Guide to Rental Laws in Sharjah

Like any other emirate, Sharjah’s rules and regulations are also robust when it comes to renting a property. Complying with the Sharjah rent rules is essential, as it is a gateway to avoid rental conflicts.

However, most of the tenants are unaware of the Sharjah tenancy law. Therefore, without further ado, let’s dig into the guide to rental laws in Sharjah! 

• Preserving Tenants’ Rights
• Number of People Occupying a Unit
• Bachelor Accommodation Areas In Sharjah
• Sharjah Municipality Rules for Rent Increase
• Tenants Terminating Lease Early
• Tenants Defaulting On Rent Payment
• 3-Years Protection From Eviction
• FAQs

Sharjah Rental Laws 2024

Sharjah Law No. 2 of 2007 regulates the relationship between landlord and tenant, addressing various tenancy matters. Moreover, with the new Sharjah house rent rules announced in 2024, landlords can evict the tenant after three years. Previously, it was a three-month eviction notice period.

1. Preserving Tenants’ Rights

The owner must manage all the major repairs. Meanwhile, the tenant is liable for only small repairs. Below are a few significant tenancy rules in Sharjah that safeguard tenants’ rights in the emirate:

• The owner is obliged to manage all the property’s required maintenance work during the rental period. 
• Tenants are liable for small maintenance works of the unit unless otherwise agreed upon in the tenancy contract. 
• Suppose the owner plans to sell the apartment or premises. The new ownership must not affect the rental agreement between the owner and tenant. This usually happens when the owner expires. 
• Owners or real estate agents are not permitted to charge tenants renewal fees upon renewing the tenancy contract, as the tenancy laws in Sharjah strictly prohibit it. 
• Owners can terminate the rental contract only under the following situations:
  • If the owners wish to demolish the property or carry out complete renovation and, that might require eviction.
  • Or if owners wish to inhabit the property for personal purposes and lack other proper residence. 
• In such circumstances, the tenancy laws in Sharjah demand that the owner have valid permits from Sharjah Municipality and give the tenant a 3-month notice period. 
• The property that’s on rent must meet the provisions that are indicated in the rental contract. 
• Suppose any of the repairs are insufficient, tenants have the right to claim that they must be added or that the specified maintenance must be carried out.

2. Number of People Occupying a Unit

Sharjah rental laws declare the maximum number of individuals allowed in housing units to control the illegal stays of workers. The law also ensures the families’ privacy – a crucial aspect of Sharjah’s house rent rules.

The Sharjah tenancy law has defined the number of individuals permitted to occupy a residential unit based on property type: 

• 3 people in studio apartments 
• 4 people in 1-bedroom apartments
• 6 people in 2-bedroom apartments 
• 9 people in 3-bedroom apartments

Besides that, tenants must also specify how many individuals stay in their housing unit when leasing a residential property.

3. Bachelor Accommodation Areas In Sharjah

The Sharjah tenancy laws also define the accommodation areas for bachelors according to their income and professions. The Sharjah house rent rules for bachelors are: 

Bachelors with Lower-Salary and Labourers 

• Concerning the latest Sharjah rental laws, lower-salary bachelors and labourers are prohibited from staying in residential neighbourhoods or family areas. 
• The tenancy laws in Sharjah stipulate that lower-salary bachelors can only stay in accommodation in industrial areas, such as the Al Sajja’a Industrial area.

Bachelors Living in Shared Rooms 

• Bachelors staying in such areas can share rooms. 
• Subletting is strictly not allowed. 

Rental Rules for Executive Bachelor

• Executive bachelors, like doctors and engineers, can stay in residential units or commercial buildings with the owner’s permission.

Areas for Family Only (No Bachelor Tenant Allowed)

• Only families can stay/live in housing and commercial units in areas such as Al Majaz and Al Nahda. 
• Upon leasing or renewing a contract in such areas, the tenants must submit passport copies of all the individuals. 
• Submit the proof of relationship and marriage certificates of all the individuals living within the unit. 

4. Sharjah Municipality Rules for Rent Increase

According to the rental laws of Sharjah: 

• Landlords/owners can raise the rent after three years from signing the tenancy contract. 
• There is no limitation or cap on the rent rise, although it must comply with similar properties in the region.
• After the first rent increase, owners can only raise the rent every two years, protecting the tenants from annual rental increases. 

5. Tenants Terminating Lease Early

Sharjah’s tenancy law outlines specific provisions for premature termination of lease contracts. Tenants are legally prohibited from terminating their rental agreement before its expiry. However, the contract can be terminated early in case of unfortunate incidents. 

6. Tenants Defaulting On Rent Payment

Sharjah Municipality rules mandate tenants to pay rent within fifteen days or face landlord eviction if not paid within this timeframe. Meanwhile, the rental contract laws cover defaults, allowing landlords to evacuate tenants.

7. 3-Years Protection From Eviction

There is a new Sharjah rent rule announced in 2024 to protect tenants from eviction for 3 years. As per Sharjah Municipality’s new rental law, landlords can’t request tenants to vacate leased property before:

• 3 years for residential use
• 5 years for commercial, industrial, or professional use

However, if permission from Sharjah Municipality is obtained, the landlord has the right of eviction.

FAQs

With this guide to rental laws in Sharjah, you may now know what to expect in the tenancy contract. However, before signing a tenancy contract, it is highly advised to review it thoroughly to prevent future rental conflicts.

For those looking to open a business, here’s a guide to renting commercial property in Sharjah. Moreover, if you are buying a property, you must follow the rules for property ownership for expats in Sharjah.

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