Authorities in Sharjah have issued an important clarification regarding the emirate’s new rental law, affirming that landlords cannot be held liable for penalties or expenses incurred due to a tenant's actions, unless otherwise agreed in a signed contract.
Dr. Mansour bin Nassar, Legal Advisor and Head of the Legal Department at the Government of Sharjah, confirmed the ruling during a live call on the radio program The Direct Line. Citing Article 10 of the Sharjah Rental Law, he emphasized that the legal responsibility for fines and fees rests with the party who caused the violation.
“Unless a rental contract explicitly states that the landlord has agreed to cover specific tenant-related fines, the property owner cannot be held accountable for them,” Dr. bin Nassar explained. “This reflects a fundamental legal and moral principle: no one should bear the consequences of another’s error.”
The statement was issued in response to a caller who had leased out a commercial property for use as a salon and was later issued several penalties linked to violations by the tenant. The landlord expressed surprise that such fines were being directed to him.
Dr. bin Nassar reiterated that Sharjah’s rental regulations are designed to fairly balance the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants. He added that the legal framework is rooted in both civil principles and Islamic jurisprudence, which emphasize individual responsibility.
He also called on all relevant authorities, including the municipality, and the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, to strictly adhere to the new law. Agencies facing uncertainty over the application of the law have been encouraged to consult directly with the Government of Sharjah’s Legal Department for further guidance.
The new legal clarification is expected to bring greater transparency and reduce disputes in Sharjah’s rental sector, especially in commercial leasing, where shared responsibilities can often lead to confusion without clear contract terms.
