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.

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Taking two hours to verify these 10 points can save you months of frustration. When in doubt, walk away — there is always another apartment.