Jordan (JO)
Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea.
Renting in Jordan
Full lifecycle: finding, moving in, during tenancy, leaving.
The rental market in Amman is active and accessible for expats, with a wide range of apartments from affordable local-style flats to luxury villas. Most landlords deal directly with tenants (no estate agent needed, though agents operate). Prices have risen significantly since 2021 due to high demand from Syrian refugees, international NGO influx, and Iraq/Gulf economic migration. Expat-favoured areas: Abdoun, Sweifieh, Khalda, 4th/5th Circle, Jabal Al-Weibdeh. Rental contracts are typically annual, paid monthly or in advance. The landlord-tenant relationship is governed principally by the Jordanian Landlords and Tenants Law (most recently amended in 2011, building on Law No. 11/1994 and the 2000 amendment). A written contract is firmly required under Jordanian law — verbal agreements do not provide adequate legal protection. Having your Iqama makes the rental process straightforward.
1. Finding a flat
- - Passport
- - Iqama (once available)
- - Employment letter from employer
- - Security deposit (1–3 months rent)
- - Real estate agents (Samasir) can help but charge 1 month's rent commission.
- - Best areas for expats: Abdoun (diplomatic, upscale), Sweifieh (convenient, international), Khalda (families, quieter), 4th/5th Circle (central, walkable), Jabal Al-Weibdeh (artistic, community feel).
- - Negotiate rent — 10–15% below asking price is common in a slower market.
- - Confirm what is included: furnished/unfurnished, appliances, parking, water tank, generator backup.
- - Insist on a written lease contract — under Jordanian law this is required and provides the basis for any dispute resolution.
- - Visit the property in person before paying any deposit.
ExpatCheapRent is a rental platform built for expats — worth a look alongside the local platforms above when you start your search in Jordan.
2. Before move-in
Handover protocol
Conduct a detailed move-in inspection with your landlord. Document all existing damage (scratches, marks, broken items) in writing and with photos and video. Both parties should sign a move-in condition report. This protects your deposit at move-out.
Deposit
Max: 1–3 months rent (negotiable depending on furnished status and market demand). No statutory cap under Jordanian law.
Rules: Always pay the deposit by bank transfer or cheque — keep the receipt. The security deposit must be returned within a reasonable period (typically 1 month) after vacating, minus any legitimate deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Deductions for normal wear and tear are not permitted. Landlords must send a formal legal notice before initiating any eviction or deposit dispute process.
Return deadline: Within 1 month of vacating the property. Disputes are handled by the Rental Dispute Committee at the local Magistrate Court.
Alternatives: Some landlords accept post-dated cheques instead of a cash deposit. No formal deposit protection scheme exists in Jordan.
3. During your tenancy
Monthly Utility Billing
Frequency: Monthly
Dispute window: Raise disputes with your landlord within 7 days of receiving the bill.
- - Landlord charging utilities above the official metered rate
- - Building management fees not disclosed in the contract
- - Generator charges added unexpectedly without contractual basis
Repairs: The landlord is responsible for major structural repairs (roof, plumbing, structural walls). Tenants are responsible for minor maintenance (light bulbs, minor plumbing blockages). Major repair requests should be in writing and documented.
4. Moving out
Notice period: 1–3 months written notice as specified in your rental contract. Verify your specific contract terms. The 2011 amendment to the Landlords and Tenants Law eliminated fixed eviction deadlines — any termination by the landlord must be for a legally valid reason and cannot be arbitrary.
Final handover: Arrange a move-out inspection with your landlord. Photograph every room. The landlord documents any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Both parties should sign a move-out condition report.
Deposit return: Deposit should be returned within 1 month of vacating. Deductions for legitimate damage must be documented with receipts. If you disagree with deductions, submit a complaint to the Rental Dispute Committee at the Magistrate Court.
Your tenant rights
Tenant association: Rental disputes are handled by the Rental Dispute Committee at the local Magistrate Court. Tenant protection comes from the Jordanian Civil Code and the Landlords and Tenants Law (amended 2011). For expats affiliated with international organisations, the employer's legal team or HR can often advise on dispute procedures.
Rent control: Landlords cannot increase rent during the fixed term of the contract without mutual written agreement. No general rent control applies outside the lease term — rent is set by market negotiation at each renewal.
Eviction protection: Landlords cannot evict tenants without proper legal notice and a valid reason — the 2011 amendment removed arbitrary fixed deadlines and requires a formal legal notice before any eviction proceedings. A formal 15-day payment demand notice is required before a non-payment eviction lawsuit can be filed. Court process required. Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings) is illegal.