Checklist · Home & moving
Furnishing a Rental Property in Kigali as a Landlord: Checklist
Furnishing a rental in Kigali? This landlord checklist covers bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and cleaning items tenants expect in a furnished home.
Updated November 16, 2026 · By Isokko
A furnished rental in Kigali sells itself when the basics are right. Tenants who arrive with a few bags want to cook a meal, sleep well and take a shower on the first night, without a shopping trip.
This checklist covers the items most furnished homes need, grouped by room. Not every property needs everything. A short stay apartment will need more small items than a long let, so use the priority tags to decide.
Always agree in writing with your tenant what is included and in what condition. Take photos of the home and the items on handover day.
Who it's for
Landlords and property managers in Kigali preparing a furnished house or apartment for new tenants
Time needed
Plan one to two weeks, longer if you also need larger furniture
When to shop
Order bulky items first and buy small items just before the tenant arrives
On the list
40 items, 22 must haves
0 of 40 ready
Bedroom
A comfortable bed is what tenants notice first.
Bed sheets
2 sets Must haveClean sheets make the first night feel like home. Keep a spare set so you can change them between tenants.
How to use it: Choose plain, hard-wearing cotton in a size that matches the bed. Wash and fold before handover.
Pillows
2 per bed Must haveTenants expect pillows ready on the bed.
How to use it: Provide two per bed and wash or replace them between long stays.
Blanket
1 per bed Must haveEvenings in Kigali can feel cool, especially in the rainy seasons.
How to use it: Offer one blanket per bed and store an extra in the wardrobe.
Duvet or bed cover
1 per bedNice to haveA cover keeps the bed tidy and can hide small marks.
How to use it: Use a color that does not show dust easily and wash it between tenants.
Mattress protector
1 per bedNice to haveIt protects your mattress from spills and sweat so it lasts longer.
How to use it: Wash it between tenants and check the fit.
Mosquito net
1 per bed Must haveMosquitoes can be an issue in some neighborhoods, and tenants appreciate being protected at night.
How to use it: Check that the net hangs properly and has no holes.
Mosquito Net 120cm to 200 cmmRWF30,000
Mosquito NetRWF32,000Hangers
10Nice to haveTenants need somewhere to hang clothes the first day.
How to use it: Provide a handful per wardrobe and use sturdy ones.
Living area
Keep this space simple, durable and easy to clean.
Chairs
4 Must haveSeating for the table and the living room is a basic need for any tenant.
How to use it: Plastic or wooden chairs are easy to wipe down. Plan for at least as many as the household size.
Adult plastic mono block chair 2pcsRWF25,000
CHAIRMAN PARIS EAU DE TOILETTE 100mlRWF26,000
EOWER Plastic chairRWF11,000Table lamp
1Nice to havePower cuts and low light are common, and a lamp makes the home warmer and more usable.
How to use it: Choose a lamp with an efficient bulb and a stable base.
Carpet or rug
1Nice to haveA rug makes the floor warmer and the room less echoey.
How to use it: Pick a color that hides dust and is easy to shake out.
Moonlight Carpet ShampooRWF7,000
Danny CC Carpet 70*120CMRWF40,300Wall clock
1Nice to haveA simple clock helps tenants who arrive without a watch or phone charged.
How to use it: Place it where it can be seen from the living area.
Mirror
1Nice to haveTenants will want a mirror near the door or in the bedroom.
How to use it: Fix it securely to the wall or place it on a stable stand.
Light Makeup MirrorRWF17,300
HAIR COMB WITH MIRRORRWF6,900Umbrella
1Nice to haveA shared umbrella is a thoughtful touch during the rainy months.
How to use it: Keep it by the door in a stand or bucket.
Kitchen
A tenant who can cook on day one will feel settled.
Cooking pots
1 set Must havePots are the first thing a tenant will look for.
How to use it: Provide at least one large and one medium pot with lids.
Aluminum Cooking Pot 1pcRWF15,000
Cooking Pot set/5pcsRWF55,000Frying pan
1 Must haveFor eggs and quick meals you need a pan.
How to use it: Pick a durable one and tell tenants not to use metal tools on it.
HotChef 26cm Fry PanRWF25,000
Hot chef PANRWF20,000Plates and bowls
4 each Must haveTenants need plates for the first meal.
How to use it: Provide matching sets so there are no gaps.
Cutlery set
1 set Must haveForks, spoons and knives are essential for every kitchen.
How to use it: A 24 piece set suits most households.
Drinking glasses and mugs
4 each Must haveGlasses and mugs are used all day.
How to use it: Choose sturdy ones that are easy to replace.
Kettle
1 Must haveA kettle makes tea, coffee and quick hot water possible.
How to use it: Clean it between tenants and check the plug.
Knife and chopping board
1 eachNice to haveBasic food prep needs both.
How to use it: Keep the knife sharp and the board clean.
Microwave
1Nice to haveOptional but valued, especially for short stays.
How to use it: Check it works and clean it inside before handover.
Dish rack
1Nice to haveKeeps the sink area tidy.
How to use it: Place it near the sink on a tray.
