Bahrain Property Law · Tenancy

What are my rights as a tenant in Bahrain?

Strong ones, if your lease is registered: rent rises capped at 5% and only every two years (maximum five times ever), three years of protection from eviction, a security deposit capped at one month, advance rent capped at three months, and a dedicated Rent Disputes Committee.

Law No. 27 of 2014 quietly gave Bahrain some of the most tenant-friendly rules in the region, and the single condition attached to all of them is registration - which the landlord must pay for, and which you can do yourself if he refuses.

Know the eviction grounds too: outside two months' unpaid rent, unauthorised subletting and a handful of other listed reasons, a residential tenant cannot be required to leave in the first three years.

• 5% rent cap, 2-year gaps, 5 increases maximum
• 3-year eviction protection for residential tenants
• Deposit max 1 month; advance rent max 3 months
• Rent Disputes Committee for registered leases
• Registration fee is the landlord's to pay

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.