Even though foreign ownership of real estate has been permitted in Qatar since 2004, most expats still prefer to rent. Although Qatar has begun to open up areas of its property market to allow foreigners to purchase property, most expatriates still opt to rent. Around three-quarters of the population rents apartments and villas, the majority of whom are expats. Residential rentals account for over 60% of all properties in the country.  
Renting a property to live in Qatar is a costly prospect. According to research by real estate services firm Colliers International, a typical expat household spends more than one-third of their income on rent. However, the lower cost of utilities (water, electricity, and gas) somewhat offsets rental costs. If money creates a problem, you may need to avoid the temptation of purchasing a villa and instead settle for an apartment.  

Popular Places to Rent in Qatar: 

The Old Airport Area:

The old airport used to be for individuals who wanted to live in a historic portion of Qatar. It is mainly made up of huge villas suitable for various budgets, making it excellent for families. 

Al Saad:

The Al Saad Sports Complex is located here. Malls, medical centers, and other conveniences abound in this area of Qatar. 

West Bay:

This is a classy portion of town, away from the crowds, with a sea view. It's a Tony area with expensive residential high-rises and premium villas. Be prepared, though, to pay a premium amount for all of its accouterments.  

Al Dafna:

Al Dafna is Qatar's central business district, which is well-connected to the rest of the city. Many offices are located here, making it a good location for those who don't want to commute for extended periods. It is also trendy among expats. It also has a view of the sea.  

Lusail City:

This futuristic neighborhood, roughly 20 kilometers outside Doha, is one of the suggested venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although much work is still being done, here is the place to go if you want a taste of the future.   

Rent costs in Qatar: 

Studio apartments in Qatar start at roughly QR5,000 per month in the best area, i.e., near the city, with convenience stores, schools, and medical centers nearby. Depending on the location and amenities, a one-bedroom apartment can cost up to QR6,000 (about). 
Expect to pay at least QR7,500 per month for a two- or three-bedroom apartment. It might cost anywhere from QR10,000 and QR12,000 to reside in a high-end neighborhood like The Pearl. It will be most probably 20% to 30% cheaper if you live outside of the city, particularly in older neighborhoods where buildings are not as up-to-date, although they may not be as handy.  
You pay rent with post-dated cheques that start from the day you move in. If you take possession of space on the 10th of the month, subsequent encashment will occur on the 10th of the following month.

Requirements for Renting a Property:

If you are a private resident wishing to rent a home in Qatar, you must submit the following documents: 

• a copy of your Qatar ID 
• a certified copy of your passport 
• Certificate of Employment 
• Postdated Personal Cheques  

Employees may be able to rent homes from their employers. The following is required for a corporate lease: 

• a copy of the company's registration certificate (CR) 
• a copy of the business's computer card 
• a copy of the authorized signatory's QID  
• a copy of the tenant's QID or passport 
• Cheques or wire transfers from the company 

Final Thoughts:

The location of a rental property in Qatar should be your top priority. Make sure that the rental meets your requirements. Once you've narrowed down your rental selections, read each rental agreement carefully and thoroughly. Keep an eye out for contracts that include maintenance and parking as part of the rental charges; these are the ones you want.