According to Kenya Population and Housing Census, 78% of people in urban areas live renting a house. This means most of these people are always on the go looking for a good place to rent. Finding a perfect home can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. But we’re here to help you make the process less complicated.
Follow these five tips before renting a house in Kenya.
- Location
Location is one of the most important factors to consider before renting a house in Kenya. A good place can mean different things to different people. Some people will look for a fancy neighborhood. Others will consider distance to the workplace, children’s schools, or social amenities.
- Kitchen and Bathrooms
Did you know kitchen and bathrooms sell houses and rent apartments? When looking for a home to rent, look at kitchens and bathrooms. Find out if the plumbing and electrical system is working. These rooms provide valuable clues about the landlord’s focus on maintenance. Besides, check the sizes of these rooms. Do you prefer your bathrooms and kitchen small, medium or large? Remember, you’re trying to cut costs and don’t want to keep repairing the house.
- Total Cost
Before renting a house, find out what the total costs are. Find out if there are the home charge extra fees. These can include pet and parking fees, security deposits, and maintenance fees. Check if there are any discounts on their services. These will help you to plan and budget well. If it is above or below your budget, you’ve enough time to search for a house in a different
- Safety of the area and property
No one would want to rent a house in an insecure neighborhood. So, do due diligence and research online about the security of the place. Ask people if it is safe to walk in at night. Are there security cameras in the apartment? Does the management provide professional security guard services? How long do they take to respond to emergencies? Apart from the area security, check the structural integrity of the unit. You may want to check for cracks on the apartment or fence walls or check the ceiling to see any leaking roofs.
- Unit and Social amenities
In addition, consider social amenities at the unit. Be to check for things like closets, lighting, kitchen cabinets, and internet availability. You can also look for enough parking space and a children’s playing area. Check if there is a swimming pool, gym, garbage disposal /collection, and hanging lines. Also, ensure you can access worship centers, hospitals, and shopping centers with ease.
There are other factors to consider when looking for a house to rent in Kenya. But these five are the most essential. So next time you’re on a house hunt, ensure to include these tips on your list.