What is the difference between a tenancy agreement and a lease agreement?

In Kenyan residential lettings the two terms are used interchangeably — both refer to the written contract between landlord and tenant. Strictly, a lease usually means a fixed term (with an end date) while a tenancy often means a periodic, month-to-month arrangement. This generator produces either; choose the term type in the form.

How much notice is needed to end a tenancy in Kenya?

For a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy the customary minimum is one complete rent period — one calendar month of written notice. If the tenancy is a controlled tenancy under the Rent Restriction Act (Cap 296), statutory notice rules apply instead. Your agreement can set a longer notice period, and this generator lets you choose one.

Do I need to pay stamp duty on a tenancy agreement?

Yes. In Kenya, leases attract stamp duty payable to KRA — generally 1% of the average annual rent for terms up to three years and 2% for longer terms. An unstamped agreement can be inadmissible as evidence in court, so stamp it after signing.

Is this tool really free?

Yes — completely free, with no signup and no hidden step. Fill the form, preview your agreement live, and print or save it as a PDF. It is built by Bomahut, the property management platform Kenyan landlords use to collect rent via M-Pesa, send invoices and manage tenants.

Free tool

Tenancy Agreement Generator for Kenya

Fill in the details, watch your residential tenancy (lease) agreement build itself in real time, then print or save it as a PDF. Free to use, no signup, made for Kenyan landlords and property managers.

Leasing a parcel of land instead of a house? Use the land lease agreement generator →

This generator produces a template for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every tenancy is different — have an advocate review your agreement before signing, especially for high-value or long-term lettings.

Residential tenancy Land lease

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Landlord's full nameLandlord's National ID / Passport numberLandlord's KRA PIN (optional)Landlord's address (P.O. Box or physical)Landlord's phone number

Tenant's full nameTenant's National ID / Passport numberTenant's phone number

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RESIDENTIAL TENANCY AGREEMENT THIS TENANCY AGREEMENT is made on ____________ BETWEEN ____________ of ____________, National ID/Passport No. ____________, KRA PIN N/A, telephone ____________ (hereinafter the “Landlord”) AND ____________, National ID/Passport No. ____________, telephone ____________ (hereinafter the “Tenant”). IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows: 1. The Premises The Landlord lets and the Tenant takes unit ____________ at ____________, being ____________ (the “Premises”), for use as a private residence only. 2. Term The tenancy shall be a periodic monthly tenancy commencing on ____________ and continuing from month to month until terminated by either party in accordance with this Agreement. 3. Rent The Tenant shall pay rent of KES ____________ per month, payable in advance ____________. Payment shall be made by M-Pesa Paybill (____________) or such other mode as the Landlord may notify in writing. 4. Deposit The Tenant shall pay a refundable security deposit of KES ____________ before taking occupation, to be held by the Landlord against unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, and outstanding utility bills. The deposit shall not be treated as rent for the final period without the Landlord's written consent, and shall be refunded within thirty (30) days of the Tenant vacating, less any lawful deductions itemised in writing. 5. Utilities The Tenant shall pay for electricity, water, internet and other utilities consumed at the Premises, and any service charge applicable to the unit, promptly as they fall due. 6. Landlord's obligations The Landlord shall: (a) allow the Tenant quiet enjoyment of the Premises; (b) keep the structure, roof and exterior of the Premises in good repair; (c) pay land rates, land rent and other outgoings charged on the property (other than those expressly payable by the Tenant); and (d) give the Tenant at least forty-eight (48) hours' notice before entering the Premises for inspection or repairs, except in an emergency. 7. Tenant's obligations The Tenant shall: (a) pay rent and other charges promptly when due; (b) keep the interior of the Premises, fittings and fixtures in good and tenantable condition, fair wear and tear excepted; (c) not make alterations or improvements without the Landlord's prior written consent; (d) not use the Premises for any illegal, immoral or commercial purpose; (e) promptly report damage or defects to the Landlord; and (f) permit the Landlord or agent to inspect the Premises on reasonable notice. 8. Subletting & assignment The Tenant shall not assign, sublet or otherwise part with possession of the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. 9. Termination & notice Either party may terminate this tenancy by giving the other not less than one (1) calendar month's written notice, expiring at the end of a complete rent period. The Landlord may terminate on shorter statutory notice where rent remains unpaid for more than fourteen (14) days after falling due, or where the Tenant commits a material breach of this Agreement and fails to remedy it within reasonable notice. Where the tenancy is a controlled tenancy under the Rent Restriction Act (Cap 296), the provisions of that Act shall prevail. 10. Dispute resolution The parties shall first attempt to resolve any dispute arising from this Agreement amicably through good-faith negotiation. Failing resolution within twenty-one (21) days, the dispute may be referred to mediation, to the Rent Restriction Tribunal where the tenancy is a controlled tenancy, or otherwise to a court of competent jurisdiction in Kenya. 11. Governing law This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya. IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first written above. Signed by the Landlord Name: ______________________ Signature: ______________________ Date: ______________________ In the presence of (witness) Name: ______________________ Signature: ______________________ Signed by the Tenant Name: ______________________ Signature: ______________________ Date: ______________________ In the presence of (witness) Name: ______________________ Signature: ______________________ This document is a general template provided “as is”, without warranty and not as legal advice; it is used at your own risk. Have an advocate review it before signing.

