Renting a House in Kenya: Questions to Ask Before You Pay a Deposit

admin October 29, 2026

Finding a house to rent is exciting, and it is easy to rush. A deposit is a large amount of money, so it is worth asking questions and viewing the house properly before you pay anything.

Start by confirming who you are dealing with. Ask whether the person showing the house is the landlord, the caretaker, or an agent, and ask for their name and phone number. Ask who you will pay rent to, how rent is paid, and on which date each month. Find out exactly what the rent covers and what you pay separately, such as water, electricity, garbage, security, or service charges.

Ask about the deposit: how much it is, what it covers, and the conditions for getting it back when you leave. Ask how much notice you must give before moving out, and whether the agreement is written. Always ask to read the tenancy agreement before you sign or pay, and keep a copy for yourself.

View the house in daylight. Turn on the taps, flush the toilet, switch lights on and off, and check the doors, windows, and locks. Ask about water supply, power, security, and parking. Visit the area at a different time of day if you can, so you know what noise, traffic, and security are really like.

Take photos of the condition of the house on the day you move in, and agree in writing with the landlord about any damage that is already there. This protects both of you when you leave.

Never pay a deposit for a house you have not viewed, and never pay someone who cannot show you the house or answer basic questions about it. If a deal feels rushed or secretive, slow down and check again. Our Buying Tips and Safety Tips pages have more guidance for dealing safely with sellers and landlords: https://kengot.com/buying-tips/ and https://kengot.com/safety-tips/