You don't need a lawyer to get your home back — Immani lets you file a dispute against the person who gave out your house for KSh 100. This is a common problem in Kenya, where a tenant travels abroad and pays rent in advance, only to find out that their landlord has given out the house to someone else.

Why this happens: Landlords might do this to avoid paying back the tenant's rent, or to rent the house to someone else at a higher price. They might claim they had the right to sublet, or that the tenant gave them permission. However, in Kenya, a landlord needs the tenant's consent to sublet their house, and any agreement to sublet must be in writing.

How Immani works in this specific context: You can use Immani to file a dispute against the person who gave out your house. This will send a notification to them, and give you a private window to resolve the issue directly. If they don't respond, the dispute will become visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani.

What happens next, concretely:

1. File a dispute on Immani, describing what happened and providing evidence such as rental agreements and payment receipts.
2. Immani will send a notification to the person who gave out your house, and give you a private window to resolve the issue directly.
3. If they don't respond, the dispute will become visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani.
4. If you and the other party agree to resolve the issue, you can close the dispute on Immani.
5. If you don't agree, the dispute will remain open until you and the other party confirm that you have engaged and reached an understanding.

A one-line trustworthiness disclaimer: Immani is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This post is general information, not advice for your specific situation.

What counts as damage in Kenya?

In Kenya, a landlord is only entitled to withhold a tenant's deposit if the tenant has caused damage to the house. The landlord must provide evidence of the damage, and the tenant must be given an opportunity to inspect the house and dispute any claims.

How long does a landlord have to refund a deposit in Kenya?

A landlord in Kenya has 30 days to refund a tenant's deposit after the tenancy agreement has ended. If the landlord is withholding the deposit for damages, they must provide evidence of the damage and give the tenant an opportunity to inspect the house and dispute any claims.

Can a landlord withhold a tenant's deposit for unpaid rent in Kenya?

No, a landlord in Kenya cannot withhold a tenant's deposit for unpaid rent. The landlord must follow the proper procedure for recovering unpaid rent, which includes sending a demand notice and giving the tenant an opportunity to pay.

What if there was no inventory in Kenya?

If there was no inventory taken at the start of the tenancy, the landlord and tenant should agree on what is included in the deposit. If they cannot agree, the dispute can be filed on Immani.

How does Immani help in a situation like this?

Immani helps by providing a platform for you to file a dispute against the person who gave out your house. This sends a notification to them, and gives you a private window to resolve the issue directly. If they don't respond, the dispute will become visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani.