Can a landlord demand goodwill or key money before renting to you?
Rent Restriction Act · sources read 3 Oct 2026
For homes under the Rent Restriction Act (standard rent of KSh 2,500 a month or less), no one may demand or take a fine, premium or similar sum on top of rent as a condition of a tenancy. Doing so is an offence punishable by up to 12 months in jail, and anyone who paid can recover the money.
- Where
- Report the offence at a police station. Disputes over controlled homes (KSh 2,500 a month or less) go to the Rent Restriction Tribunal.
Steps
- Keep proof of any extra payment you made. The amount can be recovered from the person who took it.
- Demanding or taking a premium is a criminal offence, so it can be reported to the police.
- Disputes between landlords and tenants of homes at KSh 2,500 a month or less go to the Rent Restriction Tribunal.
Watch out
- The ban is in the Rent Restriction Act, which doesn't cover homes with a standard rent above KSh 2,500 a month.
- It doesn't apply to tenancies for a term of 14 years or more.
- Having paid the premium yourself doesn't make you an accomplice or an unreliable witness in a prosecution.
Who this covers
- Tenants of homes with a standard rent of KSh 2,500 a month or less, except excepted houses and service tenancies.
Official sources (2)
- Rent Restriction Act (Cap. 296) new.kenyalaw.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Tribunals: Rent Restriction Tribunal tribunals.judiciary.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026