At a glance
A lease is a contract under which the tenant acquires the use of a property for a fixed period. Most disputes concern the term, rent and deposit, repairs and eviction, so these clauses must be numeric, explicit and backed by remedies.
Key lease clauses
- Full details of the property, extras (parking, storage) and condition at handover
- The exact term with start and end dates
- Rent, deposit, and when and how they are paid
- The tenant's obligation to vacate at the end and a penalty for late vacating
- Who pays for major and minor repairs, service charges and utilities
- Restrictions on subletting and change of use
- Early termination and what happens to the deposit
Commercial leases and key money
In commercial leases, goodwill and key money (sarghofli), the permitted business and the right to assign are especially sensitive. A commercial lease must state these explicitly to avoid unexpected claims at the end of the term.
Common mistakes
- No exact end date
- Taking a deposit without a receipt or mention in the contract
- No written record of the property's condition at handover
- Verbal renewal after the term ends
Frequently asked questions
The landlord can apply for eviction through the legal route. A lease with a clear term, drafted with the legal formalities, makes eviction much faster.
Yes, if it contains the essential elements of a contract. Standard drafting and observing the legal formalities make it easier to prove and enforce.
No, unless the contract allows it. During the term, the rent is the agreed amount.