Bahrain Property Law · Tenancy

How much can a landlord raise the rent in Bahrain?

Under Law No. 27 of 2014, rent increases are capped at 5% for residential leases and 7% for commercial ones, and only after two years have passed since the lease started or since the last increase. The landlord must give three months' notice by registered mail.

This is one of the most tenant-friendly rules in the Gulf, and most residents have never read it. A landlord cannot simply announce a new figure at renewal: the two-year clock, the percentage cap and the registered-mail notice are all legal requirements, not suggestions.

The law also limits how many times the rent can rise at all: a maximum of five increases over the life of a lease. If your landlord has skipped any of these steps, the increase is not enforceable - and the Rent Disputes Committee exists precisely for this.

• Cap: 5% residential, 7% commercial
• Only after 2 years from lease start or last increase
• 3 months' written notice by registered mail
• Maximum 5 increases over the life of a lease
• Applies to registered leases - register yours within 1 month

Source: Law No. 27 of 2014 (the Property Rent Law), in force since February 2015 - official text at slrb.gov.bh. This page is general information, not legal advice - for a live dispute, use a licensed lawyer.