What should I check before paying a house deposit?
What are you posting?
Pick a type and we'll take you to the right form.
-
Irene AkinyiTake your time. If you are being rushed to pay, treat that as a warning and slow down until your questions are answered.Take your time. If you are being rushed to pay, treat that as a warning and slow down until your questions are answered.
-
React
- Responder
- 2026-10-29 04:39:12
-
-
Mark OchiengAsk for the receipt in your name with the amount and what it is for. A deposit receipt is your main proof if you need a refund.Ask for the receipt in your name with the amount and what it is for. A deposit receipt is your main proof if you need a refund.
-
React
- Responder
- 2026-10-28 23:00:07
-
-
Sarah WambuiConfirm who pays for what. Ask about water, electricity, garbage, security and any service charge, and whether any of them can change during the tenancy.Confirm who pays for what. Ask about water, electricity, garbage, security and any service charge, and whether any of them can change during the tenancy.
-
React
- Responder
- 2026-10-28 17:13:43
-
-
Charles MuriithiTake dated photos of any existing damage and send them to the landlord. That protects you from being charged for faults that were there before you moved in.Take dated photos of any existing damage and send them to the landlord. That protects you from being charged for faults that were there before you moved in.
-
React
- Responder
- 2026-10-28 11:34:42
-
-
Peter MainaLook at the surroundings too. Check the road in daylight and in the evening, the lighting, noise and how you would travel to work or school.Look at the surroundings too. Check the road in daylight and in the evening, the lighting, noise and how you would travel to work or school.
-
React
- Responder
- 2026-10-28 05:59:17
-
8 answers
-
Ruth Akinyi
Confirm the exact house, rent, deposit, move-in date, utility arrangements, and additional charges. Inspect water access, electricity, locks, windows, drainage, phone network coverage, and visible damage. Ask whether repairs will be completed before you move in. Ensure the agreement identifies the parties and explains the deposit refund process. Obtain a receipt and retain copies of the agreement and relevant communications.
-
Michael Kiptoo
Check the agreement before the money. Rent, deposit, notice period, repair responsibility and refund conditions should all be written, and every figure should match what you were told.
-
Dennis Kiprotich
Inspect the practical basics: water pressure, taps, toilet flush, sockets, lights, locks on doors and windows, and signs of leaks or damp on walls and ceilings.







