Should I view a house at night?

View in daylight so you can see damp, cracks and the real condition of every room. If safety after dark matters to you, visit again in the evening as well.

What should I photograph?

Any existing damage — walls, ceilings, floors, fittings, the toilet and bathroom — and the meter readings if there is a prepaid meter. Keep the photos with the date they were taken.

Can I trust a caretaker to let me the house?

Confirm the owner has authorised the caretaker before you pay anything, ideally in writing.

What should I check before renting a house in Kampala?

Last updated 9 October 2026 · Wolan Real Estate

Short answer

View in daylight and see every room, including the toilet, bathroom and kitchen. Test taps and lights, look for damp and leaks, ask how water and electricity work, check the locks, and confirm what the rent includes. Meet the person who can actually let the place, and photograph any existing damage.

Inspect the place itself

Go in daylight and ask to see every room, the toilet and bathroom, and the kitchen area.
Turn on taps and lights. Look for damp patches, cracks, leaks and roof stains — the rainy season shows the truth.
Check the doors, windows and locks, and ask who else holds keys.

Ask about water and electricity

Ask whether the unit has its own prepaid electricity meter or shares one with other households, and how reliable the water and power supply are. A shared meter is a common source of disputes, so settle how bills are split before you move in.

Test the location at the time you would travel

Walk the route to your work or school and the nearest shops at the hours you would really travel. A place that looks close on a map can be a long journey in traffic.

Ask what the rent actually includes

Service charge, rubbish collection and any other regular costs.
The deposit: how much, when it is returned and on what conditions — in writing.
What is included if the unit is furnished, as a list you can check on moving-in day.

Keep a record

Photograph any existing damage before you move in so it is on record. Meet the person who can actually let the place, and ask them directly whether anything is wrong with it.

Frequently asked questions

Should I view a house at night?: View in daylight so you can see damp, cracks and the real condition of every room. If safety after dark matters to you, visit again in the evening as well.
What should I photograph?: Any existing damage — walls, ceilings, floors, fittings, the toilet and bathroom — and the meter readings if there is a prepaid meter. Keep the photos with the date they were taken.
Can I trust a caretaker to let me the house?: Confirm the owner has authorised the caretaker before you pay anything, ideally in writing.