RESIDENTIAL TENANCY AGREEMENT

THIS TENANCY AGREEMENT is made on ____________ BETWEEN ____________ of ____________, National ID/Passport No. ____________, KRA PIN N/A, telephone ____________ (hereinafter the “Landlord”) AND ____________, National ID/Passport No. ____________, telephone ____________ (hereinafter the “Tenant”).

IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

1. The Premises
The Landlord lets and the Tenant takes unit ____________ at ____________, being ____________ (the “Premises”), for use as a private residence only.
2. Term
The tenancy shall be a periodic monthly tenancy commencing on ____________ and continuing from month to month until terminated by either party in accordance with this Agreement.
3. Rent
The Tenant shall pay rent of KES ____________ per month, payable in advance ____________. Payment shall be made by M-Pesa Paybill (____________) or such other mode as the Landlord may notify in writing.
4. Deposit
The Tenant shall pay a refundable security deposit of KES ____________ before taking occupation, to be held by the Landlord against unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, and outstanding utility bills. The deposit shall not be treated as rent for the final period without the Landlord's written consent, and shall be refunded within thirty (30) days of the Tenant vacating, less any lawful deductions itemised in writing.
5. Utilities
The Tenant shall pay for electricity, water, internet and other utilities consumed at the Premises, and any service charge applicable to the unit, promptly as they fall due.
6. Landlord's obligations
The Landlord shall: (a) allow the Tenant quiet enjoyment of the Premises; (b) keep the structure, roof and exterior of the Premises in good repair; (c) pay land rates, land rent and other outgoings charged on the property (other than those expressly payable by the Tenant); and (d) give the Tenant at least forty-eight (48) hours' notice before entering the Premises for inspection or repairs, except in an emergency.
7. Tenant's obligations
The Tenant shall: (a) pay rent and other charges promptly when due; (b) keep the interior of the Premises, fittings and fixtures in good and tenantable condition, fair wear and tear excepted; (c) not make alterations or improvements without the Landlord's prior written consent; (d) not use the Premises for any illegal, immoral or commercial purpose; (e) promptly report damage or defects to the Landlord; and (f) permit the Landlord or agent to inspect the Premises on reasonable notice.
8. Subletting & assignment
The Tenant shall not assign, sublet or otherwise part with possession of the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
9. Termination & notice
Either party may terminate this tenancy by giving the other not less than one (1) calendar month's written notice, expiring at the end of a complete rent period. The Landlord may terminate on shorter statutory notice where rent remains unpaid for more than fourteen (14) days after falling due, or where the Tenant commits a material breach of this Agreement and fails to remedy it within reasonable notice. Where the tenancy is a controlled tenancy under the Rent Restriction Act (Cap 296), the provisions of that Act shall prevail.
10. Dispute resolution
The parties shall first attempt to resolve any dispute arising from this Agreement amicably through good-faith negotiation. Failing resolution within twenty-one (21) days, the dispute may be referred to mediation, to the Rent Restriction Tribunal where the tenancy is a controlled tenancy, or otherwise to a court of competent jurisdiction in Kenya.
11. Governing law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kenya.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement on the date first written above.

Signed by the Landlord

Name: ______________________

Signature: ______________________

Date: ______________________

In the presence of (witness)

Name: ______________________

Signature: ______________________

Signed by the Tenant

Name: ______________________

Signature: ______________________

Date: ______________________

In the presence of (witness)

Name: ______________________

Signature: ______________________

This document is a general template provided “as is”, without warranty and not as legal advice; it is used at your own risk. Have an advocate review it before signing.

Guide

Tenancy agreements in Kenya, explained

What is a tenancy agreement in Kenya?

A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the terms on which the tenant occupies a property — the parties and their ID details, the property, the rent amount and when it is due, the deposit, each side's obligations, and how the tenancy can be ended. In Kenya most residential lettings run as monthly (periodic) tenancies, and putting the agreement in writing protects both sides if a dispute ever reaches a tribunal or court.

How do I write a tenancy agreement in Kenya?

Include the full names, ID numbers and contact details of the landlord and tenant; the property and unit; the start date and whether the term is fixed or monthly; the rent, due date and payment details (such as an M-Pesa Paybill); the deposit and refund conditions; who pays utilities; the notice period for termination; and signature lines for both parties and witnesses. The free generator on this page assembles all of these clauses for you as you fill in the form.

Is a verbal tenancy agreement valid in Kenya?

A verbal tenancy is legally recognised in Kenya, but it is very hard to prove what was agreed if a dispute arises over rent, deposit refunds or notice. A written, signed agreement is strongly recommended — it costs nothing to prepare and gives both landlord and tenant clear evidence of the terms.

Last updated: July 2026

Frequently asked questions

Yes — a written tenancy agreement is legally binding in Kenya once both parties have the capacity to contract, the terms are lawful, and both parties (plus witnesses, ideally) sign it. This tool produces a template to capture those terms clearly; it is not legal advice, so have an advocate review it before signing.

Bomahut is not a law firm and this generator does not provide legal advice or create an advocate–client relationship. The documents it produces are general templates provided “as is”, without any warranty of accuracy, completeness or fitness for a particular purpose, and you use them entirely at your own risk. Bomahut accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on a generated document. You remain responsible for ensuring any agreement you sign complies with the law that applies to your situation — for specific advice, consult a licensed advocate.