If you are hunting for a house in Nairobi, you will see words like "self-contained", "bedsitter" and "DSQ" in almost every listing. This guide explains the self contained meaning in Kenya and the other common rental terms, so you know what you are paying for before you go to view.
Self contained meaning in Kenya
A self-contained house has its own toilet and bathroom inside the unit. You do not share them with neighbours.
The word is most often used for small units:
- Self-contained single room - one room with its own small toilet and shower.
- Self-contained bedsitter - a bedsitter with its own bathroom. Most bedsitters are self-contained, but always ask.
The opposite is a unit with shared facilities, where several tenants use the same toilet and bathroom, often outside along the corridor or in the compound.
Tip: "Self-contained" is about the toilet and bathroom. It does not always mean the unit has a kitchen. Ask to see where you will cook.
Single room
A single room is one room, usually without a separate kitchen. You sleep, sit and cook in the same space.
- It may be self-contained or have shared toilets and bathrooms.
- It is usually the cheapest option.
- Water and electricity may be shared or on tokens, so ask how bills are paid.
Bedsitter
A bedsitter is one main room for sleeping and sitting, plus a small kitchen area and its own bathroom. The kitchen may be a corner with a counter and sink, or a small separate space.
Think of it as one step up from a single room. Some landlords call a slightly bigger bedsitter a studio. The two words are often used for the same thing, so judge by what you see, not the name.
One bedroom, two bedroom and more
A 1 bedroom house has a separate bedroom with a door, plus a living room (sitting room), kitchen and bathroom. A 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom adds more bedrooms.
You may also see:
- Apartment or flat - a unit in a building with several floors and other tenants.
- Maisonette - a house with two floors inside, often with stairs from the living room to the bedrooms.
- Bungalow - a house on one floor, usually standing on its own or in a gated compound.
Master ensuite
Ensuite means a bedroom with its own private bathroom attached. You enter the bathroom from inside the bedroom.
Master ensuite means the main (largest) bedroom has its own bathroom. Other bedrooms then share a second bathroom.
You may also see all ensuite, which means every bedroom has its own bathroom. This is common in pricier areas.
DSQ and SQ
These two come up a lot in houses for families.
- SQ (servant quarters) - a small extra room or rooms for a house help, attached to the main house or inside the same building.
- DSQ (detached servant quarters) - the same idea, but in a separate small building in the compound, away from the main house.
A DSQ usually has a room and its own toilet and shower. Some people use it as a guest room, office or store. Some landlords also rent out a DSQ on its own as a small, cheap unit.
Other words you will see
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Deposit | Money you pay at the start, held by the landlord in case of damage or unpaid rent. You should get it back when you move out if all is in order. |
| Rent plus deposit | What you usually pay to move in: the first month's rent plus the deposit. |
| Tokens | Prepaid electricity. You buy units and load them on your meter. |
| Borehole water | Water pumped from underground in the compound. Useful when county water is unreliable. |
| Gated community | Houses inside one fenced compound with a shared gate and guards. |
| Viewing fee | A fee some agents charge to show you houses. Ask about it before you go. |
| Agent fee | A fee some agents charge once you take a house. Agree on it in writing first. |
What these houses cost on ISHI Homes
Here are median rents (the middle price) from ISHI Homes listings across all areas, as of 25 Oct 2026. Our number of listings is still small, so treat these as a rough guide.
| House type | Median rent | Typical rent plus deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Bedsitter | KES 8,500 | KES 17,000 |
| 1 bedroom apartment | KES 15,750 | KES 31,500 |
| 2 bedroom apartment | KES 28,000 | KES 56,000 |
Prices change a lot by area. For example, as of 25 Oct 2026, the median bedsitter on ISHI Homes was KES 7,750 in Toll (Ruiru) and KES 12,000 in Roysambu. A 2 bedroom apartment had a median of KES 21,250 in Toll (Ruiru) but KES 71,500 in Kilimani.
The deposit also varies. In most areas the typical move-in cost was rent plus one month's deposit. In Kilimani it was closer to rent plus two months' deposit (KES 214,500 for a KES 71,500 two bedroom). Always ask exactly how many months of deposit the landlord wants.
Questions to ask when you view
The name in the advert does not always match the house. When you view, check:
- Is the toilet and bathroom inside the unit, or shared?
- Is there a real kitchen, or just a corner?
- How are water and electricity paid - tokens, a shared bill or included in rent?
- Is there steady water? Ask neighbours too.
- How much is the deposit, and when do you get it back?
- Are there any agent or viewing fees?
Before you pay anything
- Never pay before viewing. Do not send rent, a deposit or a "booking fee" for a house you have not seen.
- View the house in person. Photos can be old or from a different house. Go yourself, or send someone you trust, and confirm the person showing it is the real landlord or agent.
- Find verified houses on ISHI Homes. Browse bedsitters, self-contained units and family homes at homes.ishi.digital.
