Renting · 28 Apr 2026
Renting in Nairobi: what to confirm before you sign
Deposits, service charge, utilities and exit terms — the clauses tenants most often overlook.
Read the lease in full and confirm what the rent includes. Service charge, water, refuse and security levies are often billed separately — especially in managed apartments in Westlands, Kilimani and Kileleshwa.
Clarify the deposit amount, the conditions for its refund, and the notice period. Photograph the unit at handover and attach the inventory to the lease. This protects both tenant and landlord when the tenancy ends.
Confirm who is responsible for repairs, and whether the landlord or the management company handles them. Ask for the management company's contact details and typical response times for plumbing and electrical issues.
For furnished or semi-furnished units, list every item. For parking, confirm whether a bay is allocated and whether visitors can use basement parking. These details matter more than the headline rent when comparing apartments for rent in Nairobi.
Property Masters can arrange viewings and explain service charge structures on the listings we market.
- apartments for rent Nairobi
- Westlands
- service charge
- tenants
Written by Property Masters. General guidance only — confirm specifics with your advocate.