Rents: Can landlord and tenant freely agree rents in St. Kitts & Nevis?

Rents are freely negotiated in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Deposits

As a popular tourist destination, most properties in St. Kitts and Nevis are available for short-term rentals. However, longer term rentals are possible, with lease agreements usually lasting for one year. As a landlord, you are entitled to require a security deposit (equal to a month’s rent) from the tenant prior to occupancy.

What rights do landlords and tenants have in St. Kitts & Nevis, especially as to duration of contract, and eviction?

As the Federation is based on English common law, tenants naturally have rights. But in practice, the relationship between the landlord and tenant is largely governed by the rental agreement. Evicting tenants is not difficult in the islands.

How effective is the St. Kitts & Nevis legal system?

There are no serious problems regarding the eviction of tenants.

Legislation

There is no formal law dealing with landlord and tenant relations. The legal system is based on the English common law system.