Tricks landlords use to force tenants out – or raise rents

Some tenants allege that property owners are forcing them to vacate homes in order to increase rents.

The affected tenants allege that landlords use several tricks to force them to leave, reported Emarat Al Youm.

Among the practices adopted by landlords are asking tenants for full-payment of the rent and services in one go, and if they cannot oblige, they are asked to leave.

Tenants fear such practices would affect the transparency of the market.

Meanwhile, realtors confirmed that an agreement between the tenants must specify all conditions without prejudice and both parties must abide by the terms.

Yousef Asa’ad, a tenant, said landlords are forcing them out to take advantage of re-rental prices. The most common practice seen is increasing the price of parking in buildings and demanding a one-cheque payment of rents, he added.

Similarly, landlords are seen delaying renewal of contracts and not offering maintenance of buildings, Asa’ad said and added that this will adversely affect the market. He called upon lessors to abide by the law without prejudice.

Yet another tenant, Rana Abdul Aziz, in Sharjah, confirmed that lessors in the emirate are resorting to unfair practices to raise rents.

She said, “The rent of her apartment currently is Dh40,000. But the landlord has informed me that upon renewal it would be Dh50,000 and he has also demanded I pay the amount in full.”

Abdul Aziz said that her landlord also shut down the gym and swimming pool in the building and is now asking for a monthly fee for those who want to avail of the facilities. Until now, they were free to tenants, she added.

Zyad Abbas, Director-General, Al Wadi Al Akhdar Real Estate, said in some cases the practices adopted by landlords are consistent with the law, but in most cases they are not.

He suggested that the contract should provide full details including the number of services available and even parking fee.

For instance, the law does not stipulate about full payment. That should be agreed with the respective tenants. Similarly, terms of use of building facilities, parking as well as rent increase is to be agreed with the respective tenants.

Delaying renewal of contracts is an illegal practice, Abbas said, and added that tenants have the right to complain against such a practice.

He also advised tenants to read the contract properly and to not sign it without understanding and clarifying doubts, if any, before signing.

Ismail Al-Hawsani, Director-General of Halkat Al Amal Real Estate, said special conditions in the lease agreement between the two parties that is approved by the municipality is legitimate.

He said landlords should provide parking for each building and they cannot prevent tenants from using parking spaces. Similarly, landlords can increase rents only as per the law, he added.

Al Hawsani said the market is subject to supply and demand, which controls all the factors.

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