Sharjah rent increase rules and tenancy law

Under Sharjah's tenancy law announced in September 2024, a landlord cannot raise rent in the first three years of a lease unless both sides agree. So you cannot raise rent after one year without the tenant's agreement. After that period, increases must follow fair rent value, set through the executive regulations, and not a fixed percentage.

How the rent increase rule works

• Years 1 to 3: no increase unless both parties agree in writing.
• If the tenant agrees to an increase inside that period, you cannot raise it again for two years.
• After the initial period: increases follow fair rent value for similar property in the area.
• Example: a lease starting 1 January 2025 allows no increase before 1 January 2028 unless the tenant agrees. After an increase on 1 January 2028, the next one is possible from 1 January 2030.
• To support a fair-rent increase, compare similar units in the same area and keep the evidence.

Eviction rules landlords should know

• A residential tenant cannot be asked to vacate in the first three years (five years for commercial property).
• Non-payment: eviction can be pursued when rent is unpaid 15 days after its due date.
• Breach of the lease: the tenant has 30 days to put it right after your notification.
• Owner use or redevelopment: at least three months' notice. For own use, you must have no other suitable home in the municipality, you or a first-degree relative must move in within two months, and stay for a year.
• Other grounds include unauthorised subletting and use for a purpose other than the one in the contract.

How DOSH helps

DOSH keeps the lease start date, the rent and every payment together so you can see how long a tenancy has run before you plan any change. Cheque and rent due dates are tracked, and the AI can draft a rent demand when a payment is late.

Frequently asked questions