Most rent in Nairobi is paid by bank transfer or M-Pesa, and the transaction message is useful evidence. It does not say what the money was for. A receipt that names the unit, the period and whether it was rent or a deposit does, and that is what matters when you ask for the deposit back.

Ask for one whenever you pay a deposit, and whenever you pay cash.

The template

RENT / DEPOSIT RECEIPT                         No. ________

Date: ______________________

Received from (tenant):   ___________________________________
ID / passport number:     ___________________________________
Phone:                    ___________________________________

Paid to (landlord / agent): ___________________________________
ID number or company:       ___________________________________
KRA PIN:                    ___________________________________
Phone:                      ___________________________________

Property:  House / unit no. ________  Building / court ____________
           Road ______________________  Area ______________________

Amount:    KES ______________ (in words: ___________________________)

This payment is for (tick one):
  [ ] Rent for the period ______________ to ______________
  [ ] Security deposit (refundable)
  [ ] Water deposit (refundable)
  [ ] Electricity deposit (refundable)
  [ ] Service charge for ______________
  [ ] Other: ______________________________

Paid by:   [ ] Bank transfer, ref ______________
           [ ] M-Pesa, code ______________
           [ ] Cash

Balance outstanding, if any: KES ______________

Received by (signature): ___________________   Name: _______________
Tenant (signature):      ___________________

Why each part is there

  • The unit and building. Receipts that just say “rent” can be argued to cover a different unit or a different tenant.
  • The period. “Rent for March” is clearer than a date, and stops a payment being reallocated to arrears.
  • Deposit or rent, ticked. A deposit is refundable; rent is not. Mixing them up is how deposits disappear.
  • The M-Pesa code or bank reference. Ties the receipt to the actual transaction.

Keep it safe

Photograph the receipt as soon as you get it and save it with the lease and the move-in photos. See Finding housing.