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Conflicts of interest in rental relationships are a fundamental cause of legal disputes that can lead to undesirable outcomes.
Wherever there is a problem, solutions emerge alongside it. This is where Sharjah’s Rental Dispute Settlement Committees play a crucial role in resolving real estate cases through alternative methods different from traditional court proceedings.
In the following sections, we will explore the key details about these committees, the services they offer, and the specific laws governing rental disputes.
Content:
Reasons for Rental Disputes in Sharjah
Rental disputes are not limited to one party; they arise due to conflicts in the rental relationship, involving either the landlord or the tenant, or issues related to the validity of the rental contract.
From the landlord’s perspective, they may fail to comply with several legal obligations stipulated in the law regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants, such as:
- Not interfering with the tenant’s use of the rented property as per the contract and ensuring no third-party interference.
- Delivering the rented property in a condition suitable for its intended use without any obstacles.
- Notifying the tenant at least THREE months in advance if eviction is required under legal provisions.
- Carrying out necessary maintenance to keep the property in usable condition unless otherwise agreed upon.
- Registering the lease agreement or any renewal with the Sharjah Municipality or relevant authority within 15 days from signing, unless otherwise agreed.
From the tenant’s perspective, they must also fulfil their obligations, including:
- Paying rent on time as agreed.
- Handling minor maintenance unless agreed otherwise.
- Using the rented unit according to the contract and its designated purpose.
- Returning the rented property at the end of the lease and fulfilling all contractual obligations until the actual handover.
- Not making modifications to the unit without the landlord’s written approval unless they do not harm the property.
Additionally, rental contracts must be legally valid, properly registered, and free from any legal violations to avoid rental disputes.
Key Provisions of Sharjah’s Rental Dispute Law
Law No. (5) of 2024 regulates property leasing in Sharjah, providing a clear framework to safeguard the rights of all parties and ensure the smooth functioning of the real estate market.
The law covers residential, commercial, industrial, and professional properties while exempting:
- Agricultural land
- Hotel establishments
- Properties in free zones
- Government-granted properties without ownership
- Properties rented by employers to employees free of charge
Or any properties specified by the Executive Council.
The latest amendments to the law mandate that lease agreements between landlords and tenants be documented in writing or electronically using approved templates, with contracts requiring official registration within 15 days of signing.
If a contract is not registered, tenants have the right to take legal action to compel the landlord to do so. Administrative fines are imposed on violators, and government entities are prohibited from recognizing unregistered contracts.
The law also allows rental relationships to be proven before the Rental Dispute Center even if no registered contract exists, with the landlord being required to pay the registration fees.
How to File a Rental Dispute in Sharjah Online?
If a rental dispute arises, a complaint can be filed directly with the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee under Sharjah’s Rental Law No. 2 of 2007.
The complaint can also be submitted online via the Sharjah Municipality website, where tenants and landlords can track the case progress. The process includes:
- Visiting the Sharjah Municipality website.
- Selecting “E-Services & Smart Services” and choosing the appropriate service.
- Entering the required details, such as case number, type (dispute or appeal), and the phone number of the landlord or tenant (excluding area codes).
- Submitting the complaint and tracking its progress through the case management system.
Jurisdiction of Sharjah’s Rental Dispute Settlement Center
Sharjah’s Rental Dispute Settlement Center handles disputes arising from rental agreements, ensuring swift and fair resolution of cases.
The center comprises specialized committees headed by a judge, and cases are treated as urgent matters to speed up proceedings and protect all parties’ rights. The center cannot postpone ruling on a case more than once for the same reason, except in emergencies.
The committees adjudicate disputes related to:
- Lease contract termination
- Compensation claims
- Rental value determination
Rulings issued by the center are final and not subject to appeal if the case value exceeds AED 100,000, except in cases involving jurisdictional violations or legal errors.
The center’s rulings carry executive power, enforced by specialized execution committees under the supervision of a judge appointed by the Ministry of Justice, ensuring full compliance with the law.
As a key judicial entity, the committee provides specialized legal solutions to ensure fair rental relationships and contribute to a well-regulated real estate market in Sharjah.
Customer Services at the Sharjah Rental Dispute Center
The Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Sharjah offers a wide range of services, allowing clients to track their case status and seek legal assistance.
For inquiries, the center can be contacted via:
- Email: info@shjmun.gov.ae
- Rental Dispute Contact Number: +971 6 593 535
- Working Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Rental disputes in Sharjah pose challenges not only for the authorities but also for landlords and tenants.
At Masaakin Real Estate, we hope this brief overview helps foster a legally sound and stable rental relationship between property owners and tenants.
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