If you've lived in an apartment in Sharjah for five years and your landlord has been increasing the rent annually, it's crucial to understand the legal framework governing rent increases. According to the law, landlords in Sharjah can only increase rent after the completion of the first three years of a tenancy contract, unless both parties mutually agree to a different arrangement.
Article 16 of Law No. 5 of 2024 concerning Real Estate Leasing in the Emirate of Sharjah outlines the rules for rent increases. Specifically, it states that landlords cannot increase the rent before the expiry of three years from the start of the rental relationship, unless the tenant agrees. If the tenant agrees to a rent increase within these three years, the landlord cannot raise the rent again for an additional two years.
Based on this provision, your landlord may not legally increase the rent until three years have passed from the start of your tenancy contract, unless there is a mutual agreement. Given that you've experienced annual rent increases over the past five years, you should address this issue directly with your landlord. If necessary, you can escalate the matter to the Sharjah Municipality, which handles disputes between landlords and tenants.
It's also important to note that the Ruler of Sharjah has recently issued Law No. 6 of 2024, establishing the Rental Disputes Centre in the Emirate of Sharjah. This centre will handle all future disputes between landlords and tenants in the emirate.
For more detailed legal advice, you can consult Ashish Mehta, the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. He is qualified to practice law in Dubai, the United Kingdom, and India. For further information, visit www.amalawyers.com. Readers can also send their questions to news@khaleejtimes.com or Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai.
