Utility and Service Charge Rights
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Qatari National Law
What is this right?
Tenants have specific rights regarding utilities and service charges:
- 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 (the electricity and water authority) provides services directly to properties. Account transfers between tenants can be arranged.
- 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 should you do?
- Review your contract to confirm who is responsible for each utility.
- If the landlord disconnects utilities unlawfully, contact Kahramaa and the Rental Disputes 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 the authorities instead.
- Do not pay charges that are not stated in your tenancy contract without negotiating them first.
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