What you need to know as a tenant in Sharjah
Most expats in Sharjah live in rental homes. The emirate has comprehensive laws to regulate the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. However, many renters are not aware of important Sharjah tenancy laws. Every tenant must know about essential tenancy rules, laws and rights in Sharjah. And we’ve got the details regarding Sharjah Municipality tenancy contract rules for you, right here.
IMPORTANT SHARJAH TENANCY LAWS AND RIGHTS TO KNOW
The family-friendly emirate of Sharjah is a popular choice for prospective tenants in the UAE due to its affordability and wide selection of properties. Many tenants rent in Sharjah and work in Dubai, taking advantage of lower rentals and the city’s amenities.
Here are some rental laws in Sharjah to remember before you sign a tenancy contract in the emirate.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE OCCUPYING A UNIT
An important part of tenancy laws in the emirate is the number of people allowed per residential unit. The number is based on the size of the property.
Sharjah Tenancy Rules for Accommodation Sharing
For bachelors, the maximum number of tenants allowed in shared accommodation is the same as in the case of families:
- Three people in studio apartments
- Four people in 1-bedroom apartments
- Six people in 2-bedroom apartments
- Nine people in 3-bedroom apartments
Tenants must declare the number of people living in the unit when leasing a property.
RULES FOR BACHELOR ACCOMMODATION IN SHARJAH
Residential restrictions for low-income bachelors and labourers:
- Low-income bachelors or labourers cannot reside in residential neighbourhoods or family areas.
- They are permitted to live only in industrial areas or Al Saja.
Sharjah room sharing and subletting rules in Sharjah:
- Bachelors in designated areas can share rooms.
- Subletting is strictly prohibited.
Executive bachelors:
- Professionals such as doctors and engineers (executive bachelors) may live in residential or commercial buildings with the landlord’s consent.
Family-only residential areas:
- Only families can live in residential and commercial buildings in areas like Al Majaz and Al Nahda.
- When leasing or renewing a contract, families must provide supporting documents for all residents, including copies of passports and marriage certificates.
Sharjah announces new real estate laws
New real estate laws governing real estate in Sharjah have recently been announced. The latest addition, Law No. (5) on Property Leasing in Sharjah was issued by the Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, in 2024.
The new law pertains to contracts, evictions and rent increases for tenants and landlords.
Obligations of Landlords
- Landlords have 15 days to certify or renew lease contracts and pay the due fees to the Sharjah Municipality or related authority.
- They must ensure that a rented property is in good condition before tenants can use it.
- All necessary maintenance requirements must be completed in a leased property before a move-in.
- Please expect that the tenant may conduct maintenance at their own expense with the right to demand compensation for the costs incurred in the form of deductions from the rent.
- Not make changes to the property that would reduce its enjoyment without the tenant’s written permission.
- Not pressure tenants to vacate leased properties via themselves or through third parties or disconnect services.
Obligations of Tenants
- Keep true to the agreement in the leased property about its use
- Acquire the necessary licences and written permission from the landlord before modifying the property.
- Make due payments for using services or damaging the property, from moving into the leased property to handing it back.
- Unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties, leave any constructions, plantings or the sort after the end of the lease term — the removal of which may cause damage to the leased property.
Rent Increase
- Unless mutually agreed, landlords cannot hike up the agreed rental amount before three years. This applies from the start of the rental period to the end.
- If the tenant agrees to the increase, the landlord cannot increase it again for the following two years.
Reasons for Eviction
Evictions in rental properties in Sharjah may now be carried out before three years of the start of the rental period if:
- Rent is not paid within 15 days of its due
- The tenant uses the property for purposes other than those mentioned in the lease contract
- The landlord wishes to occupy the property for first-degree relatives or himself
- The landlord wants to carry out maintenance, demolish or initiate anything in the property that will require the tenant to vacate it.
- If the tenant re-rents or assigns all or part of the leased real estate while breaching present law.
SHARJAH MUNICIPALITY TENANCY CONTRACT RULES ON TENANTS DEFAULTING ON RENT PAYMENT
The Sharjah tenancy contract laws also cover situations where the tenants default on rental payments. If this occurs, the landlord can evict the tenant — specifically if the rent has not been paid within fifteen days after it is due.
These are some of the Sharjah tenancy laws that renters should know. To prevent disputes, potential tenants are advised to thoroughly review tenancy contracts before signing.
OTHER TENANTS RIGHTS IN SHARJAH
As per Sharjah house rent rules, these are the rights of tenants in the emirate:
- If the owner decides to sell the property or, in the event of the owner’s death, the lease agreement remains unaffected under new ownership.
- Landlords or real estate agents cannot charge tenants a renewal fee when renewing the rental contract, as Sharjah tenancy laws prohibit.
FAQs
HOW CAN TENANTS IN SHARJAH RENEW THEIR TENANCY CONTRACTS?
Sharjah tenancy contract renewal is for families only. Visit the official website of the Sharjah Municipality to initiate the process. Documents required include:
- Emirates ID
- SEWA bill
- Signed original tenancy contract
- Other documents as required
WHERE ARE TENANCY CONTRACTS IN SHARJAH REGISTERED?
Tenancy contracts in the emirate are attested and registered with the Sharjah Municipality.
If you have any more questions regarding Sharjah rental law and tenants’ rights, you can contact the Rent Regulation Department at +971-6-593-1535.
APART FROM SHARJAH TENANCY CONTRACT RULES, WHAT ARE THE TENANCY LAWS IN DUBAI AND ABU DHABI?
If you live in a neighbouring city, read more about tenant rights in Dubai or familiarise yourself with Abu Dhabi tenancy laws.
That ends MyBayut’s guide to Sharjah Municipality tenancy contract rules. When signing your lease agreement, use our guide to stay informed about the Sharjah Municipality rules for tenancy.
Are you looking for a new home in Sharjah? Browse through Bayut’s listings to find the perfect apartments for rent in Sharjah. You can hire a moving company in Sharjah if you are changing houses.
Stay tuned to our Rules and Regulations section for more updates on property laws in the UAE.
