Who Pays for What? A Practical Guide to Repair Responsibilities in Kenyan Rentals (2026)

By Makao Match Team

Understanding the Legal Landscape

Kenyan tenancy law draws a clear line between landlord and tenant duties. In most cases the landlord must keep the structure sound, fix major plumbing, electrical faults and any issue that makes the unit unsafe. Tenants, on the other hand, are expected to maintain cleanliness, report problems promptly and avoid damage caused by negligence.

Section 13 of the Kenyan Landlord and Tenant Act states that the landlord must ensure the premises are fit for habitation at the start of the lease. If a problem arises that threatens health or safety, the landlord must act within a reasonable time, usually no more than ten days for urgent matters.

Common Repair Scenarios and Who Should Pay

Below is a quick reference for typical issues you may encounter in a rental home.

Leaking roof or structural cracks, landlord responsibility. These affect the building's integrity.
Broken toilet flush or clogged sewer line, landlord if caused by normal wear, tenant if due to misuse.
Faulty wiring or power outages, landlord must arrange a qualified electrician.
Air‑conditioner servicing, usually tenant, unless the unit was provided as part of the rent.
Window screens torn by pets, tenant bears the cost.
Paint touch‑ups due to normal fading, landlord after a tenancy ends, tenant for any stains they caused.

How Tenants Can Request Repairs Effectively

Clear communication saves time and avoids disputes. Follow these steps when you notice a problem.

Document the issue with a photo or short video. Include the date and a brief description.
Send a polite written request to your landlord or property manager. Use the in‑app chat on Makao Match or a WhatsApp message that includes the documentation.
Give a reasonable deadline. For urgent matters like a burst pipe, ask for a response within 24 hours. For non‑urgent repairs, a five‑day window is fair.
Keep a copy of all correspondence. This will be useful if you need to involve a mediator later.
If the landlord does not respond, send a reminder and mention the legal obligation to keep the property habitable.

Most landlords appreciate a well‑structured request and will arrange a repair promptly.

Landlord's Checklist for Timely Fixes

Landlords, your reputation and occupancy rates depend on how quickly you address maintenance. Use this checklist to stay on top of repairs.

Log every repair request in a simple spreadsheet or the Makao Match dashboard.
Prioritise issues that affect safety: water leaks, electrical faults, broken locks.
Contact licensed contractors. A qualified plumber in Nairobi typically charges KES 3,000 to 5,000 for a call‑out plus parts.
Provide tenants with an estimated completion date and keep them updated on progress.
After the repair, ask the tenant to confirm that the issue is resolved. A quick text or a signed checklist works well.

When Disputes Arise, Practical Steps

Even with the best intentions, disagreements happen. Here's how to resolve them without going to court.

Review the lease agreement. Most contracts include a clause that outlines repair responsibilities.
Invite a neutral third party. In Kenya, the Rent Tribunal can mediate disputes for a modest fee.
Consider a written settlement. Agree on who will pay for the repair and have both parties sign the document.
If the landlord refuses a legitimate repair, the tenant may withhold a portion of the rent equivalent to the repair cost, but only after giving written notice and a reasonable waiting period.
As a last resort, both parties can seek legal advice. Many law firms offer a free initial consultation for tenancy matters.

"A well‑maintained rental is a win‑win: tenants enjoy comfort, landlords protect their investment.", A seasoned Nairobi landlord

Understanding who pays for what and following a clear process can keep your rental relationship smooth and stress‑free. When you're ready to find a reliable tenant or a trustworthy landlord, give Makao Match a try.