Rent panel will be available 24X7 in UAQ

The UAQ Municipality has decided to adopt the new measure in the wake of a rising number of tenancy disputes and in order to handle the cases in a swift manner.

By Ahmed Shaaban – Senior Reporter

Published: Sat 13 Jun 2015, 12:52 AM

Last updated: Wed 8 Jul 2015, 3:09 PM

Umm Al Quwain — A committee will be available round-the-clock to handle tenancy complaints from Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) residents, a senior official has said.

The UAQ Municipality has decided to adopt the new measure in the wake of a rising number of tenancy disputes and in order to handle the cases in a swift manner.

Khalfan Ali bin Sarm, secretary-general of the Tenancy Dispute Committee, said that tenants can approach the committee 24X7 and urged landlords and property owners to avoid violating the rent law and municipal regulations.

“The committee, presided over by Judge Abdulsamad Al Amudi, as well as Obaid Yusuf, Saif Hassan, and lawyer Nasser Ahmed as members, follow a specified mechanism to settle disputes in a short time.”

Elaborating, he said residential cases have topped the disputes registered and the municipality has handled 65 rent litigations in the first five months of the year.

“During the same period last year, only 51 disputes were reported,” he added. Among the disputes heard by the committee, 16 were related to bounced cheques, he said. “During the same period last year, only 11 were related to bounced cheques.” “Most tenants vacate the rented properties without notifying the landlord or property agents,” the official noted. Khalfan Ali reminded the landlords and property agents that cutting essential facilities is a serious violation.

“Should any tenant have the water or electricity supplies cut, he or she can approach the committee for quick action.” The Tenancy Dispute Committee does not favour any party and ensures the rights of both sides, he underlined.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com