Amended Sharjah Rental Regulations: Officials detail costs and penalties explained
Let's Set the Record Straight:
Dr. Mansour bin Nassar, legal wiz and head of the Legal Department in the Sharjah Government, recently shed some light on a common misconception. He confirmed that according to Article 10 of Sharjah's Rental Law, landlords, aka property owners, can't be held accountable for fines, fees, or expenses owed by tenants, unless these financial obligations are explicitly stated in the rental agreement.
Bin Nassar went on to explain that the law, established with a fair balance between landlords and tenants in mind, upholds general legal principles and Islamic teachings. These teachings echo the belief that "one should not bear the brunt of another's mistake."
He urged all relevant authorities, like the municipality, Sharjah's Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority, or any other concerned bodies, to abide by this law. To clarify any potential issues or uncertainties, they're directed to contact the Sharjah Government's Legal Department.
Bin Nassar made these thoughts public during a live radio show (The Direct Line), addressing a caller's concern. The caller, a tenant renting a salon, encountered a predicament and was puzzled by requests to pay fines that he believed were the tenant's responsibility.
In Sharjah, it's essential to remember that property owners are typically not accountable for tenant-related fines, fees, or expenses unless specified in the rental agreement[1][2][3]. So, make sure you and your landlord have a clear understanding of financial obligations before signing on the dotted line. And if disagreements arise, the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD) is there to help resolve disputes[4].
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- In light of recent clarifications by the Legal Department of the Sharjah Government, property owners are typically not responsible for tenant-related fines, fees, or expenses unless specified in the rental agreement, making it crucial for tenants and property owners to understand their financial obligations before signing any agreement.
- Given that business owners could potentially incur unexpected costs due to tenant-related financial obligations, it's advisable to stay informed with the latest news and updates on the Sharjah rental law through the Daily Briefing, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of one's business finances and legal responsibilities.
