Rental accommodation

Foreign nationals cannot buy real estate in Kuwait. A wide variety of rental accommodation is available, ranging from studio apartments to large villas. There are a number of real estate companies specializing in real estate rentals.

Leases for accommodation are often for a period of one year. At the end of that period the lease is deemed to continue on a month-to-month basis with the same terms and conditions, unless it is specifically renewed with a written agreement signed by both parties.

The Kuwait Rent Law freezes your rent for five years from the signing of the lease. At the end of the five year period, the landlord is allowed to request an increase of up to 100%.

If the landlord sells the property, it does not mean the rents are increased or that leases are cancelled. If your landlord wishes to terminate your lease, he must do so in writing, giving one of the eleven reasons set out in the rent law.

The major reasons for which tenants can be evicted are:

The landlord needs the property for himself or his family. The tenant has sublet the property without the landlord's permission. The tenant has carried out unauthorized or illegal activities on the premises. Non-payment of rent for more than 20 days after it is due.

If the landlord wishes to evict a tenant for a valid reason, the Rent Tribunal may give the tenant up to six months in which to find other accommodation.

For more information on living and working in Kuwait, go to our Business section.