Rental Disputes in Morocco: Repairs, Deposits and Notice

A rental dispute is easier to handle when the agreement, payments and condition of the flat are documented. Start by identifying what is actually being disputed, then address it through a written record rather than relying entirely on a conversation.

Confirm which rules apply

Morocco’s Law 67-12 applies to furnished or unfurnished residential and professional premises rented for more than 30 days, unless another special law governs the arrangement. The type and duration of occupancy matter: hotel bookings, holiday lets and short stays of 30 days or less should not automatically be treated as ordinary Law 67-12 tenancies.

Consult Law 67-12 alongside the signed lease before relying on a generic deadline or procedure.

Start an evidence file

Keep the signed agreement, inventory, photographs from move-in and move-out, payment receipts, bank transfers, messages and repair requests. Record dates, agreed actions and the identity of the person making each promise. Back up records outside the phone used for the conversations.

For a disputed condition, photograph the defect clearly and record when you notified the landlord or manager. Distinguish pre-existing damage from deterioration during your occupancy.

Repairs: who handles what?

Notify the landlord or authorised manager in writing, describing the defect, its impact and the access needed for inspection. Ask for a response and reasonable next step. The division between landlord and tenant responsibilities can depend on the law, the type of repair and the contract.

For an urgent electrical, gas or water hazard, prioritise safety and contact the appropriate emergency or qualified service rather than waiting for a disagreement to be resolved. Keep evidence of any emergency work. Do not deduct a repair bill from rent on your own initiative. Under the law, a tenant may ask a court to address necessary repairs and the resulting financial consequences. Obtain the landlord’s written agreement or legal advice on the appropriate court procedure before reducing payments.

The utilities guide covers meter readings and billing issues that may otherwise be mistaken for rent disputes.

Deposit deductions and returning the keys

Carry out a documented checkout and obtain confirmation of key return. Compare the original inventory with the property’s condition at the end of your tenancy. Ask for an itemised explanation and evidence for deductions rather than accepting an unexplained sum.

For a tenancy governed by Law 67-12, Article 20 limits the security deposit to two months’ rent and provides for return within one month after the keys are handed back, less properly evidenced sums owed to the landlord. Ask for an itemised explanation of deductions, backed by records. See the law’s Article 20 and our rental guide.

A notice to leave or threat of eviction

Do not ignore a written notice, and do not assume that a verbal demand means you must leave immediately. Keep a copy and establish the legal basis, dates and procedure. A rent arrears dispute, expiry of a lease and other grounds for eviction can require different steps.

For a tenancy under Law 67-12, removal of a tenant who remains after a disputed notice requires the applicable judicial process; a landlord cannot simply bypass it by changing the locks, disconnecting essential services or taking belongings. Keep evidence of threats or interference. Avoid withholding rent or abandoning possessions without understanding the consequences. If you face an urgent threat, seek help from a locally qualified lawyer or an appropriate legal aid service.

How to escalate constructively

Send a concise written account: the property address, dates, clause or obligation involved, what happened, supporting documents and the remedy requested. Keep proof that the message was sent and received.

If direct discussion fails, consult a Moroccan lawyer about a formal written demand (mise en demeure) with proof of delivery and proceedings in the competent court of first instance. Ask the court about legal-aid arrangements if needed. Do not assume the police will decide an ordinary civil disagreement over a deposit. For intimidation or threats, prioritise personal safety and contact the appropriate authorities.