The Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB) has cautioned individuals and firms engaging in estate agency without proper registration, warning that the practice is illegal and punishable by law.

In a public notice issued on Friday, the board reminded all estate agents involved in negotiating, selling, purchasing, or leasing land and buildings that they must be registered with EARB to operate legally.

The board emphasized that registered agents are issued with a Registration Certificate and an Annual Practising Certificate, which are renewed every year.

EARB has also called on the public to verify the credentials of estate agents before seeking their services to avoid dealing with unregistered practitioners.

“Consumers are advised to require that the Estate Agents they engage provide registration certificates and Annual Practising Certificates issued by the board,” the notice read.

To assist the public in confirming an agent’s registration status, EARB has made available a list of registered and practicing estate agents through its official website, www.estateagentsboard.or.ke.

Additionally, the board noted that these details can be verified through Gazette Notices or direct inquiries with EARB.

The board has further warned that those found engaging in estate agency without proper registration are violating the law and could face legal action.

“Persons practicing Estate Agency without Registration are doing so illegally and risk prosecution. Such should be reported to the board,” the statement added.

As the regulatory body overseeing estate agency practices in Kenya, EARB is tasked with ensuring professionalism and ethical conduct within the sector.

Since its establishment in 1987, the board has played a key role in safeguarding the interests of property owners and consumers by enforcing compliance among estate agents.

Beyond regulation, EARB also offers training and resources to enhance professionalism in the industry.

This includes pre-registration training programs designed to equip aspiring estate agents with the necessary knowledge and skills required for legal and ethical practice.

With the growing real estate market in Kenya, EARB continues to strengthen oversight measures to ensure that only qualified and registered agents operate in the sector, protecting property buyers, sellers, and investors from fraudulent dealings.