How to check a rental agent is PPRA-registered

You're about to hand over access to your rental property—or your money—to someone who will manage one of your biggest assets. Before you do, you need solid proof they're legit. A PPRA (Private Sector Regulatory Authority) registration isn't just a badge; it's evidence that the agent has met specific standards and can be held accountable if things go wrong. Here's how to verify it yourself, and what to do if something feels off.

Search the PPRA register directly

The PPRA maintains a public register of all licensed estate agents. Go to the PPRA website and use their search tool to look up the agent's name, the brokerage firm they work for, or the firm's licence number. A legitimate agent will appear in this register with clear details: their full name, the agency they're registered with, and the licence expiry date. If you search and find nothing, that's a red flag. Do not proceed until you've confirmed registration. Take a screenshot of the register entry for your records. If the agent gives you a licence number, verify it matches what you find online. Mismatched details or a non-existent number means walk away.

Ask for proof directly and check the paperwork

A registered agent should have no hesitation producing their PPRA fapro certificate or licence documentation. Ask them to email it to you, or request to see the original before you meet. The certificate will show the licence holder's name, the firm's details, and the registration validity period. Make sure the person you're dealing with is actually named on that licence—sometimes agents work under a firm's registration but aren't individually licensed. Read the fine print: some licences have conditions or restrictions you need to know about. If an agent hesitates, makes excuses, or sends you a vague or partial document, treat that as a warning sign. Legitimate agents keep this paperwork organised and accessible because they expect clients to verify.

Contact the PPRA and ask their references the right questions

If anything on the paperwork seems unclear or outdated, call the PPRA directly. Their contact details are on their website. You can confirm whether the agent or firm is currently in good standing and ask about any complaints or enforcement actions on their record. You're allowed to ask. Next, get references—ideally landlords or tenants the agent has worked with recently. When you call them, ask specific questions: Did the agent clearly explain the agency agreement before you signed? Did they keep you updated on the rental process? If there was a dispute with a tenant, how did the agent handle it? Did they resolve issues fairly? Ask whether they would recommend the agent, but listen carefully to how they answer. Enthusiasm matters; so does any hesitation. Ask for at least two references and actually ring them—WhatsApp text reviews are easier to fake.

What else to check at the same time

While you're vetting, also confirm they carry professional indemnity insurance. This protects you if the agent makes a costly error. Ask to see proof of their cover. Check whether they're a member of a professional body like the Etusha Estate Agency Affairs Board or similar; membership is optional but adds another layer of accountability. Search their name and the agency online for any public complaints or court cases. If you're renting out a property, verify they have a trust account (required for holding deposits legally) and ask how often it's audited. Ask whether they operate independently or under a franchised network—both are fine, but you should know the structure before you sign. An agent with nothing to hide will answer all these questions directly and quickly. One who dodges, delays or gets defensive is telling you something important.