Renting in Bahrain: areas, leases and utilities
A short guide to finding a flat or villa in Manama and the surrounding areas.
In short
Manama is the most affordable Gulf capital. Most rentals are furnished, monthly and often include utilities up to a cap called EWA limit.
- Payment
- Monthly
- Deposit
- 1 month
- Utilities
- EWA, often capped in rent
- Popular areas
- Juffair, Seef, Saar, Amwaj
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Juffair for nightlife, Saar for families and schools, Amwaj for sea views.
Week 1
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Ask about the EWA cap
- Check for chiller fees
Don’t
- Don’t pay months in advance without a receipt
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Some landlords add an extra charge when the utility cap is exceeded in summer.
Common questions
Do I need an agent?
Not necessarily, but licensed agents (RERA) protect your deposit.
Official links
Background and more detail
Leases
Leases are commonly for one year, with rent paid monthly. Tenancies are governed by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA Bahrain) and leases should be registered.
Where expats live
- Juffair: busy, lots of apartments and restaurants
- Seef and Sanabis: near malls and offices
- Amwaj Islands: island living with marinas, popular with families
- Saar and Janabiya: villas and compounds near international schools
Utilities
Electricity and water are billed by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA). Many furnished apartments include utilities up to a monthly cap; check the cap, since summer air conditioning bills can be high.
Costs
Bahrain is one of the more affordable GCC countries for housing. A furnished one-bedroom flat in Juffair costs noticeably less than an equivalent flat in Dubai or Doha.
Tips
- Ask for the landlord's ownership document
- Agree in writing what happens if you have to leave early
- Check parking and building security
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