Before paying for an apartment in Dar es Salaam, confirm who you are dealing with, get the complete payment terms in writing, inspect the utilities and agree who handles repairs. If you plan to work from home, test the connection and listen to the street during your working hours. Do those things before a beautiful living room persuades you that the rest will work itself out.
My Tanzania story included an apartment I chose for my family and another apartment Kibwana had acquired. We eventually used both as shared accommodation while building Gallivanters. They helped us financially, but they also taught us that a rental decision reaches into almost every part of your daily life.
1. Who is offering the apartment, and who can sign for it?
Ask for the full name and role of the person you are dealing with. If an agent or manager is involved, ask how their authority will be confirmed. Have a qualified local professional help verify the documents and any points you do not understand before transferring a substantial amount.
Keep the property address, written terms, receipts and correspondence together. If different people give you different answers, resolve that before paying. A friendly introduction is welcome; it is still worth knowing exactly who is responsible for what.
2. What is the complete amount due before moving in?
Ask for an itemized breakdown rather than a single headline rent. What period does the payment cover? Is there a deposit? Any agent or management charge? Which currency applies, when is payment due and how will it be acknowledged?
Ask what happens if the agreed move-in date changes, the apartment is not ready or you need to leave earlier than planned. Get the answer recorded in the agreement and have unclear terms reviewed. I am deliberately not quoting a standard advance-rent period here; the terms you are actually offered need their own review.
3. Which bills are included?
Make a list of electricity, water, internet, cleaning, security, service charges and any backup-power costs. Ask how each bill is measured or divided, who receives it and what evidence you can keep of payment. Confirm whether furnishings and appliances are included and record their condition.
For an apartment you intend to share, make sure everyone understands the arrangements before moving in. Do not assume that a listing price describes the full cost of living there.
4. Does the water, power and internet work for your routine?
Try the taps and shower. Ask about water storage, interruptions and whom to contact when something stops working. Look at the sockets you would use and ask which services continue during a power outage.
If you work remotely, make a call from your proposed desk and ask whether you can use a separate backup connection. A host saying “we have Wi-Fi” is the beginning of the conversation. Read my live-and-work planning guide for a broader checklist.
5. What does the property look like when it rains?
Our most expensive property lessons came while renovating Gallivanters. Rain revealed flooding we had not fully understood at the beginning. That was a business property, but the question is just as useful when choosing a home.
Look for signs of leaks and damp, ask about drainage and speak with people who know the building through different seasons. Where possible, revisit after rain. Get qualified help to investigate anything concerning before committing.
If you want the full story, read why we filled the Gallivanters pool four times. I can laugh about it now. I was much less amused while we were paying for the water.
6. Who handles repairs, and how are they approved?
Ask what you should do when an appliance fails or a leak appears. Who can authorize work? Who pays? What must you report immediately, and how should that report be recorded? Clarify arrangements for existing faults before moving in.
Take dated photographs of the condition and make an inventory with the responsible person. Keep copies of any agreed repairs and completion dates. If you are considering alterations or a different use of the property, have the permission and responsibilities reviewed in writing.
7. Will the location suit an ordinary Tuesday?
A viewing is one short visit. Living there means groceries, transport, work calls, visitors and sleep. Map your repeated journeys and try the route at a relevant time of day. Ask about building access, stairs or lifts, parking if needed, visitors and pets.
Visit at different hours to understand the surrounding noise. I once lived near a church, a mosque and a bar on one street. Everyone had a program. My calendar did not get the deciding vote.
Take this checklist to your viewing
- Identity and authority of the landlord, manager or agent confirmed.
- All payments, their purpose and the covered period explained in writing.
- Included bills and extra charges listed.
- Water, sockets and working connection tested.
- Rain, drainage, repairs and maintenance questions answered.
- Inventory, condition photos and outstanding repairs recorded.
- Work hours, repeated journeys, visitors and pets considered.
- Agreement reviewed by a qualified local professional before committing.
Make the next decision with better questions
For the story behind our apartments, read How Two Airbnb Apartments Helped Build Gallivanters Hostel. For a first visit before choosing a longer stay, use our Dar es Salaam guide.
Want help orienting yourself to areas, local services and everyday expectations? See Kibwana’s consultation details and bring a specific list of questions. Contract terms, legal rights and document verification need the appropriate qualified professional.
