Screen for the right tenants - Build an Amazing Relationship with Your Landlords!

1.  Landlord Responsibilities

2.  Rights of Tenants

3.  Helpful Tips

4.  Frequently Asked Questions

The law imposes a number of duties on the landlord and gives the tenant a number of corresponding rights such as possession, habitable condition, and non-interference with use. Make sure you get to know the specific laws that are applicable to your property in your market. UAE Landlords need to meet specific standards, according to the rules and regulations issued by the government agencies. The agencies include:

▪️  Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi

▪️  Dubai Land Department

▪️  The Sharjah Municipality

1.  Local municipality’s housing rules to achieve compliance

2.  Damage control - Repair the property if it’s damaged or needs renovation.

3.  Safe & secure - Ensure the safety of your property

4.  Repairs and maintenance - Ensure that all services are in working condition.

As a tenant you have a number of rights, but you also have responsibilities to uphold too. These include:

1.  Taking good care of the property 

2.  Keeping the property safe by locking doors/windows

3.  Paying the agreed rent, even if repairs are needed or you are in dispute with the landlord.

4.  Paying charges as agreed with the landlord in your tenancy agreement

5.  Repairing or paying for any damage that you have caused 

6.  Allowing the landlord access if repairs need to be done

7.  Informing your landlord in writing if you have other people living with you in the property

8.  Making sure the property will be secure and not damaged if you are going to be away 

If you don’t fulfil these responsibilities, your landlord has the right to take legal action or even evict you. 

(Note: Clarity by both tenant and landlord is key to lasting landlord-tenant agreement)

To know 

Most residents give little thought to how they communicate with their property manager or landlord. Almost every one of these landlord-tenant relationships last a minimum of one year and some last many years, even decades.

The relationship that you enjoy with your landlord can directly impact your lifestyle, comfort, image and financial standing. 

Establishing a positive and healthy relationship with your landlord can go a long way in helping you live in the best conditions possible, getting you the fastest responses to maintenance requests, and keeping your rental rates reasonable.

▪️   Effective communication: One of the main aspects of building a healthy landlord-tenant relationship is to share all the details about the property beforehand. This will allow the tenant to make an informed decision.

▪️   Tenancy agreement has benefits for both tenants and landlords: It’s wise to offer them perks so that they are more likely to renew their contract, if you own a property and have been lucky enough find good tenants.

▪️   Before you move in, request a detailed tour of the property with the owner: Point out fixtures and fittings that are not in prime working condition to the landlord. You may also ask the owner about all the important details of the property.

▪️   Tenants should follow the rules mentioned in the tenancy contract: Always get the terms and conditions of the contract written down to avoid unnecessary issues in the future. Written records provide clarity and fewer chances of misunderstanding.

▪️   Notifying the tenant in advance is a must if you need to access the property: Schedule maintenance work only at times agreed with the tenant.

▪️   Immediate Response: Issues that need immediate attention, like structural repairs or leakages. This may lead a trustworthy relationship between the landlord and the tenant.

▪️   Minor issues should also be solved: Smaller issues at the time of any major maintenance work would also save the owner both cost and effort.

Yes, you can register through Ejari online. Ejari is a RERA initiative and a government-run program responsible for managing and regulating all tenancy contracts within Dubai. Ejari contracts are official records and act as evidence of the validity of your tenancy contract. For more information you may check the complete guide to Ejari and its online registration process. 

Here are all the essential Ejari documents needed to register Ejari online:

Tenant's passport, Tenant's UAE Visa, Tenant's Emirates ID, Tenancy Contract, Title deeds of the rented property, Recent DEWA bill or connection receipt, Landlord's passport. The Trade License is also required for commercial entities. 

Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi is the regulatory authority for all tenancy contracts for rental properties in the capital city.

This brings us to the end of our guide on maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Tenancy laws around the UAE slightly differ from one emirate to another. There are few things to keep in mind before giving a house on rent in Sharjah and the things to know before the renewal of your tenancy contract.