Questions to ask before signing a rental lease in Nairobi

Before you sign, slow down and ask the questions that matter

In Nairobi, a rental lease can look straightforward at first glance, but the details in the agreement and the condition of the home can affect your monthly budget, your privacy, and even how easy it is to move out later. The best time to ask questions is before you pay a deposit or sign anything.

Whether you are renting an apartment in Kilimani, a townhouse in Ruaka, or a bedsitter in South B, the goal is the same: understand exactly what you are committing to. At Makao Homes, we encourage renters to verify the property on the ground and read the lease with the same care they would use when inspecting the rooms, water pressure, and access points.

1) What exactly is included in the rent?

This is the first question to ask because “rent” does not always mean the same thing from one listing to another. Ask whether the amount covers service charge, garbage collection, water, parking, security, or other shared costs. If something is not included, confirm how much it adds to your monthly spend.

In Nairobi, service charge is a common point of confusion. Some homes quote rent separately from service charge, while others bundle certain costs together. Get the breakdown in writing so you are comparing homes on the same basis.

2) How much is the deposit, and what is the refund process?

Before you sign, ask how much deposit is required, when it is due, and what conditions affect refund timing. You should also ask what deductions may be made at the end of the tenancy and what evidence is needed if there is a dispute.

A practical follow-up question is: What condition should the house be in when I move out? This helps you understand how the landlord or agent will assess fair wear and tear versus damage.

3) What is the lease term, and what happens if I need to leave early?

Many renters focus on monthly rent and overlook the length of the lease. Ask whether the lease is month-to-month, six months, or one year, and whether it renews automatically. If your plans may change within a few months, confirm the notice period and any early-exit penalties.

This matters because a lease is not just about moving in; it is also about how you move out. If the terms are unclear, ask for them to be explained before you commit.

4) Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Some properties have rules that affect daily life. Ask about guests, subletting, pets, renovations, satellite dishes, hanging laundry, and noise expectations. If you work from home, ask whether there are restrictions on business use of the unit or shared spaces.

It is better to hear these rules early than to discover them after you have already moved in and arranged your furniture.

5) What utilities and infrastructure should I test during the viewing?

Do not rely on photos alone. Ask to test the taps, flush the toilet, switch on the lights, and, where possible, confirm power backup or water storage arrangements. If the building has a borehole, ask how often water is available and whether residents still rely on delivered water at times.

Also ask about internet readiness, metering, and any extra charges related to power or water. For many Nairobi renters, these practical details matter as much as the bedroom size.

6) How is security handled in the building or estate?

Ask who controls entry, whether there is a guard post, how visitor access works, and whether there are cameras or lighting in common areas. If you are considering a higher-floor unit, ask how access works during a lift outage, power cut, or late-night arrival.

Security is not just about the front gate. It also includes how deliveries are handled, whether parking areas are supervised, and how well the common spaces are maintained.

7) What repairs are the landlord responsible for?

Before signing, clarify who handles plumbing, electrical faults, broken fixtures, pest control, and repainting. Ask how repair requests are reported and how quickly they are usually addressed. If something already needs attention, make sure it is noted before you move in.

If you are viewing a verified Makao Homes listing, use the walkthrough and on-site checks as a starting point, then ask the landlord or agent to confirm any issues that still need attention before handover.

8) Is there an inventory or move-in condition report?

If the unit comes with any fittings, appliances, or furniture, ask for an inventory. Even in unfurnished homes, a move-in condition report is useful. It should note the state of paint, tiles, doors, locks, windows, cabinets, and sanitary ware.

Take your own photos or video on move-in day. This is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from avoidable disagreements later.

9) What are the payment terms and acceptable methods?

Ask when rent is due each month, whether there is any grace period, and which payment methods are accepted. If you are paying through an agent or caretaker, confirm who receives the money and request a proper receipt or written acknowledgment.

Do not assume that a convenient payment arrangement means the lease terms are flexible. Keep the lease and the payment records aligned.

10) What should I confirm about the neighbourhood before I commit?

A home can look good inside and still be a poor fit if the neighbourhood does not work for your routine. Ask about access roads, public transport options, nearby shops, water reliability, noise levels, and parking pressure. If you commute regularly, test the route at the time of day you would usually travel.

Makao Homes listings are physically verified, which helps you judge the unit and the building with more confidence. Still, you should also ask area-specific questions so you understand what daily life will be like once you move in.

A simple lease-signing checklist for Nairobi renters

• Confirm what is included in rent and what is charged separately.
• Ask for the deposit amount, refund conditions, and notice period.
• Read the lease term and early-exit rules carefully.
• Check restrictions on guests, pets, subletting, and business use.
• Test water, electricity, locks, and any backup systems during the viewing.
• Clarify repairs, maintenance responsibility, and reporting steps.
• Document the home’s condition before moving in.
• Keep copies of the lease, receipts, and any written promises.

Why these questions save you trouble later

Asking the right questions is not about being difficult. It is about making a clear decision with full information. A lease should tell you what you are paying for, how the home will be maintained, and what happens if something changes.

In Nairobi’s rental market, the renters who avoid the most stress are usually the ones who verify first, ask direct questions, and insist on written clarity. If a landlord or agent is transparent, they should have no problem answering these questions before you sign.

When you combine a careful lease review with a verified viewing, you reduce the chance of surprises after move-in. That is the kind of confidence every renter should have before committing to a home.

Further reading

• How verification works
• Browse verified rentals
• Rental guides
• FAQ