Gulf News 
 

Abu Dhabi, July 24: An Indian family in the capital has won their legal challenge against a sudden increase of Dh30,000 in their apartment rent in a Civil Court - with a ruling on the day they filed the case.

Anand Jeswani, running a small business in Abu Dhabi, said the management of their building on Hamdan Street, near the Tourist Club, increased the apartment rent from Dh45,000 to Dh75,000.

"We were all shocked with this increase. The rent had already been twice increased from Dh35,000 to Dh37,000 and Dh37,000 to Dh45,000 over more than two years. But this increase is unbelievable," Jeswani said.

The building was earlier managed by the Department of Social Services and Commercial Buildings, but recently it has been handed over to its owner. On June 18, the management issued a notice advising tenants to vacate the building by June 30 as it was marked for demolition. They were also advised to report to the management within 48 hours to finalise the termination of their contracts or else their power supply would be disconnected.

Jeswani said the contract for their three-bedroom apartment was due for renewal in May, but before that the management issued a notice to announce the increase. When the family refused to accept the increase, the management disconnected the water supply.

Jeswani said: "Me and my mother rushed to the court, prepared our papers and went to a bench of the Civil Court. But by the time we submitted our case, the cashier counter for the court fee was already closed.

Water supply restored

"The next day, we went, paid and submitted the case. The judge issued an order on the spot and advised our rents be deposited at the court itself every four months at the rate of previous rent."

According to him, the judge assured them they can continue to stay in the building with Dh45,000 rent. The water supply has been restored.

Pushpa Jeswani, Anand's mother, advised other residents not to heed the demands of building managements who increased rents beyond the legal limit.

She said: "There is rule of law in the country. I was really impressed with the quick justice. The judge also advised us to refer to the court back if the management creates any problem."

The court victory of the family has encouraged other residents to follow suit. P. W. Sumith, a Sri Lankan tenant, said he is also planning to seek the court's help.

He said: "The Jeswanis made the right decision to go to the court. It is an eye-opener for all of us. We are shy to seek the help of local authorities. We should seek their help."