Owners seek Right to EVICT b4 end of contract

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Web posted at: 2/24/2009 2:33:0
Source ::: The PENINSULA / By MOBIN PANDIT
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The Advisory Council is discussing a proposal moved by a member suggesting that owners of properties be given the right to evict a tenant before the end of the rent contract if the premises are needed by them or for their immediate family members for personal use.

But having conducted a survey among real estate operators and tenants, Al Sharq said that public opinion was against giving that right to a landlord as that would leave the hapless tenant entirely to his mercy. The owner could also exploit the right to evict a tenant and give away the property for higher rental.

Given the acute housing shortage, landlords could easily exploit the proposed right and evict a tenant so they can offer a property thus vacated for higher rent, said Ali Ahmed Al Dosri, a citizen who was among those interviewed for the survey.

“It would be so hard for a hapless tenant to find another affordable housing unit which suits his and his family’s needs,” remarked Al Dosri.

Falah Matar, general manager of a real estate firm, another interviewee, was of the opinion that the relationship between a tenant and landlord should be based strictly on the agreement they have inked as per the existing rent law.

The legal committee of the Advisory Council debated the issue yesterday. The proposal was moved by Rashid Hamad Al Madadi, a member.

He said he submitted the proposal after a number of landlords approached him with requests to amend the existing rent law and allow them the said right, according to Al Sharq.

The daily, however, quoted an unnamed member of the Advisory Council as saying that he would agree to back the proposal only if commercial properties were excluded from it.

THE PENINSULA

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