Renting a home in Nairobi looks simple at first. You find a place you like, talk to the agent, pay the deposit, and move in. But that’s not the full story.

Kenya has its own rules, traditions, and grey areas when it comes to renting. If you don’t know how things work, you can lose money, waste time, or end up with a stressful landlord.

This guide gives you a clear, practical checklist of what you must know before signing a lease in Kenya—especially if you’re renting in Nairobi.

You’ll see how to protect yourself, what to double-check before paying anything, and how to avoid common mistakes.

And if you’d rather skip most of this hassle, you can also choose a furnished, serviced apartment from The Skyline Collection, where the process is simpler and more transparent.

1. Understand the Type of Rental You’re Getting

Before you sign anything, be clear on the kind of rental you’re moving into. Nairobi has three main categories:

a) Regular unfurnished apartments

You sign a lease, pay a deposit, then furnish the place yourself. You handle utilities, cleaning, repairs (up to a point), and all move-in logistics.

b) Furnished apartments

These come with furniture but not full hotel-style services. Some include housekeeping or Wi-Fi, but most do not.

c) Serviced apartments

These are fully furnished, cleaned regularly, and include utilities. They’re convenient if you want predictable costs and less admin. If that’s the direction you prefer, you can check out our selection of furnished apartments in Nairobi.

Knowing these categories helps you compare prices fairly. Serviced units cost more—but they remove most of the stress of renting in Nairobi.

2. Confirm Who You’re Dealing With

This is a major step people skip.

When renting in Nairobi, you’ll meet:

  • The landlord

  • The agent

  • A caretaker

  • Sometimes a broker who “knows a guy”

Always confirm who actually has authority. Ask:

  • “Who signs the lease?”

  • “Who receives payments?”

  • “Can you show proof of ownership?”

You can request a copy of the title deed or the landlord’s ID to match the name in the lease. A genuine agent will not hesitate.

If you want to avoid middlemen and unreliable agents, you can book directly through The Skyline Collection, where all listings are verified—especially in areas like Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, and Westlands.

3. Read the Lease Carefully (Most People Don’t)

Kenyan leases vary widely. Some are detailed; others are one page with vague promises. Before signing, check these sections:

a) Rent amount and payment schedule

Is rent due monthly? Quarterly? Some landlords push for upfront payments—especially in high-demand areas. Know exactly what you’re agreeing to.

b) Notice period

Most leases require 30 to 60 days’ notice. But some leases demand 3 months. That’s a long time if you decide to move.

c) Deposit terms

You’ll usually pay one or two months’ rent as deposit. Check:

  • When you get it back

  • What can be deducted

  • Whether “repainting fees” or “general repairs” are allowed (they shouldn’t be)

d) Penalties and restrictions

Some leases ban pets, loud music, or hosting guests overnight. Others charge penalties for small issues like late utility payments.

e) Maintenance responsibilities

Typically:

  • Tenant handles minor repairs

  • Landlord handles structural issues

But some landlords shift everything to the tenant. Check this section closely.

4. Inspect the House Before Paying Anything

Never pay before seeing the house physically. Nairobi has plenty of fake listings and edited photos.

Do a full walkthrough and confirm:

  • Water pressure

  • Hot water availability

  • Backup power or generator schedules

  • Internet service provider access

  • State of the kitchen and bathroom fittings

  • Working sockets

  • Security around the building

Take photos and videos of the apartment during the viewing. These help protect your deposit when you move out.

If you want to skip the back-and-forth of inspections and repairs, consider booking a serviced apartment through The Skyline Collection, where all units are pre-vetted and maintained regularly.

5. Confirm Utility Responsibilities

Ask directly:

  • “Do I pay for water?”

  • “How is electricity billed?”

  • “Is Wi-Fi included?”

  • “Is garbage collected by the county or by the building?”

Some landlords include utilities, but most pass the cost to you. In older buildings, you may deal with irregular water supply and higher maintenance fees. Newer apartments might include service charges.

Serviced apartments simplify this because utilities are typically included in the monthly fee—no surprise bills.

6. Know Your Rights Under Kenyan Law

Kenya doesn’t have a single nationwide “tenant rights act,” but you still have protections under several laws including the Landlord and Tenant Act and the Rent Restriction Act (for certain price ranges).

Here’s what you should know:

a) The landlord cannot evict you without notice

They must follow legal processes. Locking you out is illegal.

b) The landlord cannot cut water or electricity to force you out

This is considered harassment.

c) You have a right to a written lease

Even if the landlord prefers informal arrangements, insist on a written contract.

d) You have a right to fair notice before rent increases

Usually 30 to 60 days.

e) You can negotiate terms

Many tenants don’t realise this. You can ask for flexible notice periods, reduced deposits, or updated clauses.

7. Understand How Agents Get Paid

Most Nairobi agents take:

  • One month’s rent for finding the house

  • Sometimes an extra “viewing fee”

Viewing fees are not official policy. You can decline them politely.

Agents should only receive a commission after you sign the lease—not before. Never pay deposit or rent to an agent unless the landlord confirms it in writing.

8. Ask About Security and Amenities

Look beyond the apartment.

Check:

  • How the gate works

  • Number of guards and whether they’re trained

  • CCTV coverage

  • Visitor parking

  • Backup generators

  • Water storage tanks

  • Laundry areas

  • Gym and pool rules (if available)

Newer buildings in areas like Kilimani, Westlands, and Lavington often have better security, but always confirm.

Serviced apartments usually offer even higher security standards because the property managers handle everything directly.

9. Plan Your Move-In Day

Moving day in Nairobi gets messy if you don’t plan well. For example:

  • Some estates don’t allow moving after 5pm

  • Some require you to book a lift in advance

  • Others ask for a “moving fee” (which is not standard)

Confirm everything early to avoid issues.

10. Consider Serviced Apartments if You Want an Easier Process

If you want:

  • A shorter lease

  • No agent fees

  • No need to buy furniture

  • No need to chase repairs

  • Included utilities

  • Regular cleaning

…then serviced apartments might be your best option.

At The Skyline Collection, you can find serviced units in:

And if you prefer a wider range, browse all our furnished and serviced apartments in Nairobi.

You get predictable costs and clean, well-maintained spaces without the typical Nairobi rental stress.

Final Thoughts

Renting in Nairobi doesn’t have to be confusing or risky. When you understand the process—and know what to check before signing—you protect your money and your peace of mind.

Here’s the simple checklist to keep in your head:

  • Confirm who you’re dealing with

  • Read every clause carefully

  • Inspect the house physically

  • Ask about utilities

  • Understand your legal rights

  • Verify agent fees

  • Review security and amenities

  • Plan your move-in day