Establishment and jurisdiction of the Rent Tribunal.

RENT TRIBUNAL

• Establishment: it is established by section 4 (1) of the Rent Restriction Act, Cap 296.
• Composition: it consists of a chairman appointed by the minister. To qualify for appointment as chairman, one must be an advocate of not less than 5 years standing.
• Jurisdiction: It exercises original jurisdiction in civil cases between landlord and tenants of residential premises whose monthly rent does not exceed Ksh. 2500.

The rent tribunal has jurisdiction to:

• Assess the standard rent of any premises on application or at its instance.
• Determine the date from which such rent is payable
• Apportion service charge between tenants if a tenancy is shared.
• Permit the levy of distress for rent.
• Decisions of the tribunal may be appealed against in the High Court.