Bahrain Property Law · Tenancy

How much security deposit can a landlord take in Bahrain?

A maximum of one month's rent. Bahrain's leasing framework caps the security deposit a lessor can require from a residential lessee at one month - anything above that is beyond what the law allows.

The deposit exists to cover damage beyond fair wear and tear and unpaid amounts at the end of the tenancy - it is not extra rent, and it comes back to a tenant who leaves the property in good order.

Bahrain pairs this with a cap on advance rent: a residential landlord can collect at most three months' rent in advance. Together the two caps limit the cash a tenant must hand over on day one.

• Security deposit: maximum 1 month's rent
• Advance rent: maximum 3 months
• Deposit covers damage and unpaid amounts, not extra income
• Document the property's condition at handover

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.