Housing Rights
Kuwait Rent Law No. 35 of 1978 gives tenants strong protections against eviction and rent increases. Learn your rights and how to raise a dispute.
Covered in this guide:
If your landlord is threatening eviction, arbitrarily raising the rent, or refusing essential repairs, you have legal recourse. Law No. 35 of 1978 strictly limits evictions and prohibits self-help measures like changing locks or cutting utilities. You have the right to remain in your home under your existing lease terms unless a court orders otherwise. Document all interactions and escalate unresolved disputes to the Rent Disputes Committee at the Municipality.
Resolve your dispute officially using our Legal Letter Generator.
Key Laws
Law No. 35 of 1978
Tenancy of Properties Law
Tenant protections, automatic renewal, eviction restrictions — nearly 50 years old and still governing
Decree Law No. 67 of 1980
Civil Code
General contract and property provisions
Law No. 47 of 1993
Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW)
Government housing programme for Kuwaiti citizens — 10-15 year waitlist
Law No. 5 of 1959 (as amended)
Real Estate Registration Law
Property registration and title deed procedures
Tenancy Contract Requirements
All rental agreements in Kuwait should be in writing and registered with the Municipality:A valid tenancy contract must state the rent amount, payment schedule, duration, and property...
Rent Increases and Controls
Kuwait's rent control framework is among the most tenant-friendly in the Gulf:Rent increases during the lease term are only allowed if the contract explicitly permits it.The 1978 Tenancy Law...
Security Deposit Rules
Security deposits in Kuwait are governed by the lease terms and general civil law — there is no specific deposit statute:Most landlords require a deposit of 1 to 2 months' rent.The deposit must be...
Eviction Protections and Notice
Kuwait's eviction protections are among the strongest in the Gulf — Law No. 35 of 1978 was built around a single principle: a landlord who wants you out must prove it before the Rent Disputes...
Landlord Maintenance Obligations
Landlords bear responsibility for structural maintenance, while tenants handle day-to-day upkeep:The landlord must deliver the property in a habitable condition and maintain it throughout the...
Utility Rights
Kuwait heavily subsidises utilities for citizens, which creates a distinct two-tier system for housing costs:A landlord cannot cut off utilities (electricity, water) to force a tenant to leave — this...
PAHW Government Housing and Lease Renewal
Kuwait's housing landscape is shaped by two distinctive features — the PAHW government housing programme for citizens and the automatic lease renewal that protects all tenants:The Public Authority...
Rental Dispute Resolution
Kuwait has a dedicated system for resolving landlord-tenant disputes that is faster than regular courts:The Rent Disputes Committee at the Kuwait Municipality handles most tenancy disputes — rent,...