Landlords and Tenants Association of Kenya

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A national association for a fair, secure and well-governed housing sector.

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The association

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Guidance and representation for the conflicts affecting homes and businesses.

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Kenya law· CAP 293

CAP 293

Distress for Rent Act - levy distress and lawful recovery of arrears.

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What this law covers

CAP 293

The Distress for Rent Act (CAP 293) sets out how landlords may levy distress on a tenant's goods for rent arrears. Procedure, notice and sale rules must be followed - otherwise distress is unlawful.

·Levy distress for unpaid rent
·Links to CAP 533 for auction of seized goods
·Common flashpoint in landlord-tenant fights
·Requires strict compliance to be valid

Your rights

Know where you stand

·Landlords: follow CAP 293 before seizing goods
·Tenants: challenge defective distress and valuation
·Inventory and sale notices must be compliant
·Unlawful distress may attract damages

Next steps

What to do now

01
Confirm rent arrears and proper demand
02
Follow or challenge distress procedure with LATAK guidance
03
Escalate to tribunal if goods are seized unlawfully

Explore more

Rent defaults CAP 533 Landlord membership

Facing cap 293?

Contact LATAK through our form, WhatsApp or your nearest county desk. Active members receive tribunal representation and chapter referrals.

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