Bahrain · Housing
Renting and buying property in Bahrain — typical rents, deposits, contracts, and official tenancy rules.
AI-drafted, editorial review pending. The official links below are checked — confirm specifics with the authority.
Leases are governed by Law No. 27 of 2014. A lease must be in writing, state the purpose for which the property is rented, and be registered with the municipality; a registered lease gives access to the rent disputes committee. Unless the lease says otherwise, the landlord can raise the rent only after two years from the start of the lease or the last increase, by up to 5% for a home and 7% for other property, with three months' notice. Estate agents must hold a licence from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, and foreigners can buy freehold property in designated areas.
- Leases are written, state the purpose of use, and are registered with the municipality.
- Unless agreed otherwise, residential rent can rise by up to 5% only every two years.
- Estate agents must be licensed by RERA.
- Law No. 27 of 2014 on Leasing Real Estate (LLOC English translation)
Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission: official English translation of the lease law, as amended.
- Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)
Real Estate Regulatory Authority: licensing of estate agents and developers.
Government portals
- Bahrain National Portal — Government services and guidance, including the emergency call centre.
- Sijilat — Commercial Registration — Ministry of Industry and Commerce portal for registering and renewing a commercial registration.
- Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) — Work permits, transfers between employers and Bahrainisation target rates.
- National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) — VAT, excise and the domestic minimum top-up tax.