Has the Landlord Refused to Refund Your rent Deposit? Here Is What the Law Says

In this episode of Court Helicopter Explainer, Lawyer Danstan Omari breaks down one of the most common disputes between tenants and landlords in Kenya: the issue of rent deposits. Many tenants believe they can use their deposit as the final month’s rent when moving out, but the law treats deposits differently. The video explains the true purpose of a rental deposit, including how it is meant to cover damages to the property, unpaid rent, service charges, or outstanding utility bills such as water and electricity. The discussion also highlights what should happen when a tenant vacates a house, including how landlords and tenants are expected to assess any damages and determine the amount to be refunded after deductions. Omari explains that tenants are entitled to the balance of their deposit if the property is left in good condition. The episode also prepares viewers for the next discussion on what the law says when tenants fail to pay rent and whether landlords can legally take actions such as locking tenants out or removing doors and roofs.