Understanding Rental Laws In Sharjah

Sharjah is a popular choice for renters in the UAE because of its affordability and wide range of properties. If you are planning to rent a home in Sharjah, you should know the rental rules and regulations before signing the lease agreement. The relationship between the tenant and landlord is regulated by the rental law of Sharjah (Law No. (6) of the year 2001), which is issued and enforced by Sharjah Municipality. The law specifies how much rent can be charged, the duration of leases, and other aspects of the tenancy agreement. Tenants and landlords need to understand the legal framework to ensure their rights are protected. 

The tenants must be aware of any changes to the rental law to stay up-to-date with their rights. Landlords should also know their responsibilities under the law, such as making sure all rental units meet certain safety standards and providing necessary repairs or maintenance. In this blog post, we will cover all the important rental laws in Sharjah so that you know your rights as a tenant before signing the rental contract.

How Many People Can Live In A Rental Property In Sharjah?

One of the most crucial tenancy laws is how many household members can live in a single rental unit, and every tenant must be aware of it. This law was introduced to protect the privacy of the family and help decrease the number of workers who were illegally residing in the emirate. It should be noted that the number of occupants in a single unit depends on the property size. Here is a list of maximum occupants for a rental unit in Sharjah.

• 3 People - Studio Apartments
• 3 People - 1 BHK (Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen) Apartments
• 6 People - 2 BHK (Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen) Apartments
• 9 People - 3 BHK (Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen) Apartments

According to the Sharjah Tenancy Laws, the tenants must inform their landlord or property manager about the number of tenants when renting a property. 

Where Can Bachelors Live In Sharjah?

Sharjah Tenancy Law states that labourers or low-income bachelors cannot reside in residential neighbourhoods or family regions. As per Sharjah's leasing guidelines, they can only rent apartments in Al Sajaa or industrial zones. Bachelors are allowed to share rooms, but subletting is strictly prohibited in some regions. 

In areas such as Al Nahda and Al Majaz, only families are permitted to live in the residential buildings. When signing a new lease or renewing a contract, they must show each resident's passport copies, proof of familial relationship, and even marriage certificates, if needed. 

However, the tenancy law in Sharjah also states that executive bachelors, such as doctors, engineers, etc., can also reside in residential buildings in Sharjah with the owner's permission. 

Can My Landlord Increase My Rent In Sharjah?

Sharjah Municipality has the authority to decide on rent increases for residential and commercial properties. According to the 2007 tenancy law of Sharjah, the landlords are only allowed to increase the rent after the 3 years from the beginning of the tenancy contract. After the initial increase, they can only raise the rent once every two years. This clause in the Sharjah tenancy law protects the tenants from annual rent increases, but many of the residents in Sharjah are not aware of this law. You can visit the Sharjah Municipality Website to keep yourself informed about rental laws.

Can Tenants End Their Lease Early In Sharjah?

The Sharjah tenancy law states that a tenant cannot terminate a tenancy contract before the expiry date unless an incident happens that is beyond their control. Otherwise, the tenant is legally bound to complete the lease until the end of its term. 

In case of any incident, unless both parties agree otherwise, the tenant must pay a compensatory amount to the owner, which is not less than 30% of the rental price of the remaining lease period. The Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee (RDC) handles and evaluates these cases and gives the final verdict. 

What Happens If My Sharjah Tenant Fails To Pay Their Rent?

There are instances where tenants fail to pay monthly rent within fifteen days after the due date. In such cases, the tenants are in breach of the rental agreement, and landlords are allowed to evict the tenants. It is strongly recommended to carefully read the rental contract before signing it so that any potential rental issue in the future can be avoided. 

Other Important Tenancy Rights in Sharjah

Here are some important tenancy rules in Sharjah that safeguard the rights of tenants.

• According to the rental agreement between both parties, it is compulsory for the owners to carry out all the required maintenance of the property during the tenancy period. However, minor maintenance of the unit is the tenants' responsibility.
• Upon renewing the tenancy agreement, the owner and real estate agents are not allowed to charge the renewal fee as the Sharjah tenancy laws prohibit it.
• If the landlord wants to sell the property, the rental lease agreement between the owner and tenant will remain the same under the new ownership. This law also applies in case of the owner's demise. 
• The rental property must fulfil the specifications that are mentioned in the tenancy lease agreement. If any of the amenities are missing or maintenance is lacking, the owner is responsible, and tenants have every right to claim that specified maintenance or facility. 
• Landlords are only allowed to cancel or terminate the rental agreement in specific circumstances. These situations are: If they want to occupy the property for themselves and have no other appropriate place to live, or they want to demolish the property or carry out extensive maintenance that would need the eviction. As per the Sharjah tenancy law, the landlord must need permission from the Sharjah Municipality in this situation and provide a three-month eviction notice to the tenant.

Before finalising the rental agreement, it is essential to educate yourself about the Sharjah tenancy laws and rules. As a tenant, you have to know your rights so that you don't face forceful eviction or improper maintenance. This blog has covered all the key Sharjah tenancy laws that every tenant must know when looking for a new rental property. You can also check out our blog about tenancy rules in Dubai.