Rental Dispute Resolution

Source: Law No. 35 of 1978 (Tenancy Law, as amended); Decree Law No. 20 of 1981 (Establishing Rental Disputes Committees)

Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.

Kuwaiti National Law

What is this right?

Kuwait has a dedicated system for resolving landlord-tenant disputes:

  • The Rent Disputes Committee at the Municipality handles most tenancy disputes — it is faster than regular courts.
  • Either the landlord or tenant can file a complaint about rent, eviction, maintenance, deposits, or lease terms.
  • The Committee's decisions can be appealed in the regular courts.
  • For disputes involving large sums, cases may go directly to the civil courts.
  • Both parties should bring the lease contract, receipts, and any evidence to the hearing.

When does it apply?

  • You have a dispute with your landlord or tenant that you cannot resolve directly.
  • Issues include unpaid rent, refused maintenance, illegal eviction, deposit disputes, or breach of contract.

What should you do?

  • Try to resolve the dispute directly with the other party first — keep written records of all communication.
  • File a complaint with the Rent Disputes Committee at the Kuwait Municipality.
  • Bring your lease agreement, payment receipts, photos, and correspondence as evidence.
  • Attend all scheduled hearings — failure to appear can result in a default judgment.

What should you NOT do?

  • Do not take matters into your own hands — no self-help eviction, no withholding rent without legal basis.
  • Do not skip the hearing — the Committee may rule against you by default.
  • Do not throw away any documents related to your tenancy — even text messages can be useful evidence.

You came here to know your rights — help someone else know theirs.

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