The Tenant Who Kept a Crocodile in Their Rental Home

This piece is part of our International Bizarre Landlord Stories series. Today’s story was first reported in Kenya.

Landlords often expect the occasional maintenance surprise, but one Kenyan property owner could never have predicted what awaited them. During a routine inspection, they discovered a fully grown crocodile living inside their tenant’s home. The reptile, weighing more than 150 kilograms, had been kept in a large water tank inside the property.

The discovery

The crocodile was found after neighbours raised concerns about strange noises and foul odours coming from the property. Local wildlife officials were called in and confirmed that the tenant had been keeping the animal illegally. The tank had been disguised with wooden panels, making it difficult to spot from outside.

The aftermath

The crocodile was removed by Kenya Wildlife Service officers and relocated to a sanctuary. The tenant faced charges for unlawful possession of wildlife, and the landlord was left with significant repair costs after water damage and structural weakening caused by the tank installation.

Lessons for landlords

• Illegal pets are a real risk. Tenants may attempt to conceal dangerous or exotic animals inside properties.
• Neighbour reports matter. Unusual smells or noises should not be ignored.
• Regular inspections. Detecting issues early can prevent far greater costs later.
• Legal considerations. Landlords may need to cooperate with authorities when wildlife laws are breached.

Your experience

What is the most surprising animal you have ever found in a property? Share your stories with fellow landlords below.

Series so far

• The Tenant Who Kept a Tiger in a Harlem Apartment
• The Day a Cow Knocked at a Fourth-Floor Flat
• When a Tenant Found a Python in the Toilet
• The Tenants Who Turned a Flat into a Miniature Zoo
• The Room Filled With 200 Bottles of Urine
• The Tenant Who Took the Roof With Them
• The Apartment That Became a Cat Colony
• The Tenant Who Grew Mushrooms in the Sitting Room
• The Tenant Who Stabled a Horse Indoors
• The Tenants Who Built a Swimming Pool Indoors
• The Tenant Who Raised a Lion Cub at Home
• The Tenant Who Built a Pub in Their Living Room
• The Tenant Who Turned Their Flat into a Chicken Coop

Background coverage: Daily Nation (Kenya).