LAW is not a piece of paper that can appear and disappear according to one's desires.Some of the real estate companies in Sharjah are employing a very devious policy with tenants, indulging in arm-twisting to get rid of those who refuse to accept the hike in rents before the expiry of three years from the date of signing the tenancy contract.
What some real estate companies are doing is warning organisations against taking flats on rent for their bachelor employees as the laws in Sharjah, according to them, do not allow such a thing. What we want to ask such companies is where was this law a few years ago when the bachelors were living in rented apartments? When the real estate agents knew bachelors were living in flats, why did they not apprise them of the 'law' earlier? In fact, why did they allow such bachelors to take up the apartments, in the first place? Why did the contracts of the agents not mention that bachelors are not allowed?
Let us get this clear. The law, whatever it is, has to be obeyed -- if at all there is such a law! But can the law be applied selectively? Where does this so-called law disappear when it comes to exposing the misconduct of such real estate sharks? Is that 'piece of paper' or legal document folded up neatly and hidden away in some corner when the R.E. agents know they will not get any benefit out of it, or rather be caught?
We will indeed be happy if the Sharjah Municipality deals with such cases strictly and swiftly.4 April 2005
© Khaleej Times 2005
