With plenty of new property being built, there are many options for renting in Oman. The costs vary depending on property size, location and amenities. Many locals are keen to rent property to expatriates for a regular, reliable income. According to Engel & Völkers Oman, Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, is one of the most attractive and pleasant cities in the world. Here, you can rent or own an apartment or a villa which is mountain-facing or by the sea, in new ultra-modern developments or in older areas with both history and charm.

According to Better Homes, you need a residency card, available from the Royal Oman Police to be allowed to rent property in Oman.

Using a real estate agent

The easiest way to find a property to lease is to contact a licensed agent, who is registered with the Ministry of Housing, according to the Oman Law Blog. 

The Muscat Daily says that the Ministry of Housing launched the The Oman Real Estate Association in 2012 to make the sultanate's real estate market more organised and transparent.

They have lists of properties and can recommend suitable locations. They will be able to show available properties and will help sort out the lease, monthly rental price, payment terms, the length of tenancy (usually twelve months), a proposed moving in date and other details.

Organising a lease

To apply for a lease, you need a resident’s card, but if this is not yet available, a copy of your passport photo page showing your signature is sometimes acceptable. You will need to pay a security deposit of one month’s rent, which is refunded at the end of the lease. It is common in Oman for either three or six months rent to be paid in advance, but this may be negotiated depending on the property. All commissions and taxes are paid by the Landlord.

On moving in day, your agent will meet with you and the Landlord at the property to hand over the keys, complete an inventory and condition report on the property with copies signed and passed to you and the landlord. This is a reference to be used at the end of the tenancy in order for you to receive back your security deposit.

Understanding contractual obligations

According to the Habitat International Coalition, before 2011, there was a requirement that landlords could only increase rent every three years, but it has been amended such that parties can now agree otherwise. There was a cap of seven per cent of the annual rental value stipulated in the lease contract, but that has been eliminated. The 2011 law made significant changes to the minimum stay period. The earliest a landlord can terminate a lease has been reduced from four to three years from the date of the commencement of the landlord-tenant relationship. For giving notice, the general rule being that it must be served no less than three months from the end of the contractual term of the lease.

The landlord is obliged to carry out all necessary repairs and maintenance to keep the premises useable for the purpose for which it was leased.

Utilities

• Air-conditioning- This might be included in the rent or charged as part of your electricity bill
• Gas- If there's a communal gas tank, gas is usually included in the rent. Otherwise, you can buy gas bottles
• Water- This is charged usually with the electricity bill
• Refuse- collection This may be charged or paid by the landlord. Check the contract for specifics
• Electricity- needs to be connected and paid by the tenant
• Internet also needs to be connected and paid by the tenant

Providers

Electricity & Water- Public Authority for Electricity and Water

Gas- Oman Gas Company

Internet- Omantel

Phone- Oman Phone

Article sources:

Just Landed

Better Homes

See also:

Where to buy or rent property in Oman

How to buy a property in Oman

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