Questions & Answers
What can I do if the real estate agent refuses to hand the house after payment?
I have a two-pronged question.
I was looking to rent a house and I've paid the first three months, deposit, and agent fees together. I've also signed a contract.
The agent has refused to give us the keys until we give him the SEWA deposit as well. Now at this point, I'm having misgivings about the agent. The agency is not listed on the Sharjah government's RERA website.
The agent showed us a free zone license which is valid till September 30th. The agent also keeps insisting on cash and is not sending us a copy of the contract we signed.
At this point, should I give him any more money or can I insist on receiving the house keys first?
The tenancy is supposed to start on the 1st of October, but previously he had told us that we would get the keys as soon as we pay the first installment.
Also secondly, if the agency is listed as a free zone business, is it not required to be registered on the Sharjah government website?
Dear Client,
Thanks for your question, I hope you are doing well. I will definitely assist you with this matter.
You've paid the initial rent, deposit, and agent fees as per your agreement. If the agent now insists on the SEWA deposit before handing over the keys, remind them of the original agreement.
Insist on receiving a copy of the signed contract, and be cautious about making payments in cash.
Verify the agent's credibility and agency registration with the Sharjah government's RERA.
If issues persist, you can file a complaint to the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) in Sharjah.
For any further legal assistance, you can WhatsApp us. We have an extensive team of knowledgeable and experienced lawyers to provide the legal assistance you need.
We will definitely be happy to help you.
Thanks & Regards
ABDUL WAHIED
You have already paid the deposit as well as agent fee. Now you have every right to get the contract.
You don't have to pay the rest unless you received the copy of the contract. If it's registered under free zone then there won't be direct connection with Sharjah government website.
But there will be some requirements.
