If you recently came to Qatar for work, the first thing you have in mind is to find out accommodation. Everyone wants an accommodation that will make the stay in a foreign country comfortable. Here below we have provided a list of directives for how one can go for renting a flat.

For foreign workers in Qatar there are a few prerequisites and guidelines that should be followed, in any case it is fairly easy to get an apartment on rent.

There are two alternatives for searching a house. You can take help from a real estate agent for which you may need to pay a fee and the other choice is to discover one for yourself.

Rental Rates

In the posh areas, the rents are higher because of the rapid expansion and growth in population, so it depends on you and your budget if you are looking for not so attractive accommodation or a comfortable living space. The high end residential units rent range from QAR 20,000 to QAR 28,000

With the upcoming new housing projects in the middle-class segmentthe supply of flats is surpassing demand and this has fueled a reduction in the rental rates. According to a recent report the rent rates in Qatar may see a reduction of 30%.

Necessities in Renting a House 

Regardless of whether you are leasing a property through a real estate agent or by yourself, the below documents will be needed

a.) Qatar Residence Permit

b.) Passport copies

c.) Qatari ID

d.) Employers certified letter indicating salary

In Qatar,most tenancy agreements require post-dated checks for the duration of the agreement.

Leasing a House in Qatar 

All rental contracts are written in both English and Arabic. Make a point to check the translated contract as in the Qatari court only Arabic version is considered as binding. It is generally drawn up for a year and can be renewed annually. Once it is signed by both the parties, the landowner needs to register it at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture within 30 days.

Be careful while signing

Give careful consideration to the terms and provisionsindicated in the contract. Pay attention specially to the below mentionedclauses

a.) Rental charge and method of payment

b.) Contract starting and finishing date

c.) Terms related to the initial deposit

d.) Restrictions by the landlord like no pet, no smoking etc.

e.) Notice period

f.) Responsibilities of landlord like repairs and maintenance

With low demand and over supply of housing units in the market, rents are expected to see a decline of up to 30% in near future. Leading real estate companies are coming up with attractive plans to attract customers like free occupancy for six months to survive in the market so do a proper research to find a suitable accommodation.