A tenancy contract in Qatar is usually a one-page Arabic-English form, but the details buried in it decide whether your year goes smoothly. At Brzh we review every contract with our clients before signing · here is the exact 10-point checklist we use.
1. The landlord’s name matches the title deed
Ask to see the title deed (or authorisation letter if an agent or company manages the building). The name on the contract must match the owner or an authorised representative · this protects your Kahramaa transfer and any future dispute.
2. Exactly what the rent includes
“Bills included” can mean water and electricity, or water only, or nothing at all once you pass a usage cap. Get the inclusions written into the contract · our guide to bills-included vs paying Kahramaa yourself explains the real cost difference.
3. The notice period · and what happens if you leave early
Two months’ written notice is standard in Doha. Check the early-exit clause: some contracts ask for one month’s rent as penalty, others forfeit the deposit, and a few allow a free exit with a replacement tenant. Negotiate this before signing, not when your job moves.
4. Deposit amount and the conditions for returning it
One month’s rent is the norm. The contract should state the deposit is refundable, the timeframe (14–30 days is reasonable), and that deductions must be itemised. Photograph the apartment on handover day and keep the photos.
5. Who pays for maintenance
Standard practice: the landlord handles structural issues and AC units; the tenant covers consumables and minor items. If the building advertises “free maintenance”, have it written in.
6. Post-dated cheques
Most Doha landlords collect 12 post-dated cheques. Make sure the amounts and dates match the contract exactly, and never sign blank cheques. If you are new to Qatar and have no chequebook yet, some landlords accept bank transfer for the first months · ask.
7. Kahramaa transfer
Unless bills are included, the electricity and water account should be transferred into your name (you will need the signed contract, your QID and a deposit). If the landlord insists on keeping the account in their name, get the tariff and payment mechanism in writing.
8. Municipality registration
Tenancy contracts should be attested with the municipality · you will need the attested contract for family visas, school enrolment and some bank paperwork. Ask who handles the attestation and who pays the fee.
9. Renewal terms and rent increases
Check whether the contract renews automatically and what notice the landlord must give to change the rent. Qatar law protects tenants from arbitrary mid-term increases · the rent can only change at renewal.
10. The inventory list, if furnished
For furnished and semi-furnished units, attach an inventory with photos. It is the only evidence that the scratched dining table was scratched before you arrived.
Let us do this with you
Every tenancy Brzh arranges comes with this review included · we sit with you, walk the contract clause by clause, and negotiate the points that matter. Start with our step-by-step renting guide, browse verified flats for rent across Doha, or WhatsApp us on +974 5001 7720.