Expats living in Qatar have many choices to choose between for rented accommodation.

Compounds

Made up of multiple homes and sharing amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, compounds are suitable for foreigners who want to have some of the comforts of home as well as a built-in social network. These are popular and often have waiting lists.

Serviced apartments

These furnished flats are similar to living in a hotel with maid service and sheets and towels changed daily. They often have pools and gyms and tend to be more expensive than apartments.

Apartments

Living in an apartment is the norm in Qatar, from studios to penthouses. Newer apartments are more expensive but offer amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, and usually include air conditioning in the price, but check this on the lease as each development differs. They are frequently fully furnished.

Older apartments have single air conditioning units and fewer amenities but cost less. As they tend to have older appliances and furniture, there is a chance any maintenance issues may be charged to the tenant.

Villas

Usually associated with compound living, villas tend to have three to four bedrooms, and small gardens. Freestanding villas are often unfurnished, but may have some appliances included. They are usually owned by Qatari nationals and are rented directly from the landlord. Some expats choose to share villas for company as well as saving costs, but unmarried couples cannot share as it is illegal according to local law. 

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How to rent a property in Qatar

Consider what type of accommodation that would suit your needs and consider where you work and convenience for commuting.

Most people use property agents to help them find accommodation which usually costs up to 10% of the annual rent. This helps safeguard from additional fees such as building maintenance and helps to regulate rent increases, plus is a help with the language barrier.

It is possible, however to rent directly from the owner, but the potential fees mentioned above may need to be taken into consideration, and as the laws are not strictly enforced, there is potential for the rent cost to be raised above your budget. As most leases are in Arabic, make sure you understand the lease before signing. Up front, landlords expect one year’s rent to be paid in advance, and this can be done as a lump sum or if negotiated, as post-dated cheques.

What is needed for renting a property in Qatar

When signing a rental agreement lease you will need:

• A copy of your passport and visa and your sponsor’s as well
• A copy of the landlord’s visa and passport
• A security deposit, which can be as much as one month’s rent
• A deposit for water and electricity to be connected
• And often the rent for the full year is paid in advance

Article sources:

Expat Woman

Expat Arrivals

See also:

Where to buy or rent in Doha

Buying property in Qatar

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