Checklist: 20 things to check before renting a house in Nairobi

TrueHome Kenya · Updated 23 October 2026

Take this checklist to every viewing. It covers the things Kenyan tenants most often regret not asking about.

Water and power

• Is water constant? Is there a borehole or a storage tank, and how big?
• Is the water bill included in rent, or separate? How is it measured?
• Prepaid token meter or postpaid? Is there a separate meter for your unit?
• Is there backup power for the lift, gate and security lights?

Security

• Is the compound gated, with a guard at night (or 24 hours)?
• CCTV, electric fence, good lighting on the way in?
• Walk the route to the main road or matatu stage, ideally after dark.

The house itself

• Turn on taps and the shower: pressure and hot water?
• Look for damp, cracks and leaks on ceilings and under sinks.
• Check windows lock, doors close, and there is mobile signal in every room.
• Fibre internet available? Which providers?
• Parking: how many slots, and are they allocated?

Money and paperwork

• How many months' deposit, and when exactly is it refunded?
• Any service charge, garbage or security fees on top of rent?
• Get a written tenancy agreement: notice period, rent increases, repairs, who pays what.
• Who is the landlord? Ask for their name and ID, and confirm the agent or caretaker is authorised.
• Pay into a named account and keep every receipt.
• Take dated photos of the house's condition on moving day.

Neighbourhood

• Distance to work, schools, shops and hospital at rush hour.
• Ask a current tenant what they like and dislike about the building.
• Noise: bars, churches, construction, main roads.

On TrueHome Kenya you can filter by these features, such as borehole, token meter, gated compound or near matatu stage, and contact landlords directly on WhatsApp. And remember the golden rule: never pay before you've viewed the house and confirmed who owns it. Read more in how to avoid rental scams.