Kuwait Rental Disputes (2026): Rent Disputes Committee
About this article
Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
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, eviction, maintenance, deposits, and lease terms.
- Either the landlord or tenant can file a complaint.
- The Committee's decisions can be appealed in the regular civil courts.
- For disputes involving large sums or complex legal questions, cases may go directly to civil court.
- Both parties should bring the lease contract, payment receipts, photos, and correspondence to the hearing.
- The Committee has a reputation for being relatively tenant-friendly given the protective intent of the 1978 Rent Law.
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 to Do If You Have a Dispute With Your Landlord in Kuwait
- 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 against you.
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 and WhatsApp conversations can be useful evidence.
About Housing Rights in Kuwait
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.
Common Questions
What is the rental dispute resolution right in Kuwait?
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, eviction, maintenance, deposits, and lease terms.Either the landlord or tenant can file a complaint.The Committee's decisions can be appealed in the regular civil courts.For disputes involving large sums or complex legal questions, cases may go directly to civil court.Both parties should bring the lease contract, payment receipts, photos, and correspondence to the hearing.The Committee has a...
When does it apply — rental dispute resolution?
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 I do if I have a serious dispute with my landlord in Kuwait?
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 against you.
What should you NOT do — rental dispute resolution?
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 and WhatsApp conversations can be useful evidence.