Penalty for vacating a rented flat before end of tenancy period
I am considering moving out of Qatar before the end of my current tenancy as I have been offered a new job outside Qatar. My tenancy contract runs till December and has a penalty clause saying that 3 months rent will be applicable if leaving earlier but also a clause saying that "if the second party wishes to vacate the property, he must notify first party in writing 60 days in advance before expiry or renewals". Does this mean that if I give 60 days notice that the penalty is not applicable? I intend to close my bank account if I leave the country. A friend has said that this means that if the landlord don't return my postdated cheques and decide to bank them then the cheques will be returned which could be given to the police to get me blacklisted such that I could be arrested if I even went through Hamad airport on a transit and certainly if I ever tried to enter the country at any point in future. This is quite alarming as is the idea of paying a huge penalty even when sufficient notice is given and end of service can be proven to the landlord. Can someone please advise on what my options are in this regard? Three months rent is 24,000 which I'd rather not pay if I don't have to. Thanks.
Instead of writing letters and emails and going to dispute centre...simply speak to the landlord and he will return the cheque...and settle amicably
Or simply find another tenant to take over for u...and you sell your items and shift to a temporary one or hotel.
Finding another tenant to take over for u is the best option.
Thanks acchabaccha. I think Doha is a great place and am hoping that this landlord will accept 60 days written and emailed notice. I know that they don't enforce penalties where a tenant has been terminated and has to leave the country on that basis but don't know if they are the same if a tenant is leaving on own accord.
While most landlords here in Doha are no doubt terrible people to deal with, you may get away by giving him a 2-month notice period in WRITING. Send this notice to him through email if possible. This gives you some ground to stand on. Further, if he fails to return your cheques even then, lodge a complaint with Rental Dispute Settlement Committee and see if they can help you out. Their office is located in the vicinity of Holiday Villa on the C-Ring road. If nothing works out, then go with "obeying" the Landlords wishes as that would be best for you. I believe he can create problems for you at the time of your exit as he is holding your cheques. Don't take him to court as it requires months to get a verdict.
Thank you Morane. I will be speaking to them this week to see what is possible. The move may not be worth it if the loss on selling the car and rental penalty are considered.
Your friend is absolutely right. Unfortunately, this is how real estate market operates here.
Speak with Landlord. Tell him 60 days in advance before you want to vacate the apartment. Only Landlord can tell you what to do in this matter. If he says that you will be given a penalty of 3 months rent and refuses to return your cheques, then suggest that you will try bringing in replacement tenant. This happens a lot here.
Another option is if he refuses to return your cheque, then approach a lawyer and take their consultation. You will definitely lose money but atleast you dont want complications during your travel.
Wish you best of efforts.