- The Core Purpose
- Steps to File a Case
- Common Reasons for Rental Disputes
- Contact Details
- Rental Regulation Department in Sharjah
- FAQs
Sharjah is well-known for its diverse accommodation options, including rentals. The city offers several properties to rent under different budgets and preferences. That said, when renting a property, one might come across various tenant-landlord situations and disputes. That is where the Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee (RDC) steps in to resolve such matters under the legal framework.
The committee operates within the framework of Sharjah’s real estate regulations. It aims to maintain a balanced and transparent rental market that benefits landlords and tenants. Let’s go through the details of the Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee.
Rent Dispute Settlement Committee in Sharjah – An Overview
Similar to RDC Dubai, the rent dispute settlement committee in Sharjah oversees the tenancy matters in the emirate. Established to uphold fairness in rental agreements, the RDC provides a platform for landlords and tenants to resolve conflicts and ensure law compliance.
The committee operates under the management of Sharjah Municipality and oversees various aspects of rental agreements. These include lease terms, rent increases, maintenance responsibilities and eviction procedures.
The basic Sharjah RDC procedure is quite straightforward. When conflicts emerge, such as rent payments or property maintenance, they adversely affect a landlord-tenant relationship. In such cases, individuals can bring their concerns to the centre for examination.
Upon receiving these requests, the centre carefully reviews the issues and directs them to the appropriate committee for resolution. This committee, composed of knowledgeable professionals, evaluates the circumstances impartially and makes decisions under established legal protocols.
When disagreements reach the legal stage, the centre ensures all parties comply with the court’s judgments and legal directives outlined in the rental agreements.
Now that we have gone through the role of Sharjah RDC, here’s how you can file a rental dispute through them.
How to file a case with Sharjah RDC
When renting a property in Sharjah, tenants must follow the rental laws of the emirate.
Filing a case with the Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee involves these steps:
- Gather all necessary documents related to the rental dispute, such as the rental agreement, communication with the landlord or tenant, receipts of payments and any other relevant evidence.
- Visit the Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee office in person.
- Once at the RDC office, fill out a complaint form. Provide all the required information accurately and attach copies of the supporting documents.
- Make sure to inquire about the fee structure and pay the required charges.
- After submitting the complaint and necessary documents, you’ll receive an acknowledgement or reference number. It confirms that RDC has registered your case.
- Depending on the nature of the dispute, you may be required to attend mediation sessions or hearings conducted by the RDC. These sessions facilitate a resolution between the parties involved.
- Following mediation or hearings, the RDC will issue a legally binding decision on the dispute, notifying both parties.
Common Reasons for Rental Disputes in Sharjah
Rental disputes in Sharjah can arise due to various factors, impacting a healthy landlord-tenant relationship. However, both parties must abide by the rights and responsibilities under Sharjah RDC.
Here are some of the most common reasons why rental disputes arise whether you opt for a rental villa in Sharjah or an apartment.
Rent Payments
Disputes often arise over rent payments, including issues such as late payments, rent increases or disagreements regarding the amount of rent owed. As per Sharjah tenancy laws, the landlords can take action against tenants who consistently fail to pay rent on time or in full. Similarly, as per Article 13 of Sharjah Tenancy Law, landlords can not increase rent up to three years from the initial contract date.
Property Maintenance
Problems related to property maintenance and repairs lead to rental disputes. Tenants may complain about the landlord’s failure to address maintenance issues promptly, such as plumbing or electrical problems or pest infestations. Landlords may also complain about tenants neglecting maintenance responsibilities outlined in the lease agreement.
Security Deposits
At the end of the tenancy, disputes commonly arise over the return of security deposits. Tenants may dispute deductions for damages they deem unjustified. Meanwhile, while landlords may withhold all or part of the deposit to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent.
Lease Terms
Disagreements about the lease terms can also cause problems between landlords and tenants. It can be about renewing a tenancy contract in Sharjah or implying changes to it. Tenants may disagree with terms that they consider unfair. On the other hand, landlords may want tenants to follow the rules mentioned in the lease.
Eviction Procedures
Disputes often arise over eviction procedures, including the validity of eviction notices and reasons for eviction. In Sharjah, a landlord can evict a tenant if they haven’t paid rent for more than 15 days after the due date. However, it is a tenant’s right under Sharjah RDC to be provided with an adequate notice period for the move-out.
Sharjah RDC contact information
The Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee (RDC) operates from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. For any inquiries or assistance regarding rental disputes, individuals can reach out to the committee via email at info@shjmun.gov.ae.
Apart from the Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee, the Sharjah Municipality has a department that oversees the city’s rental market. Let’s have a quick look at the services this department offers for those who want a property in Sharjah.
The Role of the Rental Regulation Department in Sharjah
The Rental Regulation Department in Sharjah oversees other rental processes in the emirate. It ensures that rental agreements are fair and comply with local regulations. The department handles disputes between landlords and tenants and ensures that court rulings related to rental cases are implemented. Additionally, it approves landlords’ credentials and building names in Sharjah.
To contact the rental regulation department, you can call them at 06-593-1535 or send an email to info@shjmun.gov.ae.
FAQs
How can I solve my rental dispute in Sharjah?
The Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee (RDC) oversees the rental dispute processes and cases in the emirate. You can file a complaint with RDC which will look into the case and provide legal guidance.
Where can I complain against my landlord in Sharjah?
Tenants can turn to the Sharjah RDC in case of any disagreement with the landlord.
How much is the tenancy contract fee in Sharjah?
The fee for a tenancy contract attestation in Sharjah is 4% of the annual rent plus an attestation form of AED 100.
That is all on the Sharjah Rental Dispute Committee (RDC). This department regulates the rental processes and landlord-tenant matters, ensuring legal compliance within the city’s rental market. You can go through our guide on renting a property in Sharjah. Besides, if you plan to move from Dubai to Sharjah and want to rent a property here, make sure to thoroughly understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
For more details on rental laws in Sharjah and other cities, keep reading dubizzle’s real estate blog.
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