1. Rent Amount & Payment Terms
✅ What it should say:

Exact monthly rent figure

Payment due date (e.g., "By the 5th of every month")

Accepted payment methods (bank transfer, M-Pesa)

🚩 Red flag:

Vague wording like "rent may be adjusted periodically."

2. Deposit Details
✅ What it should say:

Refundable amount (usually 1–2 months’ rent)

Conditions for deductions (e.g., repairs for damages)

Timeline for refund after moving out (max 30 days under Kenyan law)

🚩 Red flag:

"Non-refundable deposit" clauses.

3. Maintenance & Repairs
✅ What it should say:

Who handles repairs (landlord vs. tenant)?

Emergency contact for plumbing/electrical issues.

🚩 Red flag:

"Tenant bears all repair costs."

4. Rent Increase Terms
✅ What it should say:

Notice period (typically 1–2 months).

Valid reasons (e.g., inflation, property upgrades).

🚩 Red flag:

"Landlord may increase rent at any time."

5. Subletting & Roommates
✅ What it should say:

Whether subletting is allowed (common for shared apartments).

Approval process for adding housemates.

🚩 Red flag:

Absolute bans without justification.

6. Termination & Notice Period
✅ What it should say:

Notice period for ending the lease (usually 1–2 months).

Penalties for early termination (e.g., forfeiting deposit).

🚩 Red flag:

"No early termination under any circumstances."

7. Utilities & Bills
✅ What it should say:

Which utilities are included (e.g., water, garbage).

Tenant responsibilities (e.g., electricity, Wi-Fi).

🚩 Red flag:

Unclear division of bills.

8. Property Access Rights
✅ What it should say:

Landlord must give 24-hour notice before entering.

Exceptions for emergencies (e.g., burst pipes).

🚩 Red flag:

"Landlord may enter anytime."

9. Renewal Terms
✅ What it should say:

Automatic renewal or renegotiation process.

Deadline for giving notice before moving out.

🚩 Red flag:

"Automatic rent hike upon renewal."

🔍 3 Extra Checks Before Signing
1. Compare with Standard Kenyan Lease Templates (download online).

2. Photograph the Property to document pre-existing damage.

3. Get Verbal Promises in Writing (e.g., "Landlord agreed to fix leaking roof by X date").

⚠️ Never Sign If…
1. The landlord refuses to give you a copy.

2. Key clauses are handwritten (risk of tampering).

3. You don’t understand a term—ask for clarification!

Need Help?
Makao Spaces offers free lease reviews for tenants. 📩 Contact us today!

🔗 Download a Free Kenyan Lease Agreement Template Here

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💬 Have you ever been trapped by a bad lease clause? Share your story below! ⚠️