Sharjah is the third most populated Emirate of the UAE. It has been observed that many people live in Sharjah, given affordable property rental rates here. Also, commuting to and from Dubai is hassle-free, therefore, many working adults work in Dubai and live in Sharjah. The tenancy laws and tenant rights slightly differ from other Emirates and hence, it is important to be aware of the Sharjah Municipality rules for tenancy, before one plans to rent a property here.
Here we have compiled some of the important tenancy contract Sharjah rules for all those planning to move in the city on a rental residential property.
SHARJAH MUNICIPALITY RULES FOR TENANCY
Detailed here are some of the important Sharjah Municipality rules for tenancy:
LAWS RELATED TO RENT INCREASE BY LANDLORD
As per the Sharjah Tenancy Contract Law No.2 of 2007 provisions on the landlord and tenant relationship regulation, a landlord is allowed to increase the rent based on the following conditions:
- Landlords can increase the rent after the first three years on completion of the tenancy contract. After five years of tenancy contract completion, they can raise the rent for the second time.
Besides, as per the Article 13 of Sharjah Tenancy Law, landlords cannot increase the rent in the following conditions:
- Landlords cannot increase the rent before three years of completion of the tenancy contract, given the signed date on the contract. Irrespective of any reason.
- The increase in rent should be of equal value after the tenancy contract expiry, as referred to the period mentioned above.
- Landlords should not increase the rent for the second time till the tenancy contract completes further two years from the date the rent was first increased.
Besides, if the tenant thinks that the increase in rental rate is quite high, they may ask the landlord to revise the proposed rate. If the landlord does not consider the request, then as per the Article 14 of Sharjah Rental Law, tenants can file a complaint with the Sharjah Rent Committee. The committee will check the current rental value of the property, if the tenant and landlord fail to do so. The verdict will be given based on the current value of the rental apartment in Sharjah or villa, for which the dispute has been filed.
SHARJAH MUNICIPALITY RULES FOR TENANCY ON TAX
The tenants in Sharjah have to pay 2% rental tax, whereas 5% Sharjah Municipality tax for tenants is applicable based on the current value of your rental contract on all types of property.
BACHELOR ACCOMMODATION RULES IN SHARJAH
According to Sharjah Tenancy Contract Law No. 2 of 2007, labourers and low-income bachelors are not allowed to rent apartments in family-friends areas in the Emirate, such as Al Nahda and Al Majaz. They can only live in areas allocated in the city and can opt for shared accommodation in those areas only.
Besides, according to Sharjah municipality rules for tenancy, bachelors with professional or higher qualifications, having executive level jobs can opt for accommodation in family friendly areas in the Emirate (only if the landlord allows).
Therefore, as per the Sharjah Municipality rules, those who take accommodation in areas marked for families only have to provide their family members’ details moving in, a copy of their monthly income pay slip as well as a marriage certificate (if applicable).
ACCOMMODATION SHARING RULES IN SHARJAH
Other than the areas marked for low-income bachelors and labourers, sharing accommodation may be allowed at some specific locations in the Emirate, depending on the landlord. However, the Sharjah tenancy law restricts the number of people renting an accommodation based on the property size.
The total number of people allowed in a residential unit, either families or on sharing basis, should abide by these limitations:
- Number of people renting a studio apartment should not be more than three
- Number of people renting a 1-bed apartment should not be more than four
- Number of people renting a 2-bed apartment should not be more than six
- Number of people renting a 3-bed apartment should not be more than nine
Therefore, as per the tenancy contract Sharjah rules, potential tenants should first provide the number of people occupying the rental unit. These rules apply to bachelors sharing accommodation as well as families.
Besides, it is legal for unmarried people of opposite genders to share accommodation in the UAE, as per the Federal Decree Law no. 31 of 2021 concerning the UAE Penal Code allows couples to cohabit together. The same tenancy rules apply for bachelor and shared accommodation. Despite it is legal, allowing same gender to share accommodation on rent depends on the consent of the landlord as well as area if its specifically marked for families
Also, it is worthwhile to note that subletting an accommodation is not allowed by tenants and that too without landlord’s permission. It is mandatory to inform the landlord if you are sharing accommodation. In case you don’t inform your landlord, the landlord reserves the right to evict the tenant and subtenant both, prior to the tenancy contract’s completion. ,
SHARJAH MUNICIPALITY TENANCY RULES AND LAWS ON NOT PAYING RENT ON TIME
As per the tenancy contract Sharjah rules, landlords are allowed to evict tenants, if they fail to pay the rent between 10 to 15 days past the due date. However, the grace period allotted depends on the landlord’s willingness to accommodate the tenant.
Therefore, it is recommended for tenants signing the tenancy agreement, to read all the clauses and rules written in the contract before signing. This practice helps in avoiding all types of rental disputes as well as keeping a track of the grace period allotted for the rent payment by the landlord.
TENANTS RIGHTS AS PER THE SHARJAH TENANCY LAWS
Detailed here are some of the important rental laws pertaining to tenant rights in Sharjah:
- According to the Sharjah Municipality tenancy contract renewal rules, tenants should not be charged for rental agreement renewal by the landlord or the real estate agent.
- Some of the accepted reasons for tenant termination of tenancy contract in Sharjah include:
- If landlord does not have any other residence and they need to shift in the property they have rented
- The property needs to undergo complete maintenance or have to be demolished
The landlord is allowed to terminate the tenancy contract early and give three months prior notice to the tenant and must get a permit for the said reasons from the Sharjah City Municipality.
- Tenants are not responsible for all the property maintenance while living in the rented property. They can fix minor things in the property until and unless it is agreed by both parties in the tenancy agreement.
- The rental contract should not be changed, if the landlord sells the property or passes away.
- Tenants can claim the maintenance or unavailability of any amenity, listed in the rental contract and agreed by both the parties. The landlord is then required to fulfil the requirement as per the claim.
These are some of the Sharjah Municipality rules for tenancy that both landlords and tenants should abide by. Besides, if you have any queries related to the laws or want to know where and how to register and attest tenancy contracts in the Emirate, you can contact the authority through the Sharjah City Municipality official website or via the following mediums:
WhatsApp: +971-50-161-7777
Call: 06 – 5622222
Email: info@shjmun.gov.ae
FAQs
What documents are required to rent a property in Sharjah?
You’ll need a copy of your passport and visa, Emirates ID, signed tenancy contract, title deed, SEWA (electricity/water) bill and landlord’s documents like passport/ID for renting a property in Sharjah.
Are there restrictions on sharing accommodation in Sharjah?
Yes, Sharjah restricts shared accommodation, especially for bachelors, and prohibits unrelated men and women from living together in family residential areas.
Can I terminate my tenancy contract early?
Yes, in Sharjah you’re allowed to terminate your tenancy early only under exceptional (force majeure) circumstances and if approved you must pay at least 30% of the remaining rent as compensation.
It is worthwhile to note that when moving to a rental villa in Sharjah or an apartment, you must apply for a SEWA connection at the earliest. Besides, if you are moving to another place and you need help, you can contact one of the home moving companies in Sharjah to ensure a hassle-free move. Moreover, go through the process to rent property in Sharjah to learn all the steps.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for more information on rental laws in other Emirates, home-moving checklist and a lot more.
