How to rent a house in Qatar

When moving overseas, the first thing you’ll likely consider are the benefits of living in that country, rather than just focusing on renting a house. If you’re still unsure about what Qatar has to offer, here are some compelling reasons to make it your home:

• High Quality of Living: The living standards are very high since it’s one of the most developed regions worldwide. Millionaires live here, but it’s also a suitable destination for families seeking a safe, prosperous environment.
• Low Crime Rates: Even minor crimes are infrequent. Your loved ones can live in this state without risking their security.
• Social Life: The state, especially the capital and its surroundings, can be quite socially active. You can attend events, concerts, sports, and more.
• Welcoming to Expats: Many expats choose to rent a house in Qatar, whether for a long or short time. They are welcomed and generally do not encounter significant issues.
• Warm Winters: Don’t worry if you can’t stand cold temperatures. Winters in Qatar are quite warm, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities and daily life.
• High-Quality Education: Colleges and schools in this state are outstanding, especially in areas like Al-Rayyan, which hosts Education City. Some students come here to get a degree and find a job.
• Insurances Are Easy to Obtain: Home insurance and other types of insurance are important for keeping your belongings and loved ones secure. Thankfully, you won’t have to go through much trouble to get these services.

Regarding the disadvantages, the most prominent ones are the extremely hot summers and the high cost of living. However, since the salaries are also very high, you shouldn’t encounter many financial problems.

Most people decide to rent a house in Qatar rather than buy one, especially expats, as they don’t know how much time they’ll spend in the state. Some families don’t plan on staying in the region for more than a few years, and students may come to Qatar only to get a good education and then leave. Overall, most places are available for rent, as it’s the most popular option.

Most cities and neighborhoods in Qatar are good options for your family. As mentioned above, crime rates are low, and the quality of life is high. However, you should consider different factors, such as whether you have children or if you enjoy peaceful and quiet environments.

One thing to avoid for families with kids is renting a house near busy roads. That said, let’s review the two most popular cities.

Doha

Doha is the capital and is well-known for its beaches, luxurious skyscrapers, malls, and events. If you’re extroverted and enjoy social gatherings, Doha might be right for you. Of course, the cost of living here is high, but so is living in any capital.

Al Waab is part of Doha and has several schools and nurseries, making it a great option for families. If you rent a four-bedroom villa, for instance, expect to pay an average of QAR 15,000-20,000 per month.

Al-Rayyan

If you seek a more relaxed and quiet area but still want to be close to the center, Al-Rayyan might be a good fit for your family. It’s located only 10 km away from Doha and is well-known for its Education City. If you have children or teenagers studying, Al-Rayyan is an excellent choice.

You’ll pay a higher monthly rent the closer you live to the city center and the more bedrooms the apartment or property has.
Studio apartments in good areas cost around QAR 6,500 per month, while apartments with two or three bedrooms cost at least QAR 10,000 per month, if not more.
Villas are the most expensive option — expect to pay at least QAR 15,000-50,000 per month. These monthly payments are typically made via cheques every month or quarter, depending on the type of contract you sign.

Decide the Type of House

From apartments to stand-alone villas to compounds, you need to be clear about what you want. It depends on your family’s needs, and there are 4 common options. Note: Remember that you must be married in order to rent a family residence since it’s an Islamic state.

• Serviced Apartments: These offer guests Wi-Fi, a work zone, a bedroom to rest in, a bathroom, and sometimes even food is included. A serviced apartment functions like a hotel, making it best for short-term accommodation.
• Apartments: A regular apartment can have up to four bedrooms, and most come furnished with community pools and much more.
• Compound Villas: These villas (usually double-storey) are organized into small communities with common spaces for neighbors. It’s a great option if you have kids, as they can play with other children in a safe outdoor space.
• Stand-Alone Villas: These are regular individual houses that usually come with a garden. Although they are more expensive, you and your family will have privacy and ample space for your everyday life.

How to Find a House

• Real Estate Agents: This is the easiest way to find a property. Get in touch with a real estate agent and let them know what you’re looking for and your budget. They’ll take it over and find a home that suits your needs.
• The owner: If you happen to know the owner of the house you want to rent, you’ve already come a long way. Let them know and work out the legal proceedings.

Once you find a property you like, ask the agent or owner to show it to you. Take the opportunity to properly inspect the house. Is everything okay? Do you enjoy the views? Is the garden or common space sufficient for your children? 

Although you’re not buying a property and can move any time, it’s best to find a place where every family member is comfortable and where schools and workplaces are nearby.

