Qatar has introduced amendments to its real estate leasing law under Law No. (8) of 2026, aimed at improving the investment environment, simplifying procedures and strengthening the rights of landlords and tenants.
The changes will take effect on September 3, 2026. Key amendments include:
- Lower registration fee: The lease registration fee will be reduced from 0.5% of annual rent, subject to a minimum of QR250 and maximum of QR2,500, to a fixed QR250.
- Reduced settlement fee: The fee for settling certain lease registration violations will drop from QR5,000 to QR1,000.
- Government property leases: Beneficiaries of public and private state property can register leases with third parties within two months of signing, without registration fees.
- Rental disputes: The Rental Disputes Settlement Committee will have jurisdiction over all landlord-tenant disputes, with parties required to approach the committee before going to court.
- Appeals: RDC decisions can be appealed directly to the Court of Appeal, providing greater clarity and speeding up dispute resolution.
The Ministry of Municipality said the amendments are intended to strengthen confidence in Qatar’s real estate market and support its sustainable growth.
