The new decree, outlined in Article Two of Decree-Law 15/2024, amends key provisions of the existing rental law from 1978. According to the decree, all pending rental cases across multiple sections of the Court of Appeals will now be referred to the Court of First Instance. However, any cases already scheduled for a ruling will be resolved within a month, maintaining continuity for those awaiting final decisions.
The real estate sections impacted include the first and second Capital Rent divisions, the first and second Hawally sections, as well as those in Farwaniya, Ahmadi, and Jahra. This restructuring follows a June 2024 mandate from the court’s General Assembly, effectively streamlining the rental dispute process.
Pending appeals that have not yet reached a decision will be transferred to the Technical Office for referral to the Court of First Instance, ensuring a smooth transition under the new legal framework. The decree also addresses cases where rulings are scheduled after its issuance, allowing these sections to operate under their previous capacities for a limited time to finalize outstanding judgments.
In cases where rulings are returned for further hearings, the Technical Office will facilitate their reassignment, continuing to manage any petitions regarding material errors in the judgments issued. This move marks a critical realignment of Kuwait’s judicial approach to real estate disputes, aligning with broader legal reforms.
