Key points
- Law 67-12 governs residential and professional leases signed since it came into force.
- The lease must be written and dated, with an inventory of condition at check-in and check-out.
- The deposit is capped at two months’ rent.
- Rent can only be reviewed after three years; failing agreement, the increase is capped at 8% for a home.
- Short-term tourist rentals fall under a different framework, Law 80-14.
Enacted in 2013 and applied to new contracts since it came into force, Law No. 67-12 governs relations between landlords and tenants of residential and professional premises. This Morocco tenancy law replaced an older framework and better protects each party, provided a few simple formalities are respected.
This guide is for information only and does not replace legal advice. In a dispute, refer to the text published in the Official Bulletin (Bulletin officiel) or consult a lawyer.
Which homes does it cover?
Law 67-12 covers homes let as a residence, unfurnished or furnished, and premises used for professional purposes. It does not apply to short-term tourist rentals (Airbnb, nightly lets), which fall under Law 80-14: see our guide to Airbnb law in Morocco.
A written, dated rental contract
The lease must be in writing and have a certain date (date certaine), which in practice means having the signatures legalised. At a minimum it states:
- the identity and address of the landlord and the tenant;
- a description of the home and its outbuildings (parking, storage, terrace);
- the use of the premises (residential);
- the term of the lease;
- the amount of rent, service charges and payment terms;
- the amount of the deposit;
- where applicable, the rent review clause.
The inventory of condition
The law provides for a joint inventory of condition (état des lieux) at check-in and check-out. It is the decisive document for getting the deposit back. Several legal guides point out that without a check-in inventory, the home is presumed to have been handed over in good condition: the tenant then bears the burden of proving otherwise. Photograph every room, the meters and the equipment, and have both parties sign.
The deposit: two months maximum
The security deposit is capped at two months’ rent. It is not compulsory, but almost always requested. At the end of the lease, it is returned after the check-out inventory, minus unpaid rent and justified repairs. The return deadlines quoted by guides vary: set it out in black and white in the contract.
Rent and rent reviews
Rent is set freely at signature. After that:
- it can only be reviewed if the lease provides for it or if the parties agree;
- a review can only take place three years after signature or the last review;
- failing agreement, the increase is capped at 8% for a home and 10% for professional premises.
To set a consistent rent from the outset, see our Agadir rent benchmarks by neighbourhood.
Each party’s obligations
| Landlord | Tenant |
|---|---|
| Hand over a home in good working order | Pay rent and charges on the due date |
| Carry out major repairs | Maintain the home, minor repairs |
| Guarantee quiet enjoyment | Use the home in line with the lease |
| Issue the rent receipts requested | Not sublet without written consent |
End of the lease and unpaid rent
The landlord cannot take the home back on their own initiative: termination or eviction goes through court proceedings, on grounds provided for by law (unpaid rent, repossession to live in, demolition, serious breach…). A tenant who wants to leave must respect the notice period set in the contract. In the event of unpaid rent, start with a formal written notice, then get professional support.
Our tips for a trouble-free lease in Morocco
- Have the signatures on the lease legalised.
- Attach a detailed, photographed inventory.
- Include the review clause at signature.
- Keep a record of every payment.
- Check the home’s insurance.
The LOCAGA agency supports long-term rentals in Agadir: rent estimate, tenant selection, lease and inventory.
Sources consulted on 25 October 2026: Alaqar, ReaConsult, Masaken. Reference text: Law No. 67-12, Official Bulletin.