An emirate known for its deep-rooted Arabic cultural heritage – Sharjah offers a unique living experience. Offering a plethora of real estate options for renters, the city caters to rental home seekers with diverse requirements and budgets. Similar to other emirates, a proper process should be followed to rent a property in Sharjah. Both tenants and property owners need to be aware of the requirements and tenancy rules in the city.
Covering all the key aspects of the process, here’s a step-by-step guide to renting in Sharjah.
Things to Consider Before Renting in Sharjah
Before entering into the year-long tenancy contract, a host of factors should be considered. Here’s a list that outlines some of the common things to keep in mind when renting a property in Sharjah.
- Estimate your rental budget and plan your property hunt accordingly. This will help narrow down options, saving time and energy.
- Carefully analyse the rental property location. Having schools, hospitals, public transport and other key facilities nearby add to the renter’s convenience.
- Those interested in properties with higher rental costs should also check for amenities, such as swimming pools, gymnasiums, etc. Moreover, there’s an extensive list of luxury apartment amenities to look for.
- In the case of an apartment building, check for the necessary security and safety features.
- Tenants must be fully aware of the property’s condition before signing the contract.
- Know the history of the property owner and how they dealt with the previous tenants. There are certain types of landlords that tenants should avoid.
- Look out for any past dues on utility bills or disconnection notices. Also, inspect the property for the common wear and tear problems.
- Upon identifying any red flags, don’t proceed with the rental agreement.
Be mindful of all the aforementioned factors to avoid any rental disputes down the road. Similarly, here are a few additional factors to consider when renting an apartment in the emirate.
Tips for Rental Home Hunting in Sharjah
With a plethora of options available, choosing the right property becomes overwhelming. To make an informed renting decision, one must opt for the right home-hunting strategies. For instance, instead of relying on word of mouth, renters must use all available resources.
The best way to start a property hunt is to browse the available listings on a trusted platform like dubizzle. Choose from a plethora of dubizzle Verified Properties at your convenience.
There are a large number of properties for rent in Sharjah. That said, due to the technicalities of the process for renting property, people often consult real estate agents instead. These industry professionals can help you expedite your property hunt according to your requirements and budgets. There are many noteworthy benefits to hiring a real estate agent.
Even when working with a real estate professional, ensure that they have the necessary skills and experience. From body language skills to past experiences, be aware of everything about the agent. The professionalism and experience of a property agent are also useful in avoiding common rental property scams.
Besides, deciding on a proper means of property hunting, one should also focus on neighbourhood checks. Take note of these practical tips on relocating to a new neighbourhood. Consider all the aspects carefully before making a move. Moreover, if you are moving from Dubai to Sharjah, you might experience a difference in lifestyle and other key things related to it.
However, it would be ideal for rental home seekers to identify which neighbourhoods in Sharjah are popular for renting.
Popular Areas to Rent Property in Sharjah
Following the upward trend in the demand for investment properties, Sharjah’s rental real estate is also making significant strides. According to dubizzle’s Sharjah property market report for H1 2023, different neighbourhoods across the emirate’s landscape have garnered the interest of renters. First, let’s explore the popular areas with apartments for rent in Sharjah and the average asking rent per annum.
| POPULAR AREAS | STUDIO | 1-BED | 2-BED |
| Al Nahda (Sharjah) | 18,000 | 24,000 | 31,000 |
| Muwaileh | 12,000 | 20,000 | 31,000 |
| Al Qasimia | 13,000 | 18,000 | 23,000 |
| Al Majaz | 16,000 | 25,000 | 34,000 |
| Al Taawun | 19,000 | 27,000 | 36,000 |
Similarly, the communities that have been top choices for rental villas in the emirate include:
| POPULAR AREAS | 3-BED | 4-BED | 5-BED |
| Al Tai | 88,000 | 119,000 | 124,000 |
| Al Jazzat | 52,000 | 109,000 | 106,000 |
| Muwaileh | 116,000 | 177,000 | 210,000 |
| Al Sabkha | 45,000 | 43,000 | 41,000 |
| Hoshi | 94,000 | 110,000 | 117,000 |
Documents Required
The prospective renters and property owners must have every piece of necessary tenancy documentation. The documents required for the issuance and tenancy contract attestation in Sharjah include:
- Original Emirates ID Card: Ensure you have your valid Emirates ID card.
- Copy of Passport: You’ll need a copy of your passport as well as the landlord’s passport.
- Visa Documentation: Provide a copy of your visa and the landlord’s visa.
- Original Tenancy Contract: Make sure you have the duly signed tenancy contract.
- Copy of Property Registration Paper: Keep a copy of the property registration paper.
- SEWA Bill: Include a copy of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) bill.
- SEWA Receipt (if applicable): If SEWA bills haven’t been issued yet, retain the SEWA receipt
- Copy of Marriage certificate: In case of sponsorship of woman by her husband or someone else)
- Copy of Power of Attorney (PoA): This is necessary if the representative of either party is signing the contract.
