https://kodisawa.co.ke Know exactly who paid rent. Track M-Pesa, bank transfers, and cash payments across all your properties. Tax-ready reports for Kenyan landlords. Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:46:08 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en 2026 https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/stopped-scrolling-mpesa-messages https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/stopped-scrolling-mpesa-messages Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/kra-mri-tax-report-mistakes https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/kra-mri-tax-report-mistakes Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/tenant-said-paid-cant-find-money https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/tenant-said-paid-cant-find-money Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/tenant-screening-red-flags https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/tenant-screening-red-flags Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/kra-rental-income-tax-guide https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/kra-rental-income-tax-guide Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/mpesa-paybill-vs-buy-goods-rent https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/mpesa-paybill-vs-buy-goods-rent Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/kra-mri-monthly-rental-income-tax https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/kra-mri-monthly-rental-income-tax Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/how-much-rent-to-charge-nairobi https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/how-much-rent-to-charge-nairobi Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/best-property-management-software-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/best-property-management-software-kenya Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/reconcile-mpesa-rent-payments https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/reconcile-mpesa-rent-payments Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/rental-income-tax-exemptions-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/rental-income-tax-exemptions-kenya Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/tenant-screening-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/tenant-screening-kenya Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT self-employed > student) Income-to-rent ratio (lower is better) Previous rental history (longer, cleaner is better) References quality Completeness of application First-come-first-served is risky. A quick applicant isn't necessarily a good one. Take time to evaluate all applicants before deciding. A few days of extra vacancy is nothing compared to years of tenant problems. What If You Have No Applicants? Sometimes the market is tough. You might be tempted to lower standards. Better alternatives: Adjust rent to market rate Improve the unit's appeal Better marketing/photos Offer move-in incentives Never: Skip verification steps Accept unverifiable income Ignore red flags because "at least someone wants it" An empty unit is expensive. A bad tenant is more expensive. Technology Helps Modern property management tools can streamline screening: What to look for: Tenant application forms (digital) Document storage Verification checklists Notes and communication history Integration with lease management [Property management software keeps all applicant information organized and creates accountability in your screening process. After Approval: Set the Right Expectations Screening doesn't end at approval. The lease signing sets ongoing expectations. Include clear terms: Rent amount and due date Accepted payment methods Late payment penalties Maintenance responsibilities Notice period Grounds for eviction Walk through the lease together. Make sure they understand every clause. A clear lease prevents disputes. Disputes are what turn good tenants into problems. Landlord and tenant signing a rental lease agreement in a cozy living room Key Takeaways Screen everyone equally — No shortcuts for anyone Verify employment independently — Call the company, not applicant's number Income ≤35% of rent — Non-negotiable for payment stability Contact previous landlords — The step that prevents most problems Document everything — Protects you legally Trust your gut after verification — Red flags are usually accurate Better vacant than bad tenant — Patience saves money Good tenants make landlording profitable. Bad tenants make it miserable. The screening process is where you decide which experience you'll have. Managing tenant applications across multiple properties? KodiSawa keeps applicant records, verification status, and lease documents organized in one place. Try free for 14 days. ]]> support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/setup-mpesa-paybill-rent-collection https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/setup-mpesa-paybill-rent-collection Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/bank-reconciliation-landlords https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/bank-reconciliation-landlords Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/calculate-rental-income-tax-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/calculate-rental-income-tax-kenya Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/rental-agreement-template-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/rental-agreement-template-kenya Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/managing-multiple-rental-properties https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/managing-multiple-rental-properties Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT 95%) Collection rate (target: >95%) Average days to fill vacancy Maintenance response time Tenant turnover rate Financial metrics: Gross rental income Operating expenses (% of rent) Net operating income Cash-on-cash return Per-property profitability Review monthly. Compare trends. Act on deviations. Building Your Team As you scale, you need people: Core team: You (strategy, oversight) Accountant/bookkeeper (finances) Property manager or caretakers (operations) Extended network: Lawyer (contracts, disputes) Insurance broker (coverage) Banker (financing) Tax advisor (compliance) Invest in relationships with reliable people. They multiply your capacity. When to Get Professional Help Signs you need professional property management: Rent collection is consistently below 90% Tenant complaints aren't being resolved You don't know your actual net income Managing properties interferes with your primary income source You're burned out The 8-12% fee pays for itself in: Better collection Lower vacancy Professional tenant screening Your time back Key Takeaways Systems beat memory — What works with 3 units breaks with 30 Single source of truth — All information in one place Standardize communication — Templates save hours Delegate strategically — Caretakers, managers, or hybrid Separate finances — Business accounts, per-property tracking Track metrics — What gets measured gets managed Build reserves — Emergencies will happen Know your limits — Get professional help before you break Scaling from 1 to 10 to 30+ properties is possible. But only with systems that grow with you. Managing multiple properties? KodiSawa gives you one dashboard for all your properties, tenants, and payments. Stop juggling spreadsheets. Try free for 14 days. ]]> support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/mpesa-till-rent-collection