Kenyan rental terms, explained.

Showing 16 of 16 terms.

Title Deed

Legal

The official document proving ownership of a property in Kenya. Issued by the Ministry of Lands; searchable online via the Ardhisasa portal. Always verify the title deed before paying deposit.

Lease (Tenancy Agreement)

Legal

A written contract between landlord and tenant that sets out the rent, deposit, notice period, utility responsibilities, and house rules. Kenyan leases typically run 12 months, renewable.

Service Charge

Payments

A monthly fee covering shared amenities (lift, generator, guard, common-area lighting, sometimes water). Common in apartment complexes in Kilimani, Westlands, and Kileleshwa. Always check if it's included in the rent or billed separately.

Deposit (Security Deposit)

Payments

Refundable money paid upfront — usually one month's rent — to cover any damages or unpaid bills when you move out. Should be returned within 30–60 days of vacating, less any agreed deductions.

DSQ (Domestic Staff Quarters)

Property

A separate small unit (often a single room with bathroom) attached to or beside the main house, intended for live-in help (house-help, gardener, driver). Common in maisonettes and townhouses in Karen, Runda, and Lavington.

Borehole

Utilities

A private well drilled on a property to supply water independent of the county mains. Highly valued in areas with unreliable piped water (Karen, Lang'ata, parts of Mombasa).

Rate (Land Rate)

Payments

An annual tax paid by the property owner to the county government. Landlords should pay this; tenants should not be charged. Always ask for the latest rate receipt before signing.

Ardhisasa

Verifying

The Kenyan government's online land management system (ardhisasa.lands.go.ke). Lets you search title ownership, conduct official searches, and pay land rates online.

KPLC Token (Prepaid Electricity)

Utilities

Kenya Power's prepaid meter system — you buy token codes via M-Pesa and enter them into the meter to load credit. Most Nairobi rentals use prepaid; check the meter type before signing.

M-Pesa STK

Payments

The prompt that appears on your phone when paying via M-Pesa online (Safaricom's payment API). Landlords and platforms like HFR use STK to collect rent and deposits instantly.

Caretaker

Property

A person (often living on-site in apartment complexes) who manages day-to-day upkeep, collects rent from tenants, and reports issues to the landlord. NOT the landlord — they don't own the property.

Notice Period

Legal

The time you must give the landlord before vacating — commonly 60 days in Kenya. If you leave without notice, the landlord can deduct from your deposit. Check the lease carefully.

Furnished vs Unfurnished

Property

Furnished rentals include beds, sofas, fridge, sometimes cooker — and command a 20–40% premium. Unfurnished means bare shell (or with white goods only). Confirm exactly what's included in writing.

Pit Latrine / Septic Tank

Utilities

Sewage handling in areas without county sewer — pit latrines (basic) or septic tanks (with soak-away). Common in rural and peri-urban rentals; less common in Nairobi apartments.

Stamp Duty (Lease)

Legal

A tax on certain lease agreements (typically those longer than 2 years) payable to KRA via the iTax portal. Most residential 12-month leases are not stampable — but check with an advocate if unsure.

Title Search

Verifying

The process of confirming a property's legal owner and any encumbrances (mortgages, caveats) via the Ministry of Lands or Ardhisasa. HFR runs a title search on every landlord before listing goes live.