Gas in a rental is different — strangers use your appliance, you carry the risk, and neither of you maintains it between tenancies. Here's the landlord's playbook.
The Tenant-Ready Setup
- A 13kg cylinder + standard cooker — the universal fit: tenants exchange refills themselves, any brand.
- Braided hose + clips — the rat-proof one; tenants won't check it, so install the resistant kind.
- New regulator at each tenancy — KSh 1,500 resets the wear clock.
- Leak detector — your early warning when nobody's watching (KSh 1,500+).
- A printed instruction card — valve location, leak steps, your number.
Protect the Property
- Ventilation — the kitchen must have air movement; fix vents if sealed.
- Cylinder position — away from sockets, upright, stable — check it hasn't been moved to a worse spot on inspections.
- Document the condition — photos of the setup at check-in protect you at checkout.
The Airbnb Specifics
Guests don't know your setup — make it foolproof:
- Auto-ignition cooker (no matches lying around).
- A card by the cooker: "valve here → close when done → if you smell gas: [steps]".
- A spare 6kg on standby — guests running out mid-stay is a review-killer.
- Supply the refill yourself — prepaid gas is part of the stay price.
Between Tenancies
- Leak-test the joints before the next tenant moves in.
- Replace the hose on the 2-year clock regardless.
- Service the cooker — clogged burners for the incoming tenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should gas be included in rent?
Simplest for serviced/Airbnb: yes — supply it yourself. For long lets: a supplied cylinder + cooker is a good inclusion; tenants handle refills.
Who's responsible for a gas accident in a rental?
It depends on cause — landlord negligence (faulty equipment supplied) vs tenant misuse. A maintained, documented setup is your protection either way.
How many spares should a building have?
One spare per unit is generous; one shared spare per floor works for smaller buildings.
Landlord supply: we deliver to any Nairobi property — set up tenant-ready cylinders. Order for your property →