Leave for Safety, Still Pay Rent? | Security Fears vs Rental Obligations
A distressed call was received by The Daily Tribune two days ago from an expatriate in Juffair, worried about her family’s safety. “We felt it wasn’t safe to live near a building that was already being targeted in the current situation. How can I stay here with my 3-year-old baby? I moved to another place, but I still have to pay the rent. Please help me, sir,” she said, her voice breaking as her baby cried in the background.
The family, living near an area heavily exposed to Iranian aggression, decided to move out on March 7, following many neighbours who also chose to leave. They had an annual rental agreement, which was adjusted in January 2026 to a three-month contract ending in April.
The family, living near an area heavily exposed to Iranian aggression, decided to move out on March 7, following many neighbours who also chose to leave. They had an annual rental agreement, which was adjusted in January 2026 to a three-month contract ending in April.
Despite moving out, the landlord insisted that they pay the full three months’ rent, warning that failure to do so could lead to legal action and travel restrictions. The family had already paid a one-month advance of BD 280, which they asked the landlord to use to cover the loss, but the landlord insisted on the full amount.
But the family described their situation as deeply traumatizing: "Our apartment building is right next to the Juffair base. During the incidents, we felt the entire building shake. My daughter is traumatized, and we simply cannot go back; we don’t feel safe there," the expatriate said.
Legal perspective
Lawyer Jassim Al Issa explained that while a contract is normally binding, extreme circumstances like this can void it under the principle of 'force majeure,' an external event that prevents tenants from using the property.
“If payment is made under these circumstances, it could be considered ‘unjust enrichment,’ since the tenant couldn’t benefit from the property due to reasons beyond their control,” lawyer Al Issa said. While the law generally favors landlords, tenants in such cases could argue that they left for safety reasons, which could protect them from full payment claims.
How can a landlord get help?
MP Mohammed Janahi told The Daily Tribune that citizens facing such situations could reach out to MPs for guidance, as well as civil societies and community clubs that support residents. He emphasized that Parliament is committed to serving Bahraini society and acting in the best interest of the Kingdom.
The Daily Tribune learned that after this story was published on the News of Bahrain official platform, it became clear this is not an isolated case. Many expatriates in the Juffair area have decided to leave their apartments due to the ongoing situation.
At the same time, some real estate companies agreed to waive March rent upon tenants’ requests, a move widely praised during this critical time.
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