Utility and Service Charge Rights in Qatar
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Qatari national laws, Emiri 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?
Tenants have specific rights regarding utilities and service charges. Kahramaa (Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation) is the sole provider of electricity and water:
- The tenancy contract should clearly state who pays for utilities (electricity, water, cooling) — landlord or tenant.
- If the landlord is responsible for utilities, they cannot disconnect services to pressure you into paying or leaving.
- Kahramaa provides services directly to properties. Account transfers between tenants can be arranged through Kahramaa offices.
- Service charges for common areas (cleaning, security, shared facilities) must be clearly defined in the contract.
- The landlord cannot add new service charges that are not in the original contract without your agreement.
When does it apply?
- Your landlord is billing you for utilities that the contract says they will cover.
- Your utilities are disconnected by the landlord as a pressure tactic.
- You are charged service fees not mentioned in your tenancy contract.
What to Do If Your Qatar Landlord Threatens to Cut Your Utilities
- Review your contract to confirm who is responsible for each utility.
- If the landlord disconnects utilities unlawfully, contact Kahramaa and the Rent Dispute Resolution Committee.
- Keep copies of all utility bills and receipts for payments you have made.
- If service charges are added after signing, refuse in writing and reference your contract terms.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not accept responsibility for utilities that the contract assigns to the landlord.
- Do not reconnect utilities yourself if they are disconnected. Report it to Kahramaa and the authorities.
- Do not pay charges that are not stated in your tenancy contract without negotiating them first.
Common Questions
When does it apply — utility and service charge rights?
Your landlord is billing you for utilities that the contract says they will cover.Your utilities are disconnected by the landlord as a pressure tactic.You are charged service fees not mentioned in your tenancy contract.
What should I do if my landlord in Qatar is threatening to disconnect my electricity or water?
Review your contract to confirm who is responsible for each utility.If the landlord disconnects utilities unlawfully, contact Kahramaa and the Rent Dispute Resolution Committee.Keep copies of all utility bills and receipts for payments you have made.If service charges are added after signing, refuse in writing and reference your contract terms.
What should you NOT do — utility and service charge rights?
Do not accept responsibility for utilities that the contract assigns to the landlord.Do not reconnect utilities yourself if they are disconnected. Report it to Kahramaa and the authorities.Do not pay charges that are not stated in your tenancy contract without negotiating them first.