Renting in Nairobi: what to check before you pay

A good rental saves you stress for years. Before you pay a deposit, run through this list.

Visit at different times

Go once in the day and once in the evening. Check noise, security, lighting and how busy the road is.

Check the basics

• Water: is it from the council, a borehole or a tank? How often does it run dry?
• Electricity: is the meter prepaid, and is it yours alone?
• Security: gate, guard, fence and lighting.
• Transport: how far to the stage, and what does the trip cost?

Read the agreement

Make sure the rent, deposit, notice period and who pays for repairs are all written down. Ask for a receipt for every payment.

Pay carefully

Pay through traceable channels and only to the person named on the agreement.