Questions to Ask When or Before Renting a House

Money and What You Actually Pay
Start with the numbers. The listed rent is rarely the full story.
•  What exactly does the monthly rent cover?
•  Are water, electricity, garbage collection or service charges included? If not, how are they billed and roughly how much do previous tenants pay?
•  Is there a separate service or estate charge, and what does it pay for?
•  How much is the security deposit, and under what conditions do I get it back in full?
•  Are there any other move-in fees or non-refundable charges?
•  How and when is rent paid, and is there a late payment penalty?
In many Kenyan rentals, water and electricity sit outside the base rent. Clarifying this early stops the shock of a higher total monthly cost.
The Lease Itself
Never sign something you have only skimmed.
•  How long is the lease, and what is the notice period if either side wants to end it?
•  Can the rent be increased during the lease or at renewal, and by how much notice must the landlord give?
•  What happens if I need to leave early? Is there a penalty?
•  Are there any special rules about subletting, guests, or overnight stays?
•  Who is responsible for minor repairs versus major ones, and how quickly does the landlord usually respond?
Ask for a written copy of the agreement and take time to read every clause. Vague wording around repairs or deposit refunds often causes the biggest headaches later.
Condition of the House and Ongoing Maintenance
Walk through the property carefully and ask direct questions about its history.
•  Have there been any recent leaks, electrical problems, or pest issues?
•  When were the last major repairs or upgrades done?
•  Who do I contact for maintenance, and what is the usual response time?
•  Is the water supply from the mains, a borehole, or both? How reliable is it?
•  Is electricity on a prepaid token meter, and is the meter in good working order?
•  Is there a backup generator or solar, and which parts of the house does it cover?
Take photos or videos of every room, including existing marks, stains, or damaged fittings. A simple signed inventory or checklist at move-in protects your deposit when you eventually leave.
Rules, Security and Daily Life
These questions reveal how the place actually feels to live in.
•  Are pets allowed? If so, are there any restrictions or extra deposits?
•  What is the policy on painting, putting up shelves, or other small changes?
•  How is security handled (guards, CCTV, access control), and is there visitor parking?
•  How noisy is the area at night or on weekends?
•  Are there any planned construction works nearby that could affect the house?
•  Who manages the compound or estate on a day-to-day basis, and how do I reach them?
If possible, speak to a current or recent tenant. Their answers often tell you more than the landlord’s brochure.
Verifying the Landlord or Agent
This step is easy to skip and important in places where informal arrangements are common.
•  Can I see proof that you own the property or are authorised to rent it out?
•  Who receives the rent payments and who signs the lease?
•  What is the best way to contact you for urgent issues?
A straightforward landlord or agent will not mind these questions. Hesitation or vague answers is a signal to slow down.
A Few Practical Tips
Write the answers down or ask for them in a message or email so you have a record. Visit at different times of day if you can. Check mobile signal strength, water pressure, and how the locks work. Compare the total monthly cost (rent plus utilities and charges) against your actual budget, not just the advertised figure.
Asking these questions does not make you difficult. It shows you are serious and helps both sides start the tenancy with clear expectations. A good landlord will appreciate a tenant who wants clarity. A landlord who gets defensive or rushes you past the details is often the one worth walking away from.
Take your time, ask freely, and only sign when the answers feel solid. Your future self will thank you.