Renting guide
What to Check Before Renting a House in Nairobi
A practical checklist for choosing a rental in Nairobi: security, water and power, network, the house's condition, total monthly cost, transport and more.
By the Keyra Team · Updated · 5 min read
Choosing a rental in Nairobi takes more than comparing rent and liking the interior. The right house fits your budget, has reliable water and power, and suits your daily routine.
Whether it's a bedsitter in Roysambu, a one-bedroom in Kilimani or a maisonette in South C, these checks will help you compare houses and avoid surprises after you move in.
In short
- Check how water, power and network actually work in the house, not just what you're told.
- Compare houses on the total monthly cost, including service charge, utilities and transport.
- Visit at different times of day, and talk to current residents if you can.
1. Security and the neighbourhood
A gate or a guard alone doesn't make a house secure. During the viewing, check:
- Doors, windows and locks, including the main entrance.
- Controlled access, guards or visitor registration.
- Lighting in corridors, staircases, parking and the street outside.
- How residents report security concerns.
If you can, visit at different times of day and ask current residents about security, noise, drainage and garbage collection.
2. Water and electricity
Some buildings rely on county water; others add boreholes or storage tanks. Ask:
- Is water constant or rationed, and is there enough storage?
- Is the water pressure good on your floor?
- Is water included in the rent or billed separately?
- Is electricity on a prepaid token meter or postpaid?
- Is there backup power, and what does it cover?
Run the taps and shower during the viewing. If the building uses borehole water, ask how it's treated.
3. Mobile network and internet
Coverage can differ between buildings, and even between rooms. Test your own phone in the living room and bedrooms, checking data as well as calls. Then ask:
- Which fibre providers serve the building?
- Is fibre already connected, or will you pay for installation?
- Do tenants have to use a particular provider?
If you work from home, confirm a suitable connection is available at the actual address.
4. The house's condition, light and ventilation
Defects that are easy to miss in a short viewing often show up after you move in. Check:
- Plumbing: taps, showers, drainage and leaks.
- Walls and ceilings: cracks, damp patches, mould and water stains.
- Doors, windows, locks and wardrobes.
- Switches, sockets and lights. Look, but don't test anything unsafe.
- Kitchen cabinets, counters, the sink and any included appliances.
- Natural light, and whether the windows open for fresh air.
Agree in writing on any repairs before you move in, and take dated photos of existing damage.
5. The total monthly cost
Choosing on advertised rent alone is one of the most common budgeting mistakes. Ask for a breakdown of every charge, including service charge and what it covers. For example:
| Rent | KSh 35,000 |
| Service charge | KSh 3,000 |
| Electricity | KSh 2,000 |
| Water | KSh 800 |
| Internet | KSh 2,500 |
| Total monthly housing cost | KSh 43,300 |
|---|
Illustrative figures, not market averages. Transport, food and personal costs aren't included. For the deposit and upfront costs, see What to Check Before Paying a House Deposit in Kenya.
6. The tenancy agreement and building rules
Read the agreement before paying the full move-in amount. It should state the rent and due date, the deposit and refund terms, the start date, the notice period, how rent reviews work and who handles repairs.
Ask for the building rules too. Apartment blocks and gated communities often have rules on visitors, noise, pets, parking, home businesses and shared facilities. Don't rely on verbal promises that contradict what's written.
7. Transport and getting around
Cheaper rent can cost more overall if the commute is long or expensive. Consider:
- Distance to the nearest matatu or bus route.
- Peak-hour travel time to work or school.
- Road conditions in the rainy season.
- Parking, if you drive.
- Access to shops, hospitals and schools.
- Getting home safely early in the morning or late at night.
If you can, try your usual route at rush hour rather than relying on a map estimate.
8. The landlord, agent and management
Good management makes a big difference once you live there. Find out who to contact when something breaks and how repairs are reported. Clear answers, charges explained in writing, consistent payment instructions and receipts are all good signs.
If an agent is involved, you can check their registration with the Estate Agents Registration Board.
Warning: Be cautious if someone won't explain their role, pushes you to pay immediately, changes payment details or won't give receipts.
More on this in How to Avoid Rental Scams in Kenya: 10 Essential Checks.
9. Amenities, and what's planned nearby
Pay for the amenities you'll actually use. Check whether parking, backup power, lifts, a gym or a play area are working, open to tenants and included in the service charge.
Also ask about nearby construction, new roads or commercial projects, which can affect noise, traffic and access. Treat informal predictions with care, and check with the relevant authority if a planned project would change your decision.
Before you pay: final checklist
- I've viewed the actual house and checked its condition.
- I've assessed security in the building and the area.
- I've tested the network and confirmed internet options.
- I know how water and electricity are supplied and billed.
- I've worked out the total monthly cost, including service charge.
- I've read the tenancy agreement and the building rules.
- I've confirmed who the landlord or authorised agent is.
- I understand the deposit and refund terms.
- I've checked transport, noise and drainage.
- Existing defects and agreed repairs are recorded in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check first when renting a house in Nairobi?
Confirm the house is available and who is authorised to let it, understand the full move-in cost, and inspect the actual house. Then read the tenancy agreement and confirm payment details before you pay.
How much money do I need to rent a house in Nairobi?
It depends on the rent, deposit, any agreed agency fee, service charge, utility deposits and moving costs. Ask for a written breakdown of everything you'll pay upfront.
Is service charge included in rent in Nairobi?
It depends on the property. Some landlords include it in the advertised rent and others bill it separately. Confirm the amount, what it covers and how often it's paid.
How can I avoid rental scams in Nairobi?
View the actual house, verify the landlord or agent, confirm the payment details, read the agreement and get receipts. Don't pay under pressure before making reasonable checks.
The best rental isn't necessarily the cheapest house or the one with the most amenities. It's the one that meets your needs, fits your budget and gives you a comfortable place to live.
Looking for your next home? Browse houses and apartments for rent on Keyra, compare what's available and request a viewing before you commit your money. Browse houses for rent
General information
Tenancy rights and obligations depend on the applicable law, the property and the agreement.
This guide is general information for people renting, buying or managing property in Kenya. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. Laws, fees and procedures change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified professional. Keyra cannot guarantee any listing, landlord, agent or transaction, so always make your own checks before you pay. See our Terms of Use.