Updated October 13, 2026 · Published by WKA Advocates
A residential tenancy should explain rent, deposit, duration, repairs and notice arrangements. Record the property's condition and any included items at handover. Clear documentation helps distinguish ordinary wear from damage and prevents routine disagreements from becoming disputes about what was agreed.
What Matters in Residential tenancy agreements
Review access, utilities, subletting and the process for reporting problems. The relevant law and forum depend on the tenancy and issue. Avoid assuming that a clause permits unlawful entry, disconnection or eviction. If a dispute develops, preserve the agreement, receipts, inventory and correspondence before seeking advice on the next step.
Practical Preparation Checklist
Prepare a signed inventory and condition record.
Clarify repairs, utilities and deposit treatment.
Review notice and lawful dispute-resolution arrangements.
Connect the Records to Your Objective
Explain the decision you need to make and prepare a consistent set of documents. Property references, party names and relevant dates should match across the records. Where something is missing or inconsistent, identify it for review rather than filling the gap with an assumption. Preserve original correspondence and obtain appropriate independent information.
Agree which legal checks are included and where survey, valuation, structural or other specialist advice is needed. A legal review can identify obligations and document risks, but it should not be confused with a technical inspection. Ask for the material findings and outstanding questions in writing.
Plan the Legal Work and Next Step
Review the proposed timing, responsibilities and costs before committing to a further step. Where a payment, notice or signature is required, establish its purpose and the conditions that apply. If a dispute or urgent deadline exists, raise it at the start of the instruction. Clear scope and reporting help you evaluate the advice and decide whether to proceed or investigate further.
Common Question
Can a landlord rely on any clause to evict immediately?
No. The agreement must be considered alongside applicable legal requirements and the proper procedure.
Tell our Nairobi team whether you are buying, selling, leasing, developing or dealing with an existing dispute. Share the property reference, documents available and any material deadline. Call +254 798 035 580, email info@wka.co.ke, or view contact and instruction details. We can assess the enquiry and explain the proposed scope before work begins.
General property information for Kenya. Advice depends on your documents, current law and circumstances. Updated 13 October 2026.
