Can my landlord file a case or charge me for cancellation after I vacated my flat in Sharjah?

Yes, they can, because you did not legally hand over the apartment. At the very least, the landlord should have signed a letter acknowledging receipt of the apartment.

For more information, call [-------------].

Thank you for your message!

Since you’ve already cleared all your rent cheques and duly vacated the flat, you have fulfilled your main contractual obligations as a tenant.

However, in Sharjah, formal handover of the premises and cancellation of tenancy through the landlord or real estate office is still legally required — mere notice to the watchman doesn’t complete the process.

That said, if you have proof that you informed them and left the keys (e.g. WhatsApp messages, calls, or any witness statement), we can use that to defend you from any false claim or penalty for non-cancellation.

If the landlord files a case, it can be rebutted effectively by showing your communication and proof of vacating.

Let me review your tenancy agreement and the communication record — I can then help you formally close the file and avoid unnecessary liability or future claim.

Please reach out to me directly on WhatsApp or phone at [-------------] so I can assess your documents and guide you on the next step.

Be advised that since you vacated the flat, left it open, and handed over the key for inspection, you have effectively returned possession of the property.

Unless your lease agreement specifically obliges you to pay cancellation fees despite proper handover, the landlord generally cannot claim extra charges.

Keep any evidence of notification, key return, and the vacated flat to support your position.

Please share your WhatsApp number so I can guide you in detail and assist you properly.

Yes, the landlord can file a lawsuit against you for failure to cancel the lease, especially if you haven't been formally notified to vacate the apartment before the contract expires.

Even if you've paid all your bills and notified the guard, these measures are no substitute for formal written notice, which is necessary to properly terminate the contract.

Contact me if you'd like to take legal action to protect yourself: [--------------].

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your message!

Once a tenant decides not to renew a lease, it is the tenant’s responsibility to formally handover the property and obtain an official clearance letter from the landlord or real estate office confirming the unit’s condition and the completion of the contract.

Simply leaving the key with the watchman and notifying verbally is not considered an official handover procedure.

If the landlord or agent did not receive written notice or a proper clearance, they may legally claim cancellation or additional rent charges until the tenancy is formally terminated in writing and the flat inspection is completed.

To avoid any further claims or disputes, we recommend proceeding with the official cancellation and clearance process.

If you are facing difficulty in handling this or the landlord is refusing to cooperate, we can assist you in completing the legal steps, preparing the documentation, and ensuring that the case is closed properly under UAE tenancy regulations.

Please let me know if you wish to proceed, and we can take care of the full process on your behalf.

Best regards,

Mohammad Salah

Legal Consultant