Morocco Rental Laws: Pro-landlord, Neutral or Pro-tenant?

Morocco's landlord and tenant laws are judged by the Global Property Guide to be Pro-Tenant between landlord and tenant. Its rental law is pro-tenant in practice, despite being neutral on paper. Landlords often find it challenging to recover property or enforce their rights without legal delays. As a result, many landlords:

• Avoid formal leases,

• Require several months’ rent in advance,

• Or select only highly vetted tenants.

Rents: Can landlord and tenant freely agree rents in Morocco?

The rent is freely agreed upon between the parties. Rent adjustments during a lease are legally capped at 8% every three years. You should always formalize via a registered lease, document conditions, and agree on deposit terms in writing.

Deposits

The deposit cannot exceed two months' rent and must be returned when the keys are returned, minus justifiable deductions for damages. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor to be named, who is legally obliged to pay the landlord for any debts owed by the tenant.

What rights do landlords and tenants have in Morocco, especially as to duration of contract, and eviction?

Tenancy agreements can be either fixed-term or indefinite, with no legal minimum or maximum duration. Some key points about renting in Morocco:

• Contracts are flexible in length but must be written and registered.

• Tenants have strong protections, including predictable notice periods, remedies, and contesting power.

• Landlords must follow a structured legal process, with mandated warnings and possibly providing alternate housing for non-fault terminations.

• Eviction is judicial, slow, and tenant-defendable; enforcement requires court orders and bailiffs.

Legislation

In Morocco, the relationship between landlords and tenants is primarily governed by Law No. 67-12, which regulates leases for residential and professional (non-commercial) use. This law establishes that rental agreements must be in written form to be legally enforceable. It sets clear guidelines on key issues such as rental deposits, rent increases, and termination procedures.

How effective is the Moroccoan legal system?

The Moroccan legal system functions and has improved in several key areas, but delays, inconsistent enforcement, and corruption still undermine its overall effectiveness, especially for vulnerable or unconnected individuals. It is advisable to use well-drafted contracts, seek legal advice early, and avoid informal arrangements when possible.