We offer you monthly advice on handling various problems with your landlord, neighbors, and the Ajman Land Department as part of our series on tenancy rights and rental restrictions in Ajman. This week, we address whether a landlord has the authority to modify the terms of your tenancy agreement at the time of renewal.

What Is The Legal Ruling?

The legislation stipulates a 60-day notice period that the tenant must give to the landlord and vice versa if any party wishes to modify the tenancy agreement, cancel the agreement, or adjust the rent amount (unless otherwise specified in the contract).

• According to Article (13) of Law (33), both the landlord and the tenant have the right to change any of the provisions of the lease agreement or review the rent and decide whether to raise or lower it. If the parties cannot agree, the Rent Committee may determine what constitutes fair rent by considering the criteria listed in Article No. (9) of this Law.
• Unless both parties have agreed differently, Article (14) of Law (33) specifies that if either party to a tenancy contract intends to alter any of its terms according to Article (13) of this Law, he must notify the other party not less than 60 days before to the expiration date of the agreement.

What Are Your Options

You are only required to consider the adjustments if your landlord has given you written notice of the changes he wants to make at least 60 days before the lease expiration date.

• You could Revise the adjustments and accept them if they are acceptable to you if he sent you a written notice 60 days before the expiration date.
• Negotiate the terms of the contract to reach a mutual agreement with the landlord.
• Refuse to accept the changes because he has not given you a sufficient notice period.

You can complain to the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre at Ajman Municipality if the landlord refuses to renew the lease until you sign the modified terms. Keeping this in mind, the law is on your side in this case. However, since the dispute may take some time, it is best to resolve the conflict by speaking directly with the landlord.

For Further Details, Please Visit www.am.gov.ae