Short term housing rental/house-help options?

Member since 20 December 2025

neighborhudNew member20 December 2025 04:02:20

Hello! I'm considering a 6 month visit to Kigali with my family (wife and two small kiddos) and am curious what you all recommend for housing (standalone house)? I have found some options on Airbnb, but am not sure how to engage with the local rental market, or if there is an easy way to do so from abroad!

We are also interested in finding house help during our visit (maid + cook), do you all have recommendations for how to find a good candidate for this short of a period?

Thanks in advance,

Hudson

See also

Living in Kigali: the expat guide - Guide
House sharing - 1 Reply
Also looking for an housing in Kigali... - 7 Replies
Moving to Kigali - 1 Reply
investment opportunities in rwanda - 2 Replies
Looking for an appartment - 7 Replies
House sharing - 1 Reply

Danida Gisele Member

Member since 25 July 2024

Danida GiseleMember20 December 2025 14:45:23

welcome in advance! For a 6-month stay, many expat families start with Airbnb or a serviced house and then move into a local rental once they arrive. From abroad, the easiest option is to work with a Kigali-based real estate agent who can share videos, arrange virtual viewings, and help negotiate short-term leases (3–6 months), though landlords often ask for several months’ rent upfront. Popular family-friendly areas for standalone houses include Nyarutarama, Kimihurura, Gacuriro, Kiyovu, and Kibagabaga. For house help most people rely on recommendations from neighbors or other expats, or use local home-help/cleaning agencies; it’s very common to agree on a short paid trial period. Many families find it easiest to finalize both housing and house help after arriving, as word of mouth works best here.