Life on the Spot! Life and Leisure in Doha, Qatar

Question: My current house rent agreement expires on 30.09.2008. The real estate agent is asking for 10% increase. Do we have to cough up? What is the way out? Possible pitfalls?

Review the Rent Law in Qatar here.

Honestly, I think the rent law is crap. It's all about having this "law" posted in the papers so that other people/media/investors would believe that Qatar is doing something about the skyrocketing and outrageous rents in Qatar. But that's just it.

I myself insisted this law with the company that handles our building. They just denied having heard of the new law. And to think that the owner of the company is a member/relative of the Royal Family. We still paid the increase of 10%. Other than that, you may want to go to court, pay them the old rent and have them pay the landlord. This is possible. However, the implications might be more of a problem as the landlord might decide not to maintain your building so that you'll be forced out of it. But I've heard of people getting this matter to court and actually winning. It's up to you if it's worth the hassle and time to pursue it in court.