Regulating a Renting in the State of Qatar

The most recent version of the Lease Law aims at curbing the escalation of property rental prices and regulating the relationship between landlord and tenant.

The law provides rental caps, the establishment of lease registration offices, a Rental Dispute Committee and also regulates the landlord-tenant relationship.
The law applies to all premises, whether industrial, commercial or residential. However, it does not apply to public or state property, farmland, vacant land, industrial land, tourist accommodations and residential units designated for employees of companies operating in Qatar, or employees of the State.

Lease Registration

Lease registration offices handle the mandatory registration of leases. They must include the following information:

• Name, nationality and address of landlord and tenant
• Lease term
• Amount of rent
• Method of payment
• Description of premises
• Purpose of lease and any other conditions agreed to between the parties

Landlords must register new leases within 30 days of entering into contracts and penalties shall apply to late registration. Service providers must also notify offices within 30 days of
providing services.

Rental Disputes

A Rental Dispute Committee, chaired by a judge, with two members appointed by a minister, assumes the responsibility of resolving all disputes.

The landlord may apply to the committee to have a tenant vacate premises if:

• The tenant fails to pay rent by the due date without reasonable excuse.
• The tenant sublets or assigns the property to a third party without permission of the landlord.
• The tenant uses the property in a way that breaches the terms of the lease, or is contrary to public order and moral.

You can download a copy of the Property Leasing Law No. (4) of 2008.