What are the official Rent Tribunal contacts in Kenya?
| Office | Published contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Judiciary Tribunal Secretariat | 0792 429713 tribunals@court.go.ke P.O. Box 30041-00100 | RRT/BPRT registry, filing channel, circuit sittings and general tribunal enquiries. |
| Rent Restriction Tribunal direct line | 0719 187 224 | Residential controlled-tenancy enquiries. Number listed in the Judiciary's public contacts directory. |
| Nairobi tribunal shared services | Kenya Re Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi | Shared registry services. Confirm the current floor and service point before visiting. |
Official sources: Registrar Tribunals, Judiciary contacts directory, and the Judiciary's shared-services announcement.
Which rent tribunal should I contact?
Contact the Rent Restriction Tribunal (RRT) for a dispute about a controlled residential dwelling under the Rent Restriction Act, Cap 296. Contact the Business Premises Rent Tribunal (BPRT) for a controlled tenancy involving a shop, hotel or catering establishment under Cap 301.
Not every tenancy falls within either tribunal. Modern residential leases outside the Rent Restriction Act and commercial leases outside the Cap 301 definition may require a Magistrate's Court, the Environment and Land Court, or another forum. If jurisdiction is unclear, seek legal advice before filing.
What are the published Rent Tribunal filing fees?
These are the fees in the current Kenya Law versions of the tribunal regulations. Confirm the amount and payment channel with the registry before paying: an operational assessment can depend on the remedy and value claimed, and registry payment instructions can change.
Business Premises Rent Tribunal (BPRT)
| Filing or service | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Notice of motion or chamber summons | KSh 500 |
| Distress application: up to KSh 1,000 claimed | KSh 250 |
| Distress application: over KSh 1,000 but below KSh 5,000 | KSh 500 |
| Distress application: over KSh 5,000 | 10% of amount claimed |
| Proceedings to alter tenancy | 5% of annual rent increase |
| Proceedings to terminate tenancy | 5% of annual rent |
| Valuation fee | 5% of annual rent |
| Inspection/viewing requested by a party | KSh 500 |
Source: BPRT Forms and Procedure Regulations, Form D.
Rent Restriction Tribunal (RRT)
| Filing or service | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Application under the regulation's Order XXV reference | KSh 200 |
| Other application | KSh 100 |
| Arrears claim below KSh 2,000 | KSh 225 |
| Arrears claim over KSh 2,000 but below KSh 5,000 | KSh 370 |
| Arrears claim over KSh 5,000 | KSh 400 |
| Possession-only plaint | 5% of yearly rental value |
| Defence | KSh 100 |
| Affidavit | KSh 60 |
The schedule also lists service, certified-copy, inspection, exhibit and other fees. Source: Rent Restriction Regulations, Schedule of Fees.
Which counties have RRT circuits, and what are the opening hours?
The Judiciary's FY2025/26 budget report records RRT circuits at Kisumu, Kisii, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Garissa, Nanyuki, Mombasa, Voi, Malindi and Lamu. This is evidence of circuit coverage, not a current hearing calendar. Ask the Secretariat for the next sitting and filing point serving your county.
A single national RRT/BPRT opening-hours schedule was not published on the official contact pages checked on 24 August 2026. Do not assume ordinary court hours: call 0792 429713 or the RRT direct line before travel and confirm the day, registry, floor and service window.
Source: Judiciary MTEF FY2025/26 Budget Report.
What should I confirm before visiting or filing?
- The correct tribunal and whether it has jurisdiction over your tenancy.
- The current filing method, registry or circuit serving your county.
- The prescribed form, supporting documents and number of copies required.
- The current filing fee and accepted payment method.
- How the other party must be served and what proof of service is required.
- Whether an urgent application is appropriate and how it should be lodged.
Have the lease, rent statement, receipts, notices, proof of service, written communication and photographs available when you call. This helps registry staff identify the process, although they cannot provide legal advice.
Where are the official Rent Tribunal laws and forms?
- Rent Restriction Act, Cap 296 — controlled residential premises and RRT powers.
- Landlord and Tenant Act, Cap 301 — controlled shops, hotels and catering establishments.
- BPRT Forms and Procedure Regulations — Forms A, A1, B, C and other prescribed forms.
- Pangoni's RRT filing guide and BPRT guide — plain-English orientation with official-source links.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rent Restriction Tribunal phone number?
The Judiciary public contacts directory lists 0719 187 224 for the Rent Restriction Tribunal. The central Tribunal Secretariat is 0792 429713. Verify the number and service point before travelling.
What is the Tribunal Secretariat email address?
The Judiciary Office of the Registrar Tribunals publishes tribunals@court.go.ke for tribunal enquiries.
Where are the rent tribunals in Nairobi?
The Judiciary operates tribunal shared services from Kenya Re Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi. Contact the Tribunal Secretariat before visiting to confirm the current registry floor and where your matter should be filed.
Can I contact BPRT using the Tribunal Secretariat?
Yes. The Office of the Registrar Tribunals oversees shared tribunal services. Use 0792 429713 or tribunals@court.go.ke to confirm current BPRT filing and registry information.
Does the same tribunal handle residential and commercial rent disputes?
No. RRT deals with qualifying controlled residential premises under Cap 296. BPRT deals with qualifying controlled shops, hotels and catering establishments under Cap 301. Other disputes may belong in a court.