Sharjah’s 2025 Rental Law: New Rules for Tenants and Landlords

Sharjah, UAE, June 11, 2025 – Sharjah’s Municipal Council has rolled out fresh clarifications to its 2025 Rental Law, reshaping how tenants and landlords navigate the emirate’s booming property market. From lower fees to tougher eviction rules, these changes aim to bring fairness and clarity. Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.

Key Changes to Know

The updates are practical:

• Ejari registration fees dropped from AED 195 to AED 145, but late filings after 15 days face a 10% fine.
• Rent hikes are capped at 15% every three years, unlike Dubai’s flexible index, though renovated properties can bypass this with permits.
• Evictions now require a three-year notice for reasons like owner move-in or major repairs, approved by the municipality.
• Landlords cover big repairs like AC servicing; tenants handle minor fixes, capped at AED 400 yearly.
• Unlicensed subletting carries a AED 4,000 fine, and false damage claims cost AED 2,500.

These rules reshape renting in Sharjah.

Why the Changes Matter

The stakes are high:

• Sharjah’s rents rose 15% in 2024, pushing tenants to seek affordable options.
• Over 1,800 rental disputes clogged courts in 2023, prompting streamlined rules.
• Clear laws boost investor trust, supporting Sharjah’s affordable housing growth.

The updates aim to ease tensions and protect both sides.

How Tenants Can Stay Safe

Renters need to act smart:

• Ensure Ejari registration is complete within 15 days to avoid penalties.
• Take photos of the property’s condition before moving in to prevent disputes.
• Keep receipts for any maintenance work to claim reimbursements.

These steps help tenants avoid legal headaches.

Protections for Landlords

Owners gain tools:

• After 90 days of unpaid rent, landlords can cut utilities with municipal approval.
• Illegal property changes, like unapproved renovations, can be fixed at the tenant’s expense.
• Landlords can evict tenants for non-payment after 15 days, per registered contracts.

These measures safeguard landlord rights.

Where to Get Help

Disputes have clear paths:

• The Sharjah Municipality App offers 24/7 support for filing complaints.
• The Rental Dispute Center in Al Khan resolves issues, requiring IDs, contracts, and proof like title deeds.
• One tenant said on X, “The app made reporting my landlord’s delay so easy.”

Quick access keeps conflicts manageable.

What’s Driving the Law

Sharjah’s market is shifting:

• The emirate’s affordability draws families and workers from Dubai, fueling rental demand.
• New rules protect tenants from sudden evictions, requiring three years for residential leases.
• Landlords must register contracts within 15 days, ensuring transparency.

The law balances growth with stability.

What’s Next for Sharjah

The future is in focus:

• The municipality plans inspections to enforce compliance, targeting illegal sublets.
• More dispute centers may open to handle rising rental cases.
• Both sides watch how the 15% rent cap holds as demand grows.

Sharjah’s rental market is set for fairer days.