Renting property in the Bahamas is relatively easy if you are looking for a short-term holiday let, but finding something long term can be a little more difficult. Most rental properties available are to be found in the bigger towns, though there are some rental properties in more secluded locations.

When renting a Bahamian property there are several different types of leases available. A gross lease means that the landlord will pay all property charges normally associated with ownership. A net lease (or full repairing lease) means that the tenant will pay all charges related to the property. These charges might include maintenance, repairs and taxes. When renting a property the landlord or letting agent should be able to clarify any issues or questions you may have about the lease.

Rents are negotiable and properties which have a value of $25,000 or less cannot be rented out for more than 15% of that value. The maximum rent rises to 20% if the property is let furnished. There are several issues with this law, the main one being that since the Bahamas is such a desirable location that very few, if any, properties are worth less than $25,000 and there is no regulation on properties worth more than that amount. There are currently moves to change this value to $75,000 which will affect more properties but will still not be applicable for properties in the more affluent areas.

Deposits are payable and most landlords will require a bond, which varies in value, and payment of the first and last month’s rent in advance. Non payment of rent can result in eviction without notice and court proceedings to collect unpaid monies. It is not necessary to obtain a court order to evict the tenant and the landlord has the right to involve the police. Tenants who feel they have been evicted without due cause may take the landlord to court. It is advisable to try to solve any problems without recourse to the courts as the legal system in the Bahamas can prove expensive for both sides and very time consuming.

Tenancy agreements vary, but are usually for a fixed period. It is possible to obtain a tenancy agreement which renews each month but these are rarely used. It may be that a tenancy agreement includes domestic help, particularly if renting in one of the more affluent areas though if required domestic help is easily found.