Most rental disputes arise from rent that was not paid on time, or from disagreements over eviction, renewal, maintenance or the security deposit. We advise and represent landlords and tenants in residential and commercial leases, from drafting the lease to resolving the dispute and following up on enforcement.

What this area covers

Drafting and reviewing residential and commercial leases before signing.
Claims for unpaid rent and compensation for breach of the lease.
Eviction requests, and the renewal or termination of leases.
Disputes over rent increases and responsibility for maintenance and repairs.
Recovering the security deposit and claiming for damage when the property is handed back.
Following up on the enforcement of judgments and decisions in rental disputes.

If you are a landlord

If a tenant falls behind on rent or breaches the lease, the first step is usually a written notice that records the claim and sets a deadline to pay or remedy the breach. We help you draft the notice, file a claim for unpaid rent or an eviction request with the competent authority, and follow up on enforcement, making sure the required procedures are met so that your request is not delayed.

If you are a tenant

The lease and the law set out when eviction is permitted and how rent may be increased, and not every notice you receive means you must leave immediately. We explain your rights and obligations when you receive an eviction or rent increase notice, and represent you in recovering your security deposit or claiming compensation for defects that prevent you from using the property.

Before you sign a lease

A clear lease prevents most disputes. We recommend that the lease states the term and how it is renewed, the rent, payment dates and any agreed increase, each party’s responsibility for maintenance and utility bills, and the security deposit and the conditions for its return. It is also wise to photograph the property when you receive it and when you hand it back, and to register the lease with the competent authority in line with the applicable procedures.

When a dispute arises

We study the lease, payment receipts and correspondence between the parties, identify the competent authority and the appropriate procedure, whether an amicable settlement, a formal notice or a claim before the competent body, and explain your legal position and the realistic outcomes before you take any step that could count against you.

Documents that help us assess your matter

The lease, its annexes and any renewals.
Receipts for rent and the security deposit.
Notices and correspondence with the other party.
Photos showing the condition of the property at handover.
The tenant’s commercial registration for commercial leases.

Branches and booking

We advise on rental disputes at our branches in Sohar, Muscat and Al Buraimi. Book your appointment at the branch nearest to you.

Rental disputes