Renting a house in Kenya: the tenant's checklist (deposits, agreements and scams)

Most urban Kenyans rent, and finding a good house is often harder than it should be. Rental scams are common, especially online. Use this checklist from the first viewing to moving out.

Before the viewing

• Search the area at commuting time. A cheap rent can mean a long, expensive commute.
• Be wary of adverts with prices far below the area, no physical address, or pressure to pay a "viewing fee" or deposit first.
• Ask who you are dealing with: the landlord, a caretaker or an agent. Agents should be registered with the Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB).

At the viewing

• See the actual unit, not a "similar" one.
• Water: is supply reliable? Is there a tank or borehole? How is water billed?
• Electricity: prepaid token meter or postpaid? Check the meter belongs to the unit.
• Security: gate, guards, lighting, locks and burglar-proofing.
• Condition: damp, leaks, cracked tiles, windows and doors that close. Take dated photos.
• Neighbourhood: noise, drainage when it rains, mobile network and internet options.

Know the full monthly cost

Deposits

Deposits are commonly one or two months' rent, sometimes with a separate water or electricity deposit. Get the amount, what it can be used for and the refund timeline in writing. Pay to the landlord's or agent's official account and keep receipts.

The tenancy agreement

Ask for a written agreement that states the rent, payment date, deposit, notice period, who handles repairs, rules on rent increases and what happens at the end of the tenancy. Read it fully before you sign or pay.

Common rental scams

• Fake listings: photos copied from other sites, an "owner abroad" who cannot show the unit.
• Double letting: the same unit "rented" to several people who all paid deposits.
• Fake agents: someone with keys to a vacant unit who is not authorised by the landlord.

Never pay before viewing the unit in person and confirming who the landlord is.

Moving out

Give written notice as the agreement requires, ask for a joint inspection, repair any damage you caused and take photos. Request your deposit refund in writing with your account details.

Frequently asked questions

How much deposit do landlords ask for in Kenya?

Commonly one to two months' rent, plus utility deposits in some buildings. It should be agreed in writing.

Can a landlord increase rent anytime?

Rent increases should follow the tenancy agreement and the law that applies to your tenancy. Check the notice and review terms before signing.

How do I avoid house-hunting scams in Kenya?

View the actual unit, confirm the landlord or authorised agent, never pay viewing fees or deposits upfront, and pay only to official accounts against a written agreement.