As a tenant, a tenancy contract is a crucial aspect of your stay in Sharjah. The contract ensures that you have a legally binding agreement with the landlord, outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy. However, there may be circumstances where you need to terminate your contract prematurely, and it is essential to understand the process and requirements to avoid any legal complications.
The Sharjah Municipality has established regulations to govern the tenancy contract termination process. Under these regulations, tenants can terminate their contracts only in specific situations, including:
1. End of contract:
If the tenancy contract period has expired, the tenant has the right to terminate the contract by providing written notice to the landlord.
2. Death of the tenant:
If the tenant passes away, the tenancy contract will terminate automatically without any notice.
3. Repairs and Maintenance:
If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs and maintenance within a reasonable timeframe as agreed upon in the contract, the tenant can terminate the contract.
4. Breach of Agreement:
If the landlord breaches the terms of the contract, the tenant can terminate the agreement without notice.
Once the tenant has decided to terminate the contract, they must provide written notice to the landlord. The notice period should be in accordance with the contract terms or the UAE Civil Code, which is 90 days for non-fixed term contracts and 30 days for fixed-term contracts.
Additionally, the tenant must ensure that the property is returned in the same condition as handed over to them, subject to normal wear and tear. Any damages caused by the tenant must be repaired or compensated for as per the contract terms.
It is crucial to note that the landlord may have the right to retain a portion of the security deposit or seek compensation for any damages or losses incurred due to the early contract termination. Therefore, it is advisable to review the contract terms and seek legal advice before proceeding with termination.
In conclusion, terminating a tenancy contract in Sharjah requires adherence to the municipal regulations and the contract terms. The process must be dealt with carefully to avoid legal complications, and it is advisable to seek legal advice for any uncertainties.