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.