Becoming a landlord in Kenya can be a rewarding experience, both financially and personally. But it also comes with real responsibilities, risks, and lessons that aren’t always obvious at the start. Whether you’ve inherited a home, built a rental unit, or invested in apartments, here’s what you should know before handing over the keys to your first tenant. The truth is, rent won't just ''come.'' It’s not automatic. And if you’re not careful, what was meant to be an income stream becomes a full-time headache. So, before the tenant moves in and before you start dreaming about monthly M-Pesa messages, here’s what we wish more new landlords knew.
1. Landlording Is Not Passive Income. It's Work.
People like to say “rental income is passive.” But talk to anyone who has ever chased tenants across three counties or had to replace a broken tank at midnight; there’s nothing passive about it. Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent. It’s a business, and your tenants are your customers. That means being organized, responsive, and professional in how you manage your property. Keep records. Send receipts. Track payments. Handle complaints. If this feels overwhelming, consider using a rent management system like Silqu, which lets you automate rent collection, track arrears, and communicate with tenants; All from your phone.
2. The Law is Not Always on Your Side, But Know It Anyway!
Tenants have rights. And you do too, but only if you understand them. You can’t just increase rent overnight. You can’t evict someone without proper notice; even if they owe you. Get familiar with the Landlord and Tenant Bill. Even just reading summaries online helps. You don’t need to be a lawyer, but you do need to be informed. Trust us, ignorance can be expensive.
3. A Good Tenant Is a Bigger Blessing Than Rent
Don’t rush. A paying tenant is not always a good tenant. Vet properly. Ask questions. Take a deposit (and don’t use it). Have a simple written agreement; even if it’s one page long. And always follow your instincts. You’ll thank yourself later.
4. Money In is Not Money Made
The rent might be KSh 20,000 a month; but that doesn’t mean you’re earning 20K.
Subtract:
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Service charge (if you pay it)
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Repairs (they will happen)
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Empty months (yes, they come)
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Agent fees (if you use one)
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Taxes (KRA is watching now)
Plan with this in mind. If you expect too much, too fast, you’ll always feel like you’re behind.
5. Stop Taking Cash. Just Stop.
It’s not 1999.
Cash payments = no paper trail = problems. Use bank transfers or mobile money. Even better? Use a rent system like Silqu. Tenants pay into your paybill or account, and you get instant updates; no calls, no reconciliation stress, no arguments about “I sent it last week.”
6. Tenants Will Ask for Favors. Set Boundaries Early.
“Can I pay on the 10th this month?”
“Can I fix the tap and subtract it from rent?”
“Can my cousin move in with me for a bit?”
Decide early what you’re okay with. Be kind, yes; but consistent. It’s very easy to become the “nice landlord” who gets walked all over. And very hard to recover from that.
7. Fix Things Quickly. People Remember.
A leaking roof. A gate that doesn’t lock. A broken socket. They seem small; until they’re not! Small issues lead to resentment. Resentment leads to late payments. Late payments lead to empty houses. Tenants stay where they feel safe, seen, and heard.
8. Use Systems Before You Need Them
Don't wait to lose money to start keeping records. Track payments. Save receipts. Note every call and complaint. Even if you have one tenant—start right. If that sounds tiring, there are tools like Silqu that handle it for you. You’ll grow into the system. Don’t let chaos teach you to be organized.
9. Be Patient With Yourself
No one gets it perfect the first time. You’ll make mistakes. Lose money. Get frustrated. Learn. That’s okay. Keep showing up. Keep improving. Keep learning. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is growth, and peace of mind.
Listen to one of our landlor's first experience in managing his rentals: click here
