You have found the perfect apartment. The price is right, the neighborhood is quiet, and you are ready to sign. But before you put pen to paper, you need to ask the right questions.
A lease is a binding legal document, usually for a minimum of one year. Breaking it early can cost you your deposit and sometimes legal fees. Here is the checklist of questions you must ask the landlord before committing.
1. Utilities: Who pays for what?
This is the most common source of dispute. Do not assume anything.
- Is water included in the rent, or is it billed separately?
- Is electricity on a prepaid meter (token) or postpaid?
- Who pays for garbage collection? (Usually the landlord, but sometimes it is a tenant cost in certain estates).
- Is there a service charge for amenities (like backup generators or borehole water)? If so, is it fixed or variable?
2. Maintenance and repairs
When the tap leaks or the geyser breaks, who is responsible?
Standard practice in Kenya is that the landlord handles structural repairs and major appliance failures (if the apartment came furnished), while the tenant handles minor repairs like replacing a broken showerhead. Get this in writing.
If the landlord is vague about maintenance, that is a red flag. A good landlord will be clear about how quickly they respond to repair requests.
3. The exit clause
Life happens. You might need to move out before the year is up. What happens then?
Most leases require you to give one month's notice. However, some landlords will try to withhold your entire deposit if you break the lease early. Ask specifically: "If I need to leave after six months, what is the financial penalty, and how much notice do I need to give?"
4. Painting and modifications
Want to paint the living room a different color or install a satellite dish? Ask first. Most leases require the property to be returned in its original state, meaning you will have to repaint it back to the original color (usually white or cream) when you move out, at your own cost.
5. Parking and visitors
If you have a car, confirm how many parking spots are allocated. If you have frequent guests, ask if visitor parking is available. Some apartment complexes have strict rules about visitors staying overnight or parking in assigned bays.
Renting directly from a landlord on tuzama means you can ask these questions straight to the source. Don't be shy. A legitimate landlord will appreciate a tenant who cares about the details.
