Know Oman: Here’s what you need to do before vacating your house

Muscat: Tenants living in houses in Oman must inform their landlords either three months before their rent agreement expires, or before completing half the duration of their rent agreement, whichever time period is shorter. Muscat Municipality has pertinent articles pertaining to tenancy and rent agreements in the capital, which clearly detail the responsibilities of both tenants and property owners.

“This agreement can be renewed for a further period, unless one of the parties advises the other of his wish to vacate the property before the expiry of the valid period by at least three months or half the period, if it is less. The landlord may not ask for evacuation of the property except in accordance with the provisions and procedures of the Royal Decree No. (6/89),” said Muscat Municipality.

Tenants are also not allowed to sublet or rent their houses to anyone else, unless permitted to do so by the owner of the property. Utilities such as electricity and water bills, municipality fees, sewerage service charges and any other allied fees must be paid by tenants, either from the time they take possession of the property, or on any other date that has been mutually agreed upon in writing.

Municipality taxes mentioned in the provisions of Royal Decree No. (6/89) and its amendments are a government debt to be paid by landlords or tenants as per the agreement and can be collected by administrative confiscation.

Once the lease/rent agreement has expired, the tenant is obligated to return the property to the landlord, after repairing any damages caused during his stay. The landlord, on the other hand, must conduct any maintenance, overhauling and restoration works required for the house to meet the standards expected by future renters. In the event of either party failing to comply with their commitments prescribed in the terms of rental agreement issued by Muscat Municipality, the other party shall have the right to rescind their provisions.

Rental agreements can also be considered null and void, if they are not registered with Muscat Municipality or if the tax related to the property is not paid within a month from the time the agreement comes into effect or has expired. Landlords who do not deposit their rental agreements or file taxes on time will also face a fine equal to three times the fixed tax, which has been set at three percent.

“Other terms and conditions may be added to this agreement as mutually agreed by both parties provided they do not contradict with Royal Decree No. (6/89),” added the municipality.