Understanding the New Landlord-Tenant Bill in Kenya (2026 Guide)

The relationship between landlords and tenants in Kenya is set for a major overhaul with the introduction of the new Landlord and Tenant Bill. This legislation aims to consolidate all laws relating to renting of business and residential premises into one Act.

Key Changes Proposed

The Bill introduces several significant changes that every property stakeholder needs to be aware of:

1. Rent Records

Landlords will be required to keep a rent book and provide a copy to the tenant. Failure to do so could result in a fine or imprisonment. This move is aimed at increasing transparency in rental transactions.

2. Termination of Tenancy

The Bill clearly outlines the grounds upon which a landlord can terminate a tenancy. This includes:

• Default in rent payment for more than one month
• Use of premises for illegal purposes
• Breach of tenancy agreement terms

3. Rent Increment

One of the most debated sections is the regulation of rent increases. The Bill proposes that landlords must give a 90-day written notice of intention to increase rent.

Impact on Property Managers

For property managers, this means stricter record-keeping and compliance protocols. It is advisable to start digitizing your records now to ensure you can easily produce rent books and payment histories if required.

Conclusion

While the Bill introduces more regulations, it also provides a clearer framework for dispute resolution, which has been a major pain point in the industry. Staying informed and compliant is the best way to protect your investment.