https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/mpesa-till-rent-collection Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/kra-penalties-late-rental-tax https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/kra-penalties-late-rental-tax Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/handle-late-rent-payments https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/handle-late-rent-payments Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/monthly-rent-collection-report https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/monthly-rent-collection-report Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/property-manager-fees-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/property-manager-fees-kenya Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT 95% Reduced fee for extended vacancies Bonus for exceeding targets What to Ask Before Signing Questions that prevent surprises: Fees: What is the monthly management fee (percentage or flat)? What services are included in this fee? What services cost extra? How much? How is tenant finding charged? Any markup on maintenance/repairs? Any annual or administrative fees? Fee on vacant units? Operations: How often will you inspect the property? How quickly do you respond to tenant issues? Who handles after-hours emergencies? What's your tenant screening process? How do you handle late payers? At what point do you escalate to legal action? Reporting: What reports do I receive and how often? How do I access real-time information? How are expenses documented? Do you provide KRA-compliant reports? Financials: When are funds disbursed to me? How are tenant deposits held? What's your process for expense approval? Any reserve requirements? Contract: What's the notice period to terminate? Are there termination penalties? How are disputes resolved? Can I review and approve major decisions? Red Flags to Watch Be cautious if: Vague inclusions: "We handle everything" without specifics. Get it in writing. No references: Unwilling to provide current client contacts. Unclear financials: Can't explain exactly when and how you get paid. High vacancy tolerance: Not concerned about empty units. Their fee should motivate them. Resistance to reporting: Doesn't want to provide detailed monthly statements. Unrealistic promises: "We'll fill any unit in one week." Probably not true. Pressure to sign: Won't give you time to review contract. What are they hiding? DIY vs Professional Management When does professional management make sense? Professional Management Makes Sense When: Distance: You don't live near the property Time: Your main income needs your focus Scale: Too many units to handle personally Expertise: You lack property management knowledge Stress: Managing tenants affects your wellbeing DIY Makes Sense When: Small portfolio: 1-5 units Proximity: You live nearby Time available: Semi-retired or flexible schedule Interest: You enjoy property management Tight margins: Fees would kill profitability The Hybrid Approach Many landlords do partial DIY: Handle tenant relations yourself Use manager for rent collection only DIY maintenance sourcing Outsource only accounting This reduces fees while getting help where needed. Technology Changing the Equation Modern property management software automates much of what managers do: Payment tracking and reconciliation Tenant communication Maintenance logging Reporting Tax documentation Software cost: KES 1,000-5,000/month Full management: KES 20,000-50,000/month (for medium portfolio) The gap funds either: A part-time caretaker for physical presence Your own time (if available) For tech-comfortable landlords, software + minimal help can replace full management at fraction of cost. Evaluating Manager Performance If you hire a manager, hold them accountable: Monthly check: Collection rate vs target Vacancy days Maintenance response time Tenant complaints Reporting timeliness Quarterly review: Overall performance discussion Issues and resolutions Market feedback Fee value assessment Annual decision: Continue, adjust, or terminate Renegotiate terms Compare to alternatives Don't set and forget. Active oversight ensures value. Transitioning Management Changing managers? Process carefully: Before transition: Review current contract termination terms Give proper notice Request all tenant and property records Ensure deposits are properly transferred Communicate change to tenants During transition: New manager inspects properties Meet all tenants with new manager Update payment instructions Transfer keys and access Verify all documentation received Poor transitions create confusion and collection gaps. Key Takeaways Typical fees: 8-12% of rent in Kenya Understand inclusions: Don't assume — ask specifically Calculate total cost: Percentage + extras = true cost Negotiate: Volume, contract length, and scope affect rates Ask questions: Better before signing than after Watch red flags: Vague terms and resistance to transparency Consider alternatives: Technology + caretaker may beat full management Monitor performance: Ongoing oversight essential The right manager at the right price can transform your landlording experience. The wrong one can cost you more than DIY ever would. Choose carefully. Whether you self-manage or hire help, KodiSawa gives you visibility into your portfolio. Track payments, expenses, and performance in one place. Try free for 14 days. Checklist of core services included in Kenyan property management Fee comparison table for Nairobi-area property management True cost calculation for property management with numbers Negotiating property management fees with landlord and manager in Kenya ]]> support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/eviction-process-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/eviction-process-kenya Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/automate-rent-reminders-mpesa https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/automate-rent-reminders-mpesa Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/year-end-rental-income-summary https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/year-end-rental-income-summary Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/owner-statements-property-managers https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/owner-statements-property-managers Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/non-resident-rental-income-tax https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/non-resident-rental-income-tax Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/rent-deposits-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/rent-deposits-kenya Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/handle-partial-rent-payments https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/handle-partial-rent-payments Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/rent-increase-notice-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/rent-increase-notice-kenya Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/billing-tenants-water-garbage-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/billing-tenants-water-garbage-kenya Tue, 17 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/mri-annual-income-tax-return https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/mri-annual-income-tax-return Tue, 01 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye) https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/tenant-left-without-notice-kenya https://kodisawa.co.ke/blog/tenant-left-without-notice-kenya Tue, 15 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT support@kodisawa.co.ke (Mitchel Kelonye)