Accommodation in Kuwait

Finding affordable and suitable accommodation in Kuwait will likely be your primary concern when moving abroad. Fortunately, with a large expat community and a booming construction industry, it’s easier to find housing.

Although there are new developments in Kuwait City, some expats feel that the quality may not be as high as they are used to, so keep that in mind. Rent could take up about a third of your budget, but if you’re an expat working in Kuwait, your employer will likely provide you with accommodation.

Types of accommodation in Kuwait

Most homes in Kuwait come in the form of apartments, villas (large houses), or single floors in large villas that you can rent. Thanks to recent construction, there are many modern apartment buildings to choose from. You can find both short-term and long-term rental options.

Homes in Kuwait are usually quite spacious, and you may even have extra rooms for domestic staff, which is a luxury many expats can afford here. Housing complexes, popular with expats, often include facilities like swimming pools, gyms, and tennis courts, all within your building.

That said, the quality of housing can vary across the region. Older apartments may be smaller than advertised and could have outdated decor or fittings. It’s important to thoroughly inspect any rental property before signing a contract.

While there are some housing compounds in Kuwait, they are not as common as in neighbouring Saudi Arabia. Most expats live in apartment blocks and villas nestled among the local Kuwaiti population.

If you have a car, make sure to check for parking availability when choosing a home. Since Kuwait gets extremely hot, covered parking is essential to protect your car. Also, be aware that construction is common in many areas, and the noise and dust might affect your daily life.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Expat housing often comes fully furnished, so you may have limited control over the decor. While this might feel restrictive, many expats find it convenient for short stays, as it avoids the high costs of moving furniture between countries.

On the other hand, some homes come with little or no furniture. You might need to provide essentials like light fixtures, appliances, and air conditioning yourself. Before signing a lease, make sure to ask about how much furniture is included.

Short lets

With more modern apartment buildings in Kuwait, short-term rentals and serviced apartments are becoming popular. Often listed on platforms like Airbnb, short lets are a good option when you first move to Kuwait. They let you explore different areas and offer hotel-like services at a lower cost than hotels. The price usually includes utilities like electricity and WiFi.

Finding accommodation in Kuwait

As an expat in Kuwait, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to finding accommodation. Many employers help with the search and may even cover part or all of your rent.

You can easily browse online listings and property portals like OpenSooq to find a place. Estate agents are also useful, and you can check English-language newspapers for good listings.

Another helpful tip is to ask around. Since expats frequently move in and out, apartments become available regularly, so networking can be a great way to find the right home.

Useful links

• OpenSooq
• Kuwait Real Estate
• Expats in Kuwait

Renting accommodation in Kuwait

Whether your employer provides your housing or you go it alone, we recommend that you know what you are entitled to and what costs you must cover.

Making an application

The first step to renting accommodation in Kuwait is to find and view potential rentals. It’s essential that you thoroughly inspect the rental property and ask for maintenance records to ensure its upkeep. Once you have found a rental you like, you can contact the landlord or real estate agent to submit your rental application.

You will likely need a local sponsor, who must provide you with a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which confirms that you are permitted to rent a property in Kuwait. The local sponsor for most expats will be their employer. Additionally, you must provide the landlord with a copy of your passport, residency visa, and work permit.

Leases

Leases are normally signed for a period of one year, but shorter-term rentals are also available and can be negotiated. When applying, prospective tenants may need to communicate with their employer sponsoring their stay in Kuwait.

The rental agreement will usually be written in Arabic, so we suggest a trusted translator should draw up the lease in English.

Deposits

A security deposit of at least a month to two months’ rent will be required to secure most properties. Sometimes rent is also required upfront for a three to six months stay.

Termination of the lease

Both tenants and landlords must give at least three months’ notice if they want to terminate their lease. The notice period for short-term rentals may be shorter.

Your security deposit is refundable at the end of the lease, provided no damage was done to the property. We recommend conducting and documenting an inspection with your landlord when you move in and out to ensure you are not unfairly charged for normal wear and tear.

Utilities in Kuwait

You should also establish whether utilities are included in the rental. Water and electricity are often separate expenses that the tenant must cover, and with air conditioning in summer being essential, these costs can be high.

Electricity and water

The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) provides electricity and water in Kuwait. To get connected, you need to visit an MEW customer service centre at least a week before moving into your new place. Bring your passport, Civil ID, residency permit, and rental agreement. If your apartment already has meters installed, they’ll process your request and activate the connection.

Bills are usually sent monthly, and you can pay them in several ways: online via the Kuwait Government Online website, through the MEW app, at a local customer service centre, or via bank transfer.

Gas

Gas is commonly used for cooking and heating in Kuwait, and it’s supplied by the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). To transfer the gas account to your name, visit a KNPC customer service centre with your ID, residency permit, and rental agreement. You may also need to complete a transfer form and pay a small fee.

The gas company may inspect your gas lines before transferring the account to ensure safety. You can pay your gas bills online, via bank transfer, or at a service centre.

Bins and recycling

Waste collection in Kuwait is managed by the Environment Public Authority (EPA) and handled by private companies. Services can vary depending on where you live. Some neighbourhoods have door-to-door waste collection on specific days, so ask your landlord how it works in your area.

Much of Kuwait’s waste management framework is still based on landfills and burying waste. The government and private sector are working together to improve recycling initiatives in the country. If you’d like to contribute to the country’s recycling initiatives, you can employ the services of ECOstar, which collects recyclable waste from your home at a nominal fee.

Internet

Kuwait has a well-developed internet infrastructure, making it easy to get online. Some of the country’s top providers include Zain Kuwait and Ooredoo Kuwait. Internet speeds vary significantly among providers, so you must do your research to choose the best one for your needs.

Ooredoo Kuwait also provides fibre optic connections, which provide low latency and ultra-high bandwidth, which is fantastic for streaming. If you’d like to access international TV programmes, you can use streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Useful links

• Kuwait Ministry of Electricity and Water
• Kuwait National Petroleum Company
• ECOstar
• Zain Kuwait
• Ooredoo Kuwait