Kenstar elegant Kitchen Dish RackRWF20,700
2in1 Kitchen Dish RackRWF15,000
Housewares Series Kitchen Dish RackRWF11,500
Bathroom
Small details matter most here.
Bath towels
2 per tenant Must haveTenants usually expect at least one towel each.
How to use it: Provide a fresh set between tenants and wash on hot.
Plush Bath Mat/ Towel 100*100cmRWF15,000
Small TowelRWF1,500Bath mat
1 Must havePrevents slips and keeps the floor dry.
How to use it: Choose a non-slip mat and wash it regularly.
Toilet brush
1 Must haveA basic cleaning tool tenants need from day one.
How to use it: Replace between tenants and keep it in a holder.
Toilet paper
4 rolls Must haveA stocked bathroom feels welcoming.
How to use it: Leave a few rolls on arrival.
Hand soap
1 per sink Must haveSoap by every sink is standard.
How to use it: Liquid soap is simplest for shared use.
Bucket
1Nice to haveUseful during water interruptions and for mopping.
How to use it: Choose a sturdy one with a handle.
Cleaning and care
Give tenants the tools to keep the home clean, and keep your own spares.
Broom and dustpan
1 Must haveRed dust settles daily.
How to use it: Choose a combined set that is easy to store.
Mop and bucket
1 Must haveFloors need regular mopping.
How to use it: Show the tenant where it is stored.
Dustbin
2 Must haveWaste needs a home.
How to use it: Provide one indoors and one outside.
Trash Can Waste Bin 30LRWF55,000
Trash can waste bin 30LRWF55,000Iron
1Nice to haveTenants who work often need an iron.
How to use it: Check the plug and sole plate.
Electrical and security
Tenants feel safe when lights work and doors lock.
Extension socket
2 Must haveMany rooms have too few sockets.
How to use it: Choose a surge protected one if possible and do not overload it.
Simba Extension Socket 5 wayRWF23,050
Kidris Multi socket (3 ways)RWF9,600
Kadris Multi socket (6 ways)RWF13,200Light bulbs
4 Must haveSpare bulbs avoid dark nights.
How to use it: Leave a few spares in a drawer.
Torch
1 Must haveFor power cuts.
How to use it: Keep it charged and in a known place.
LED Rechargeable Power Torch 1WRWF5,000
LED Rechargeable Power Torch 1WRWF7,500
LED Rechargeable Power Torch 1WRWF10,000Padlock
1Nice to haveFor extra storage, a gate or a locker.
How to use it: Hand over the keys with a clear count.
WUZI 70mm Extra Brass PadlockRWF9,000
Tri-Rhomb Top Security padlockRWF9,000
Smart Fingerprint PadlockRWF25,000Standing fan
1Nice to haveHelps in warm months.
How to use it: Check that it works and is stable.
Welcome pack
A small gift on the table lifts the whole first day.
Tea bags
1Nice to haveA hot drink after a long move is comforting.
How to use it: Leave a small box beside the kettle.
Coffee
1Nice to haveMany tenants will appreciate it.
How to use it: Include a small pack.
Air freshener
1Nice to haveHelps the house smell clean.
How to use it: Use lightly in closed rooms.
Step by step
- 1
Decide what you will include
Write an inventory of what is provided. Agree on the list with the tenant before they move in.
- 2
Two weeks before
Order bulky items like beds, mattresses and chairs and check the electrical work.
- 3
One week before
Buy linens, kitchen items and bathroom items. Wash everything that can be washed.
- 4
The day before
Clean thoroughly, test the water, lights and sockets, and place the welcome pack.
- 5
Handover day
Walk through with the tenant, take photos and give them the keys and contact details.
Tips that help
- Buy neutral colors so items match and look fresh for years.
- Keep one spare set of linens and towels in a locked cupboard.
- Number the keys and record who has which.
- Photograph each room and item at handover.
- Choose durable items over fancy ones for long lets.
- Leave a printed note with how to reach you and who to call for repairs.
- Check with your tenant what they would like to bring themselves.
Mistakes to avoid
- Not writing down what is included in the rental.
- Buying items in many colors that do not match.
- Forgetting mosquito nets and spare light bulbs.
- Skipping a handover walk through.
- Leaving the tenant without a working torch or extension socket.
- Over-furnishing so the tenant has no room for their own things.
Questions people ask
What does a furnished house in Kigali usually include?+
It usually includes a bed, seating, a table and basic kitchen items. The exact list varies, so agree on it in writing with your tenant.
Do I need to provide bed sheets and towels?+
Many tenants expect them in a furnished home, especially for short stays. For long lets, confirm what the tenant prefers.
Should I provide cleaning tools?+
A broom, mop and bucket are a kind starting point and help keep the home in good shape.
What should I check on handover day?+
Check lights, sockets, water, locks and every item on the inventory. Take photos.
Is a welcome pack worth it?+
It is a low cost gesture that makes tenants feel looked after and often leads to better care of the home.
A well-prepared furnished home earns happy tenants and fewer calls. Start your list on Isokko and have the items delivered to the property.
Shop this list
Get everything delivered in Kigali
Order from local stores on Isokko and pay with MoMo, card or cash. Same-day delivery.