Tenants in Muscat find tough to switch flats

His landlord says there is no provision for a short-term contract. “I too have been giving a three-month notice but haven’t got the timing right so far.”

Mehboob said it is natural for tenants to move to a new place because of the “fatigue factor” or family needs.

Landlords and property managers have a reason too. “A few years ago, tenants went to the government seeking protection from sudden evacuation notices from property managers. Today, they want us to relax the rule that once protected them. It is unfair on us because current market conditions make it difficult to attract new tenants especially in old properties,” said a general manager of a property management company, who did not want to be named.

“I have seen both sides in the last ten years. I am a tenant too,” he said.

He said the landlords and real estate managers have to be reasonable in following rules. “People have to relocate at short notice over workrelated or personal reasons. We need to look into issues on a case-by-case basis and have a mechanism that is not a loss for both sides,” he said.

The problem is more widespread in places such as Darsait, Muttrah, Ruwi and Wadi Kabir as most commercial establishments have shifted to Ghala and Athaiba, making the need for relocation a necessity.