ATTENTION TENANTS– THE THINGS YOU SHOULD AGREE ON WITH THE LANDLORDS BEFORE MOVING INTO A RENTAL HOUSE

1. Rent Amount & Due Date

Agree on the exact monthly rent and payment deadline. Avoid being “late” by assumption.

2. Payment Methods

Cash, Mpesa, or bank transfer — agree and always get receipts.

3. Late Payment Penalties

Daily penalties must be agreed upfront. Avoid shock fines at month-end.

4. Security Deposit Rules

Confirm amount, refund timeline, and what can be deducted. Protect yourself from unfair deductions.

5. Notice Period

Most landlords require 30-day written notice. Agree now to safeguard your deposit.

6. Utility Bills

Clarify who pays: water, electricity, garbage, internet, shared meters, and any hidden charges.

7. Repairs & Maintenance

Agree on responsibilities and timelines for landlord vs tenant. Avoid living with broken taps or doors.

8. Exit Inspection

Inspection should be joint, documented with photos or videos. Prevent unfair deposit deductions.

9. Wear & Tear vs Damage

Define what counts as normal aging vs tenant-caused damage. Protect yourself from paying for the landlord’s old problems.

10. Cohabitation Rules

Clarify if partners or siblings can live with you. Avoid “immorality” eviction threats.

11. Guests

Agree on how long a guest can stay. Avoid surprise fees or eviction for extended visits.

12. Subletting / Airbnb

Confirm if subletting or hosting is allowed. Otherwise, you risk deposit loss and eviction.

13. Premises Rules

Clarify: quiet hours, cleanliness, gate closing times, parking, balcony use, pets, smoking.

14. Landlord Entry & Privacy

Landlord should give 24-hour notice except in emergencies. Avoid surprise visits.

15. Condition of the House

Do an entry inspection and document everything with photos or videos. Baseline protects your deposit.

16. Rent Increase Rules

Agree how often and by how much rent can increase. Avoid sudden financial shocks.

17. Noise, Neighbors & Nuisance Rules

Clarify acceptable noise levels, parties, and neighbor expectations.

18. Shared Areas & Amenities

Agree on rooftop, laundry, parking, water taps, charging points, garden/compound usage. Prevent fights.

19. Termination Procedure

Confirm legal move-out process: notice, bills, keys handover, deposit refund.

20. Dispute Resolution Method

Agree how conflicts will be solved — mediation, tribunal, or Renters Hub support.

21. Parking Rules (Detailed)

Who gets which spot? Visitor parking? Penalties? Avoid fights over space.

22. Pet Rules

Types, size, number of pets, and cleanup responsibility. Prevent eviction or fines.

23. Alterations / Decorations

Painting, drilling, shelves — agree on permission required. Avoid losing deposit for decorating.

24. Garden / Outdoor Maintenance

Who trims grass, waters plants, or maintains landscaping? Especially for shared areas.

25. Pest Control

Clarify responsibility for termites, rodents, mosquitoes. Avoid unexpected exterminator bills.

26. Safety & Security Measures

Locks, alarms, fencing, guards — clarify who maintains and pays.

27. Appliances & Fixtures

Confirm included appliances, their condition, and repair responsibilities.

28. Internet & TV Connections

Who sets up Wi-Fi or DSTV? Who pays bills for shared services?

29. Water Storage / Borehole Usage

Clarify usage rules, maintenance, and payment responsibilities for tanks or boreholes.

30. Garbage & Recycling

Frequency, payment, and proper disposal. Prevent fines from local authorities.

31. Insurance & Liability

Does landlord’s insurance cover property damage? Who is liable for injuries?

32. Sub-metering / Shared Utilities

Clarify cost splits for shared utilities to avoid disputes.

33. Emergency Repairs / Access

Define emergencies, landlord access rights, and response times.

34. Furniture / Furnishing Condition

For furnished houses, note condition of beds, sofas, curtains, etc. Take photos and sign off.

35. Storage / Basement / Garage Rules

Clarify what can be stored, safety, and insurance responsibilities.

36. Special Clauses for High-Value Property

Pools, gyms, solar panels, lifts, generators — clarify maintenance and payment responsibilities.

37. Key & Access Management

Number of keys/remotes, lost key consequences, duplicate key permissions.

38. Events / Social Gatherings

Agree on maximum guests, frequency, or prior notice to landlord.

39. Smoking / Alcohol Restrictions

Clarify indoor smoking, alcohol in shared spaces. Protect property and neighbor relations.

40. Emergency Contacts & Legal Communication

Who to call for plumbing, electricity, or security emergencies?
How should formal notices be delivered — WhatsApp, email, or in writing?

WHY YOU MUST AGREE ON ALL THESE POINTS

Because this is where 99% of tenant–landlord wars begin:

Deposits disappear

Bills are inflated

Landlords impose surprise rules

Tenants are accused of damages they didn’t cause

Rent increases randomly

People are evicted illegally.

When everything is clear from Day 1, you protect your peace, deposit and rights.

Remember: All agreements must be written or printed and signed.