10 Things to Check Before Renting an Apartment in Nairobi

## 1. Water supply — the number one deal-breaker Ask specifically: is water from NAIROBI WATER, a borehole, or a tanker? Tanker-dependent buildings can cost tenants an extra KES 3,000–8,000/month. Run every tap, flush every toilet during your viewing. ## 2. Electricity connection Confirm the apartment is on a **separate meter** (prepaid or post-paid). Shared meters mean shared bills — a nightmare when a neighbour runs a business from home. ## 3. Security infrastructure Check for: perimeter wall condition, CCTV coverage, guard schedule (day only vs. 24hr), and whether the building has controlled access (intercom or guard at gate). ## 4. The lease agreement — read every clause Kenya's **Landlord and Tenant (Shops, Hotels and Catering Establishments) Act** and the **Rent Restriction Act** govern residential tenancies. Key clauses to scrutinise: - Notice period (legally minimum 1 month for monthly tenancies) - Conditions for deposit refund - Who pays for repairs under KES 5,000 ## 5. Service charge breakdown Many Nairobi landlords charge a "service charge" of KES 2,000–10,000 on top of rent. Ask for an **itemised breakdown** — it should cover security, garbage collection, and communal cleaning. Never pay a vague service charge. ## 6. Parking allocation If a parking bay is promised, get it in writing with a specific bay number. Verbal promises are unenforceable. ## 7. Natural light and ventilation Visit the unit at midday. A well-lit apartment reduces electricity costs and is significantly healthier to live in long-term. ## 8. Mobile signal and internet infrastructure Check signal for your carrier inside the unit. Ask if fibre (Safaricom, Zuku, Faiba) is connected to the building — laying new fibre can take months and requires landlord approval. ## 9. Neighbours and noise Visit on a weekday evening (6–9 PM). This is when noise from neighbours, generators, and the surrounding area is at its peak. ## 10. The landlord's responsiveness Send a WhatsApp message to the landlord or agent with a minor question before signing. Response time is a reliable predictor of how quickly maintenance issues will be addressed after you move in. --- Taking two hours to verify these 10 points can save you months of frustration. When in doubt, walk away — there is always another apartment.