The Contract

Before signing a contract, it’s a good idea to seek legal advice to ensure everything is in order. The documents will likely be appropriate and legal, but the opinion of an expert never hurts. You’ll need a Qatari ID, a salary/work certificate, and a bank statement for the past six months. These documents are crucial for securing your contract.

Read the contract carefully so you know what to expect. Pay attention to the clauses and small details, as they can make a significant difference in certain situations. You want to watch out for:

• Special clauses and rules regarding pets and animals.
• The deposit amount and the guarantee of getting it back.
• Which bills you will be responsible for besides the monthly rent.
• What about minor repairs and decoration? Who pays for those?
• What is the minimum notice period required if you want to end the contract? Will you have to pay for every month remaining in the contract?

These are just examples of what you can find. It’s important to read the agreement thoroughly before signing. And remember, you can ask the landlord for changes or new rules before signing if you don’t agree with the existing ones.

Insurance is easy to obtain in Qatar, whether for healthcare or home-related needs. Home insurance is crucial; it protects your possessions in case of events like fire, flood, or theft. Your landlord’s insurance does not cover the loss of your belongings; it only protects the building itself, not what’s inside. Therefore, purchasing home insurance is in your best interest in Qatar.

What Does it Cover?

• Personal belongings coverage: As its name suggests, it’s the amount of money you receive after losing your possessions to a fire, theft, or natural disaster.
• Liability protection: Should an accident or negligence occur at the rented house, you could be charged with medical or legal bills. For example, if your dog bites a guest, you might have to pay for medical expenses. However, if your home insurance includes a liability protection clause, you’ll be exempt from paying any costs.
• Additional living expenses (ALE) protection: Sometimes accidents or disasters happen, and you need to live somewhere else. ALE protection will cover up to a year of expenses, including hotel bills, commuting costs, and even food.

Are there exceptions?

• Home insurance covers your personal belongings in the event of a flood. Although floods in Qatar are rare, occurring only once or twice a year, it’s important to ensure your policy covers such events.

• QIC  policies pay for your personal belongings in the event of an earthquake. Fortunately, the Gulf region isn’t prone to earthquakes. 

• If pests invade your home, the insurance typically won’t cover pest control or damage done to your belongings.

• If you have an aggressive dog breed, the providers may not cover any harm your pet causes. The same applies to exotic pets like reptiles.

How Much Does it Cost?

The average cost for home insurance starts at QAR 400 per month unless you have expensive items like jewelry. That said, it can cover the entirety of your home’s contents and valuables. Of course, your insurance cost will depend on various factors, such as your insurance history, location and crime rates, building condition, etc.

Is Home Insurance Mandatory?

No. it’s optional. But some property owners may ask you to submit proof that you hired it to take a weight off their shoulders. Even when it’s not mandatory, you should consider purchasing it. It’s affordable and great value for money, and it may save your life in the case of an incident.

1. Read the Contract Carefully
   It’s common sense, but we can’t stress this enough. You should pay attention to every clause and detail. If you’re not sure how to do it yourself, ask for the help of an expert.
2. Get Everything Written Down
   «He said», «I said» doesn’t work very well in court. If you can’t prove it, it doesn’t exist. Get everything written down in a contract or legally binding document. No matter how much you trust the other party, human memory isn’t perfect, and it’s always best to have tangible proof when money is on the table.
3. Get Home Insurance
   This is one of the best pieces of advice you can receive. If the property gets damaged, your landlord’s insurance will cover the building costs, but not your possessions. Home insurance usually costs around QAR 400 per month, and it can save you a lot of money and headaches if something goes wrong.
4. Demand Repairs
   You can ask for repairs before signing the contract. For example, if the water or heat doesn’t work, you should know your rights beforehand and understand when and how to ask for a repair. The conditions of the house should be habitable — it should be clean, sanitary, and structurally safe. If any of these conditions are not met, ask your landlord politely to take action.
5. Protect Your Deposit
   It’s always a good idea to take pictures and videos before renting a house. Document anything that can be used against you to retain your deposit. Should the case go to court, you’ll be able to prove that the problem was already there before you moved in.
6. Keep An Open Communication with the Landlord
   You’d be surprised by how many problems can be solved with proper communication. Be open and honest with your landlord and expect them to do the same. They’re the ones renting their home to you, so you’re in a weaker position. Know your rights and speak up when something’s wrong, but be polite and straightforward.
7. Negotiate
   Some people think contracts are unmodifiable, but nothing could be further from the truth. There’s no need to settle for something that doesn’t feel right to you. Talk about your preferences and needs, and you’ll most likely come to an agreement with your landlord. Remember that both of you want this lease to go through.