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What is a Rent Tribunal in Kenya?

A rent tribunal is a quasi-judicial body in Kenya that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants — such as rent increases, deposits, evictions, and repairs — without going to court. Residential controlled tenancies fall under the Rent Restriction Tribunal; commercial premises fall under the Business Premises Rent Tribunal.

What a rent tribunal handles

Typical matters include disputed rent increases, withheld or unreturned deposits, unlawful eviction or lockout, and disagreements over repairs and standards. The tribunal offers a faster, lower-cost route than ordinary courts.

Which tribunal applies

Residential tenancies that fall within rent-control thresholds are handled by the Rent Restriction Tribunal; qualifying shops, hotels and catering premises go to the Business Premises Rent Tribunal. See the RRT filing guide, BPRT forms and filing guide, or the official contacts directory.

Frequently asked

It resolves landlord–tenant disputes — rent increases, deposits, evictions, lockouts, and repairs — as a faster, cheaper alternative to going to court.

Residential controlled tenancies are handled by the Rent Restriction Tribunal; commercial premises are handled by the Business Premises Rent Tribunal.