Updated October 13, 2026 · Published by WKA Advocates
Connect the proposed business use with the premises, lease obligations and applicable approvals. Rent is only part of the cost: service charges, repairs, fit out, insurance and reinstatement may matter. Review the entry and exit arrangements together before relying on a term sheet as the complete agreement.
What Matters in Commercial premises lease review
For commercial premises lease review, start with a written account of the proposed dealing and the documents already available. Plan the exit at the same time as the entry. Examine break provisions, notice, assignment, deposit treatment and reinstatement. The applicable statutory regime and dispute forum may affect the relationship. Have the lease and any side agreement reviewed together so informal promises do not conflict with signed obligations.
Practical Preparation Checklist
Confirm permitted use and fit-out permissions.
Review rent, service charges and repair allocation.
Check notice, break, transfer and reinstatement provisions.
Connect the Records to Your Objective
Explain the decision you need to make and prepare a consistent set of documents. Property references, party names and relevant dates should match across the records. Where something is missing or inconsistent, identify it for review rather than filling the gap with an assumption. Preserve original correspondence and obtain appropriate independent information.
Agree which legal checks are included and where survey, valuation, structural or other specialist advice is needed. A legal review can identify obligations and document risks, but it should not be confused with a technical inspection. Ask for the material findings and outstanding questions in writing.
Plan the Legal Work and Next Step
Review the proposed timing, responsibilities and costs before committing to a further step. Where a payment, notice or signature is required, establish its purpose and the conditions that apply. If a dispute or urgent deadline exists, raise it at the start of the instruction. Clear scope and reporting help you evaluate the advice and decide whether to proceed or investigate further.
Common Question
Should a business focus only on the monthly rent?
No. Restrictions, additional charges, repairs and exit obligations can significantly affect the lease's suitability and total cost.
Tell our Nairobi team whether you are buying, selling, leasing, developing or dealing with an existing dispute. Share the property reference, documents available and any material deadline. Call +254 798 035 580, email info@wka.co.ke, or view contact and instruction details. We can assess the enquiry and explain the proposed scope before work begins.
General property information for Kenya. Advice depends on your documents, current law and circumstances. Updated 13 October 2026.
