In a move that strengthens the real estate investment environment and contributes to achieving swift justice, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, issued Law No. (6) of 2024, which stipulates the establishment of the “Sharjah Center for Rental Dispute Resolution.”

The establishment of this center comes in response to the growing need for a specialized judicial mechanism that contributes to the fair and swift settlement of disputes arising from rental contracts.

The law specifies the obligations of both the lessor and the lessee, imposing on the lessor the obligation to verify the rental contract, or any renewal thereof, and pay the fees due to the municipality or authorized entities within 15 days from the date of the contract. In the event that the rental contract is not verified with the municipality or its authorized entities, the lessor shall be subject to an administrative fine as determined by the executive regulations of this law.

Center’s Objective and Competencies:

The new center aims to provide a stable and stimulating legal environment for real estate investment in the Emirate of Sharjah. The center will achieve this goal through:

• Specialized Judiciary: Providing a judiciary specialized in rental matters, ensuring a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and issuing more accurate judgments.
• Speed of Procedures: Simplifying judicial procedures and accelerating the pace of case adjudication, thereby reducing the burden on litigants.
• Justice and Fairness: Ensuring the fair and impartial application of the law to all parties, and protecting the rights of both tenants and landlords alike.
• Institutional Support: Providing the necessary logistical and administrative support for the center’s operations,including qualified personnel and modern technologies.

The center will be competent to consider all disputes arising from rental contracts, including disputes related to rent payments, eviction of properties, compensation, and other related matters.

Organizational Structure:

The center will include specialized departments to consider rental cases, in addition to an appeals department and an execution department. Qualified judges will be appointed to work in these departments, in coordination with the Ministry of Justice.

Supervision and Oversight:

The work of the center will be overseen by a Supreme Judicial Committee composed of experienced and qualified judges.This committee will be responsible for setting the center’s general policies and monitoring their implementation.

Institutional Cooperation:

The center will work closely with relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Land and Properties and the Sharjah Municipality, to ensure coordination and integration in efforts to regulate the real estate sector.

Positive Impacts:

The establishment of the Sharjah Center for Rental Dispute Resolution is expected to contribute to achieving many positive impacts, including:

• Strengthening Confidence in the Real Estate Sector: Attracting more local and foreign investments.
• Improving the Business Environment: By providing a quick and fair mechanism for resolving disputes.
• Supporting Economic Development: By activating the role of the real estate sector in the national economy.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Sharjah Center for Rental Dispute Resolution is an important step in the process of legal and judicial development in the emirate, and contributes to enhancing Sharjah’s position as an attractive destination for real estate investment.