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Tanzania Tenancy / Rent Agreement

Free Tanzania tenancy agreement template — residential or commercial. Stamp-duty-aware, RITA-aligned.

Click any field to edit · this is a template, have a Tanzanian advocate review before signing

Tenancy Agreement

This Tenancy Agreement is made on [DATE] between the Landlord and Tenant named below.

Parties

Landlord
[FULL NAME] · TIN: 000-000-000 · P.O. Box [—], [CITY]
Tenant
[FULL NAME] · NIDA: 0000-0000-0000-0000 · TIN: 000-000-000 · P.O. Box [—], [CITY]

WHEREAS the Landlord is the registered owner of the premises situated at [PROPERTY ADDRESS] and has agreed to let the same to the Tenant on the terms below.

NOW THEREFORE the parties agree as follows:

1. PREMISES

The Landlord lets to the Tenant the property situated at [FULL ADDRESS] comprising [DESCRIPTION — e.g. 3-bedroom apartment, 2 bathrooms, 1 parking].

2. TERM

The tenancy commences on [START DATE] and continues for a fixed period of [N] months, ending on [END DATE], renewable by mutual written agreement.

3. RENT

The Tenant shall pay rent of TZS [AMOUNT] per month, payable [monthly / quarterly / half-yearly] in advance to the Landlord at [BANK ACCOUNT or M-PESA LIPA NUMBER]. Rent shall not be increased during the fixed term.

4. DEPOSIT

The Tenant shall pay a security deposit of TZS [AMOUNT] (typically 2–3 months rent) refundable at the end of the tenancy less any deductions for unpaid rent or damage.

5. UTILITIES

The Tenant shall pay all utility costs (electricity, water, internet, refuse) directly. Service charge of TZS [—] per month covers communal area maintenance.

6. USE

The Tenant shall use the Premises solely as a private residence (or specified commercial use) and shall not sublet without the Landlord written consent.

7. MAINTENANCE

The Landlord shall maintain the structure, roof and major fittings. The Tenant shall keep the interior clean and undamaged, fair wear and tear excepted.

8. INSURANCE

The Landlord shall insure the building. The Tenant is responsible for insuring own contents.

9. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement on three (3) months written notice. Material breach may be grounds for earlier termination by the innocent party.

10. STAMP DUTY

Stamp duty on this Agreement at 1% of annual rent shall be paid by the Tenant within 30 days of execution.

11. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania.

LANDLORD (Signature · Name · Date)
TENANT (Signature · Name · Date)
WITNESS 1 (Signature · Name)
WITNESS 2 (Signature · Name)
Stamp duty must be paid within 30 days. For commercial premises, also withhold 10% WHT on rent paid (see Withholding Tax Calculator).

Tenancy agreements in Tanzania — what to include

Whether you're renting a 1-bed in Kinondoni or a commercial unit on Samora Avenue, a written tenancy agreement protects both landlord and tenant. Verbal tenancies are legal but routinely cause disputes — especially over deposit refunds and notice periods.

Standard Tanzanian terms

  • Term — typically 12 months, renewable.
  • Rent payment — most landlords ask for 3–6 months upfront; some accept monthly bank/M-Pesa transfers.
  • Deposit — 2–3 months rent, refundable.
  • Notice — 3 months default for residential; 6 months for commercial unless contract states otherwise.
  • Stamp duty — 1% of annual rent, due 30 days after signing (Tenant typically pays).
  • Withholding tax — 10% if Tenant is corporate; deducted from rent and remitted to TRA.

Common disputes — and how to prevent them

  1. Deposit refund — do an inventory + photograph at move-in and move-out.
  2. Repairs — write down which side covers what.
  3. Rent increases — agree the formula upfront (annual % or fixed). Tanzania has no statutory rent control.
  4. Eviction — landlord cannot self-help; must go through court if tenant refuses to leave.
  5. Subletting — explicit consent in writing.

For commercial tenancies

Commercial leases over 5 years should be registered at the Lands Office. Tenant typically pays for fit-out and bears business rates. Lease assignment requires landlord consent. See Business License Fees for council rates and Withholding Tax for tenant-deduction rules.

Pair with Stamp Duty Calculator at signing.

Take this further

A lease is a rent roll waiting to happen: escalations, deposits, renewal dates and withholding tax on rent. Tawala Real Estate manages the tenancy end to end, and Tawala CRM keeps the tenant relationship and the signed agreement together.

Not sure which module fits? Compare every option under Tawala solutions, or find the setup for your sector under Tawala by industry.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tanzania Tenancy / Rent Agreement free?
Yes. Every Tawala tool is free to use, requires no signup, and runs entirely in your browser. We do not log or store any value you enter.
Are the figures up to date for 2026?
Yes. We track changes to TRA rates, statutory contributions and sector tariffs and update affected tools the same week any change is gazetted.
Can I use this on mobile?
Yes — every tool is mobile-friendly and works on any phone with a browser. No app install required.
Where do the formulas come from?
Each calculator is built from primary sources: TRA Acts and Practice Notes, NSSF Act regulations, NHIF tariffs, BoT rates and ministry gazettes. We add a citation and date stamp at the foot of each tool.

Want this automated for your business?

Tawala bundles every Tanzanian tax, payroll and compliance calculation — and files it for you. From TZS 75,000/month.

Download Tenancy Agreement

Free, no sign-up, no email required. The PDF includes your figures and the current Tanzania tax bands, so you can file it or hand it to your accountant.

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