Note that the tenancy contract attestation fee in Sharjah is 4% of the annual rent or AED 500 minimum. Besides the aforementioned document requirements, tenants and landlords must adhere to the legalities of tenancy in Sharjah.
Understanding the Laws for Renting in Sharjah
To effectively manage the rental real estate sector, there are certain tenancy municipality rules in Sharjah. These should be observed by both renters and property owners. For instance, tenants need to declare the number of household members when renting a property. According to tenancy laws in the emirate, the type of property and its size determine the number of people allowed to live in it.
- Studio apartment for three individuals
- 1-bed apartment for four individuals
- 2-bed apartment for six individuals
- 3-bedroom apartment for nine individuals
According to the 2007 tenancy laws of Sharjah, property owners are allowed to increase the rent only after three years from the tenancy contract signing date. Note that when it comes to the amount of rental increase, there is no cap. That said, the rent increase should be according to the average asking rent for similar properties in the area.
Moreover, after the first rental increase, property owners are allowed to increase the asking rent every couple of years. It’s among the Sharjah tenancy rules that safeguard renters’s rights, protecting them from yearly rental hikes. Therefore, residents in the emirate should know about the law and essential requirements for renting a property in Sharjah
Renters in Sharjah are also obligated to pay a 2% rental tax. Similarly, a 5% Sharjah municipality tax. Both of these rental taxes in Sharjah are also calculated on the total monetary value of the annual rental contract.
Setting Up Utility Connections
The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) is the utility connection distribution and management company in the emirate. Whether you are choosing between an apartment, townhouse or villa for rent in Sharjah, you need to register for a new SEWA connection. Here’s the step-by-step process.
- Visit a SEWA Customer Happiness Centre or access SEWA’s e-services portal
- Apply for a new SEWA connection
Required documents for tenant’s (move-in) registration:
- Application for the connection
- Original tenancy contract (signed by both landlord and tenant)
- Copy of the new tenant’s Emirates ID
- Last clearance certificate of the premise (if more than 10 days have passed since issuance)
- Landlord’s ownership certificate
- Trade licence copy of the SEWA-approved electrical contractor
- Professional license of the Economic Development Department contractor
- Affection plan
- Proof of building permission
- Passport copy (for individuals) or license copy (for companies)
To manage a rental property effectively, a tenant must also be aware of the different SEWA bill payment methods. Along with bill payments, renters should be prepared to deal with any problems with utility connections in future.
SEWA App
For a swift solution, tenants must know how to use the SEWA app. The app offers the convenience of opening an account and bill payments, among other key problem-solving features. Learning to use such online features is among the key tips for renting property in Sharjah.
FAQs
How to rent an apartment in Sharjah?
To rent an apartment in Sharjah, estimate your budget, explore neighbourhoods, and consider amenities. Utilise online platforms like dubizzle or consult real estate agents. Ensure necessary documentation, such as Emirates ID, passport copies, visa details, and a tenancy contract, is in order.
What are the Sharjah property rental costs?
Rental costs in Sharjah vary by location and property type. According to the H1 2023 data, popular areas like Al Nahda and Muwaileh have diverse rental options. The average annual costs for studios range from AED 12,000 to AED 19,000. Similarly, for 1-bed it ranges from from AED 18,000 to AED 27,000 and 2-bed costs between AED 23,000 to AED 36,000.
What are the requirements for renting a flat in Sharjah?
Requirements for renting a flat in Sharjah include an Emirates ID and a valid tenancy contract, among other documents. A copy of the property registration paper and SEWA bill must also be presented. The requirements may also vary from case to case. Moreover, the tenancy contract attestation fee is 4% of the annual rent or AED 500 minimum.
What should you know about the Sharjah Tenancy Contract Laws & Rules?
Sharjah’s tenancy laws dictate that rents can only be increased after three years from the contract signing date. That said, there is no defined cap on the increment amount. Subsequent increases are allowed every two years.
Moreover, tenants must declare the number of household members. They must also pay rental taxes. A 2% rental tax and a 5% Sharjah municipality tax on the yearly rent amount are applicable.
How can I find short-term rentals in Sharjah?
You can explore the online listings on dubizzle and come across a range of options for monthly short-term rentals in Sharjah. Doing so will help you find options that suit your preferences and budget.
This brings us to the end of our step-by-step guide to renting a property in Sharjah. When it comes to legalities and the process of renting, similar is the case in other emirates. Take a look at our comprehensive guide to renting in Dubai for more information.
Besides renting, you can also explore different types of properties for sale in Sharjah. To close a profitable investment deal, consider hiring a real estate professional. Making use of their diverse experience and practical knowledge is how real estate agents determine a home’s value.
For similar updates like the tenant’s guide to renting in Sharjah, stay connected to dubizzle Property blog.
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