review the payment terms and release conditions before booking.
• Hosts: In your dashboard go to Payments → Enable Escrow. Once enabled, your listing will show the “Escrow protected” badge.
• Both parties: Before paying or accepting a booking, review the escrow timeline and understand when funds will be released or what can trigger a hold.

Try ZuruBNB Safe Booking- Experience Peace of Mind

We invite you — travellers and hosts across Kenya — to try Zuru Bnb’s booking escrow. Whether you’re looking for an affordable stay in Nairobi, a beachfront getaway in Mombasa, or a serene retreat near Naivasha, escrow-enabled bookings offer a safer way to transact.
You deserve a rental experience built on trust, transparency and protection. Try an “Escrow protected” listing today and enjoy the ease of secure stays and payments.