SHARJAH: Sharjah has introduced a new property leasing law that applies to most types of rental properties, including residential, commercial, industrial, and professional spaces. However, a few exceptions exist, such as agricultural land, government-provided housing (unless the tenant owns it), properties given to employees for free by their employer, hotels, and properties in free zones, which have their own rental dispute systems.

According to the new rules, all rental agreements must be put down in writing or electronically using official forms. Landlords now have 15 days to get the lease certified with the municipality and pay any required fees. If they don’t follow this, tenants have the right to take the matter to court and get the contract sorted out legally.

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The law also lays out what’s expected from both landlords and tenants. Landlords have to make sure the property is in a usable condition, take care of essential maintenance, and return any security deposits once the lease is over, assuming there’s no damage caused by the tenant. On the other hand, tenants need to pay their rent on time, use the property as agreed, and ask for written permission if they want to make any changes or improvements to the place. Tenants are also responsible for maintaining the property and covering utility bills during their stay.

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When it comes to eviction, landlords can ask tenants to leave if they don’t pay rent within 15 days of the due date, break the terms of the contract, or use the property for illegal purposes. In some cases, landlords can also request eviction if they need the property for themselves or their immediate family, but there are strict guidelines to follow in these situations.

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As for rent increases, landlords can’t raise the rent during the first three years of the lease unless both parties agree. After the three years, any rent hike has to follow fair rent guidelines to make sure it’s reasonable. This new law is designed to make the whole rental process smoother and more transparent for both sides.

-Agencies