Understanding the language of renting in Kenya
A commission paid to a real estate agent or broker for helping you find a rental property. In Kenya, this typically ranges from 50% to 100% of one month's rent. The fee is usually paid by the tenant upon signing the lease agreement. Always clarify who pays (tenant, landlord, or shared) before engaging an agent.
FinancialFacilities and features provided with a rental property, such as parking, gym, swimming pool, backup generator, water storage, security, playground, or clubhouse. Premium amenities usually result in higher rent and service charges.
Property FeaturesThe building or compound manager responsible for day-to-day maintenance, security coordination, and tenant communication. Caretakers typically handle minor repairs, garbage collection, and serve as the first point of contact for issues. Monthly tips (KSh 200-500) are customary but not mandatory.
PersonnelShort for Chapter 296 of the Laws of Kenya - the Rent Restriction Act. This law protects tenants in properties with monthly rent below KSh 2,500, limiting rent increases and providing eviction protection. Disputes are handled by the Rent Restriction Tribunal.
LegalShort for Chapter 301 - the Landlord and Tenant (Shops, Hotels and Catering Establishments) Act. Covers commercial and some residential protected tenancies. Requires landlords to obtain court orders for eviction and mandates 2-month termination notice.
LegalA refundable sum (usually 1-2 months' rent) paid upfront to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. By Kenyan law, deposits must be refundable within 30 days of move-out, minus legitimate deductions. Always get a receipt and document property condition at move-in.
FinancialA separate small living space within a property's compound, traditionally used for house help accommodation. Modern tenants often use DSQs as home offices, guest rooms, or storage. Properties with DSQs command higher rents, especially in upmarket areas like Karen and Lavington.
Property FeaturesThe legal process of removing a tenant from a property. In Kenya, landlords cannot evict without a court order. Proper procedure requires: 1) Valid reason (non-payment, lease violation, owner occupation), 2) 2-month written notice, 3) Court application if tenant doesn't vacate. Self-help evictions (changing locks, cutting utilities) are illegal.
LegalFurnished: Includes furniture (bed, sofa, dining table), appliances (fridge, cooker, washing machine), and sometimes utensils. Costs 15-30% more than unfurnished. Unfurnished: Empty property, may include fixed appliances (stove, water heater). Semi-furnished: Basic furniture only (bed, cooker).
Property TypesA controversial, often illegal non-refundable payment demanded by outgoing tenants or landlords, supposedly for "improvements" made to the property. Goodwill payments have no legal basis in Kenya and should be avoided. Report such demands to authorities. Legitimate improvements should be negotiated with the landlord and reflected in reduced rent, not through goodwill.
Financial (Questionable)The legally binding contract between landlord and tenant outlining: rent amount, payment dates, duration (usually 1-2 years), deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, termination clauses, and property rules. Never pay rent without a written lease. Both parties must sign and keep copies.
LegalA document issued by companies/organizations authorizing payment for goods or services. In rental context, corporate tenants may provide LPOs to guarantee rent payment. Landlords often require additional security from LPO-based tenants as payment may be delayed.
FinancialThe main bedroom with an attached private bathroom. In Kenya, "3BR all ensuite" means all three bedrooms have private bathrooms, while "3BR, master ensuite" means only the master bedroom has a private bathroom (other bedrooms share a common bathroom).
Property FeaturesResponsibility for repairs and upkeep. Landlord's responsibility: Structural issues, plumbing, electrical systems, roof repairs. Tenant's responsibility: Minor repairs, cleanliness, fixture replacements caused by misuse. Emergency repairs (burst pipes, electrical faults) should be reported immediately. Keep records of all maintenance requests.
LegalThe advance warning required before terminating a tenancy. In Kenya: 2 months minimum for either party (landlord or tenant). Notice must be in writing. Tenant leaving early without proper notice may forfeit deposit. Landlord must have valid reason for termination.
LegalRent calculated proportionally for a partial month. If moving in on the 15th of a 30-day month, you pay for 15 days (50% of monthly rent). Formula: (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in Month) × Days Occupied. Useful when lease start/end dates don't align with month beginnings.
FinancialA tenancy status under Cap 301 providing extra eviction protection. Once your fixed-term lease expires, you automatically become a protected tenant (statutory tenancy) if you continue paying rent. Landlord cannot evict without court order and must prove grounds (non-payment, nuisance, owner occupation, major renovations).
LegalThe monthly payment for occupying a property. Kenya rental market (2026): Studios (KSh 12K-20K), 1BR Suburbs (KSh 20K-45K), 1BR Westlands/Kilimani (KSh 45K-90K), 2BR (KSh 50K-110K). Rent is typically due by the 5th of each month. Always get receipts for every payment.
FinancialKenyan law protecting tenants in properties with rent below KSh 2,500/month. Key provisions: Limits rent increases (requires 1-month notice + valid reason), defines standard rent (maximum legal rent), establishes Rent Restriction Tribunal for disputes. Most modern rentals exceed this threshold, but principles guide tenant rights.
LegalA specialized court handling rental disputes for properties under the Rent Restriction Act (rent ≤ KSh 2,500/month). Handles deposit refunds, unlawful evictions, rent disputes. More affordable and faster than regular courts. File claims within 60 days of dispute arising. Located in major towns.
LegalA monthly fee (KSh 2,000-10,000+) covering shared amenities and services: garbage collection, security, landscaping, elevator maintenance, gym/pool upkeep, common area cleaning. Must be specified in lease. Higher in gated communities and upmarket apartments. Ask for itemized breakdown.
FinancialUnder the Rent Restriction Act, the maximum legal rent that can be charged for a property. Once set, landlords cannot increase beyond standard rent without approval from the Rent Restriction Tribunal. Factors considered: location, size, amenities, property condition.
LegalAutomatic tenant protection that begins when your fixed-term lease expires and you continue occupying the property while paying rent. You retain most rights from original lease. Landlord cannot increase rent arbitrarily or evict without court order and valid reason.
LegalA compact single-room unit combining bedroom, living area, and kitchenette, with a separate bathroom. Popular among singles and young professionals. Kenya pricing: KSh 8,000-25,000/month depending on location. More affordable than 1BR apartments but with less privacy and storage.
Property TypesThe person(s) legally occupying a rental property under a lease agreement. Tenants have rights (habitable property, privacy, eviction protection) and responsibilities (timely rent payment, property care, adherence to lease terms).
LegalThe legal document proving property ownership. CRITICAL: Always verify landlord's title deed before signing lease or paying money. Request a copy and confirm authenticity at the Land Registry. Fraudsters often use fake deeds to scam tenants. Legitimate landlords readily provide this.
LegalEssential services: water, electricity, internet, gas. Average Kenya costs (2026): Water (KSh 1,500-3,000), Electricity (KSh 2,000-6,000), Internet (KSh 3,000-8,000). Some landlords include utilities in rent (all-inclusive), while others use prepaid meters. Clarify responsibility and connection procedures in lease.
FinancialPhysical inspection of a property before signing lease. Never skip viewing! Check: water pressure, electrical outlets, plumbing, locks, dampness, pest signs, neighborhood safety. Take photos/videos. Visit at different times if possible. Use our FREE Viewing Checklist Generator.
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