In response to the Sharjah Executive Council's resolution on unattested leases that expired prior to the adoption of Law No. 5 of 2024 on real estate leasing, Sharjah Municipality has introduced additional facilities and flexible choices for the settlement of the due lease contracts of the citizens.

The program provides significant financial assistance to landlords and tenants to ensure compliance and mutual protection.

All tenants and landlords that swear their lease contracts in compliance with the laws in effect on the day of signing will receive 50% off the attestation fees, according to Abdullah Al Shuhail, Director of the Rental Regulation Department at Sharjah City Municipality. Leases that ended before September 19, 2024, are eligible for the offer.

Crucially, the plan exempts attestation from the penalties associated with non-attestation. In order to streamline processes and guarantee broad compliance, the exemptions, which go into effect on November 1st, will last until December 31st.

The process is now accessible via a number of outlets thanks to the Municipality. The leasing contract attestation service can be completed digitally using the Aqari platform, which is accessible via the Sharjah Digital app and website, and is available at twelve service centers throughout Sharjah.

"Residents can attest their contracts either at the service centres or online through the Aqari platform, in a smooth and fast manner," Al Shuhail stated. "To handle the expected rise in the demand for attestation, particularly for past-due leases, the Municipality has allocated enough personnel and resources.

Al Shuhail emphasized that the lease agreements certified by the Municipality are written evidence of a legally recognized right, which regulates relations between the landlord and the tenant and secures their rights. Since there are fewer probable disputes, certification gives full legal certainty.

In an attempt to increase awareness on the importance of the certification of contracts, Sharjah Municipality calls on citizens to update their agreements as soon as possible and in a period not exceeding two months.

The Municipality called on the people to seize this narrow window of opportunity in order to start their rights and settle the leases that had expired, as well as those of the other parties. There is a two-month opportunity to take advantage of financial incentives and penalty exemptions since the deadline is December 31.

It has strengthened the rental laws in Sharjah and proved that the city cares about its citizens.