The Process

Simple, safe, and transparent

RMS handles the entire rental process from discovering a property to completing your first payment. Here is exactly how it works for each type of user.

For Tenants

Find and book your next home

From your first search to move-in day, RMS takes care of every step so you can focus on finding the right place.

01

Search for a property

Browse verified listings across Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba, and Mzuzu. Filter by city, area, property type, and price in Malawian Kwacha. Every listing shows real photos and an accurate location.

02

Chat with the landlord or agent

Have questions before committing? Use the built-in messaging system to speak directly with the property owner or their managing agent. All conversations stay within the platform for your protection.

03

Submit a booking request

Select your move-in date and submit a booking request. The landlord or agent reviews your request and confirms availability. You will be notified as soon as they respond.

04

Pay securely through RMS

Once your booking is confirmed, pay your rent through RMS. Your payment is held in escrow — it is not released to the landlord until after you have successfully checked in and confirmed everything is in order.

05

Check in and confirm

On move-in day, you will receive a one-time check-in code. Share it with the landlord or agent to confirm your arrival. This triggers the release of your payment to the property owner.

06

Leave a review

After settling in, share your experience by leaving a review of the property and landlord. Your feedback helps other tenants make informed decisions and keeps the platform honest.

For Landlords

List your property and get paid

RMS handles tenant discovery, booking management, and payment processing. You focus on your property — we handle the rest.

01

Create and verify your account

Register as a landlord and complete your profile. Our team reviews your account to confirm your identity before your listings go live. This verification protects your reputation and builds trust with tenants.

02

List your property

Create a detailed listing with photos, accurate location in City and Area format, rent amount in MWK, property type (Home, Hostel, or Lodging), and any amenities. Listings are reviewed by our team before going public.

03

Respond to booking requests

Receive notifications when a tenant submits a booking request. Review their profile and confirm or decline. All communication happens within the platform so there is a clear record of every interaction.

04

Receive your payout

Once the tenant confirms check-in using their one-time code, the payment held in escrow is released to you automatically. A 2.5% platform processing fee applies. Payouts are processed promptly via Paychangu.

For Agents

Manage properties professionally

If you manage rental properties on behalf of landlords, RMS gives you the tools to handle multiple listings, tenant communications, and bookings from one place.

01

Register as an agent

Sign up with the agent role and complete your profile. Agents are reviewed and approved before they can manage listings on behalf of landlords.

02

Manage landlord properties

Once approved, landlords can assign their properties to you. You handle listing creation, updates, tenant communications, and booking management on their behalf.

03

Earn commission on successful bookings

Agents earn a commission on every booking they facilitate. Payments flow through the same secure escrow system, releasing to the landlord (and your commission) after a confirmed check-in.

Built-In Safeguards

How we protect every party

Trust is the foundation of RMS. These protections are built into the platform by default — not an optional add-on.

Payments held in escrow until check-in is confirmed

Every landlord and agent is identity-verified before going live

All listings are reviewed by the RMS team prior to publication

Cancellations submitted more than 48 hours before move-in are refunded

In-platform messaging keeps all communication on record

One-time check-in OTP confirms physical handover of the property

Payments

How the escrow payment works

1

The tenant pays rent through RMS after their booking is confirmed.

2

The payment is held securely in escrow — the landlord cannot access it yet.

3

On move-in day, the tenant receives a one-time code. They share it with the landlord or agent to confirm a successful handover.

4

Once the code is submitted, the payment is released to the landlord automatically. A 2.5% platform processing fee is deducted at this point.

5

If the tenant cancels more than 48 hours before the move-in date, a full refund is issued. Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to the cancellation policy.

FAQ

Common questions

Is RMS free for tenants?

Yes. Tenants can search, browse, message landlords, and submit booking requests at no cost. The 2.5% processing fee is charged on the rental payment and is deducted from the amount released to the landlord.

What property types are available?

RMS supports three property types: Homes (houses and apartments), Hostels (shared accommodation), and Lodging (short-term or serviced accommodation). All types are available across the four supported cities.

Can I cancel a booking?

Yes. You can cancel a booking through your dashboard. Cancellations submitted more than 48 hours before your move-in date are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are handled according to the cancellation policy agreed at booking time.

How does landlord verification work?

When a landlord registers, their account and any submitted listings are reviewed by the RMS team before they are made visible to tenants. This review process is designed to prevent fraudulent or inaccurate listings from appearing on the platform.

Can a landlord use an agent to manage their property?

Yes. Landlords can assign one or more properties to a registered agent. The agent then handles listing management, tenant communication, and booking confirmation on the landlord's behalf.

Still have questions?

Our team is available to help with anything from account setup to booking disputes. Reach out any time.

Contact Us