Shared Housing in Kuwait: The Hidden Problems You Should Know

Sharing accommodation in Kuwait has become increasingly common, especially among expatriates looking for affordable housing in areas like Salmiya, Hawally, Farwaniya, and Mahboula. With Kuwait’s real estate market evolving and rents rising in some popular residential zones, shared living offers a budget-friendly alternative. However, while shared accommodation may reduce living expenses, it also brings a unique set of challenges that both tenants and landlords should fully understand.

Below is a detailed guide on the realities of shared housing in Kuwait and how it affects daily living, property management, and the overall rental ecosystem.

1. Privacy Issues in Shared Accommodation

One of the biggest concerns in shared living is the loss of personal space. In Kuwait’s apartment buildings, especially older ones with smaller room sizes, tenants often face:

• Shared bathrooms and kitchens

• Noise from other occupants

• Limited personal boundaries

• Time issues

• Food & personal effects

This can cause misunderstandings and tension. Tenants expecting peaceful living may find shared spaces challenging, especially in busy areas like Salmiya Block 10, Jleeb, and or Mangaf, where shared flats are common.

2. Hygiene & Cleanliness Concerns

Different people have different standards of cleanliness. In shared accommodation, it has become a daily struggle:

• Messy kitchens

• Dirty bathrooms

• Overflowing garbage

• Unequal distribution of chores

These issues can create discomfort and conflicts, reducing the quality of living. Hygiene is also important for health and safety concerns—something landlords in Kuwait’s residential buildings are increasingly strict about.

3. Overcrowding Violations

Overcrowding is one of the biggest issues in Kuwait real estate when it comes to shared housing. Many shared apartments end up hosting more people than initially agreed, causing:

• Limited personal space

• Stress on building facilities (water, electricity, parking)

• Violations of building and municipality regulations

• Fire and safety risks

Kuwait Municipality often inspects overcrowded apartments—especially in areas known for bachelor housing—so this is a serious concern for landlords.

4. Different Lifestyles & Habits

Everyone has their own routine, and shared living can magnify these differences:

• Conflicting sleep schedules

• Cooking smells

• Visitors and gatherings

• Music or noise

• Personal habits (cleaning, smoking, etc.)

In Kuwait, shared accommodation often includes tenants from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds, making lifestyle clashes even more common. Without clear boundaries, daily life can become stressful.

5. Security Limitations

More people in one apartment means less control over who enters or leaves the property. Common problems include:

• Lost or copied keys

• Unfamiliar guests

• Difficulty tracking visitors

• Increased risk of theft or property damage

Security is, indeed, a major concern, particularly in buildings without CCTV or security staff.

6. Increase Cost for Wear & Tear on the Property

Shared units experience more damage than single-family rentals. More occupants mean:

• Faster deterioration of appliances

• Plumbing problems

• Electrical overload

• Frequent maintenance requests

This increases costs for landlords, especially those managing rentals in popular expat areas. Many Kuwait property owners now avoid shared accommodation due to these expenses.

7. Payment & Responsibility Issues

Where multiple tenants share a single lease or verbal agreement, payment problems are common:

• Delayed rent if one tenant fails to pay

• Disagreements over utility bills

• No clear accountability

• Tenants leaving without notice

This puts both landlords and co-tenants at financial risk.

Final Thoughts

Shared accommodation in Kuwait plays an important role in making housing more affordable for expatriates. However, both landlords and tenants should understand the challenges before entering such arrangements. Clear rules, written agreements, proper screening, and open communication can make shared living more manageable.

Whether you're renting a room in Hawally, sharing a flat in Salmiya, or leasing property anywhere in Kuwait’s competitive real estate market, being aware of these issues helps you make smarter and safer decisions.

One must weigh in this kind of arrangement, it can reduce the cost of rentals, but it may affect one’s mental wellbeing.

Written by

Paul ALIPIO, Junior Leasing Executive, Q8REALTOR