🛑 ATTENTION TENANTS– THE THINGS YOU SHOULD AGREE ON WITH THE LANDLORDS BEFORE MOVING INTO A RENTAL HOUSE
Most tenant–landlord conflicts start before you even move in.
Why? Because most agreements are verbal, vague, or missing.
To avoid drama, stress, illegal deductions, harassment and surprise costs, here are 40 things you MUST agree on before moving in.
⚠️ Important: All agreements should be written/printed and signed. Any lawyer can draft it.
- Rent Amount & Due Date
Agree on the exact monthly rent and payment deadline. Avoid being “late” by assumption.
- Payment Methods
Cash, Mpesa, or bank transfer — agree and always get receipts.
- Late Payment Penalties
Daily penalties must be agreed upfront. Avoid shock fines at month-end.
- Security Deposit Rules
Confirm amount, refund timeline, and what can be deducted. Protect yourself from unfair deductions.
- Notice Period
Most landlords require 30-day written notice. Agree now to safeguard your deposit.
- Utility Bills
Clarify who pays: water, electricity, garbage, internet, shared meters, and any hidden charges.
- Repairs & Maintenance
Agree on responsibilities and timelines for landlord vs tenant. Avoid living with broken taps or doors.
- Exit Inspection
Inspection should be joint, documented with photos or videos. Prevent unfair deposit deductions.
- Wear & Tear vs Damage
Define what counts as normal aging vs tenant-caused damage. Protect yourself from paying for the landlord’s old problems.
- Cohabitation Rules
Clarify if partners or siblings can live with you. Avoid “immorality” eviction threats.
- Guests
Agree on how long a guest can stay. Avoid surprise fees or eviction for extended visits.
- Subletting / Airbnb
Confirm if subletting or hosting is allowed. Otherwise, you risk deposit loss and eviction.
- Premises Rules
Clarify: quiet hours, cleanliness, gate closing times, parking, balcony use, pets, smoking.
- Landlord Entry & Privacy
Landlord should give 24-hour notice except in emergencies. Avoid surprise visits.
- Condition of the House
Do an entry inspection and document everything with photos or videos. Baseline protects your deposit.
- Rent Increase Rules
Agree how often and by how much rent can increase. Avoid sudden financial shocks.
- Noise, Neighbors & Nuisance Rules
Clarify acceptable noise levels, parties, and neighbor expectations.
- Shared Areas & Amenities
Agree on rooftop, laundry, parking, water taps, charging points, garden/compound usage. Prevent fights.
- Termination Procedure
Confirm legal move-out process: notice, bills, keys handover, deposit refund.
- Dispute Resolution Method
Agree how conflicts will be solved — mediation, tribunal, or Renters Hub support.
- Parking Rules (Detailed)
Who gets which spot? Visitor parking? Penalties? Avoid fights over space.
- Pet Rules
Types, size, number of pets, and cleanup responsibility. Prevent eviction or fines.
- Alterations / Decorations
Painting, drilling, shelves — agree on permission required. Avoid losing deposit for decorating.
- Garden / Outdoor Maintenance
Who trims grass, waters plants, or maintains landscaping? Especially for shared areas.
- Pest Control
Clarify responsibility for termites, rodents, mosquitoes. Avoid unexpected exterminator bills.
- Safety & Security Measures
Locks, alarms, fencing, guards — clarify who maintains and pays.
- Appliances & Fixtures
Confirm included appliances, their condition, and repair responsibilities.
- Internet & TV Connections
Who sets up Wi-Fi or DSTV? Who pays bills for shared services?
- Water Storage / Borehole Usage
Clarify usage rules, maintenance, and payment responsibilities for tanks or boreholes.
- Garbage & Recycling
Frequency, payment, and proper disposal. Prevent fines from local authorities.
- Insurance & Liability
Does landlord’s insurance cover property damage? Call 0754615881 for property managemet🙏