Practice area
Rent Law Matters
Ejectment, rent recovery and tenancy disputes before the Rent Controller under the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance, 1979.
Rent disputes in Sindh are not heard by the ordinary civil court. They lie before the Rent Controller under the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance, 1979, and they follow rules of their own, including the deposit of rent during the proceedings and a strictly limited set of grounds for ejectment.
The chambers acts for landlords seeking possession or arrears, and for tenants defending an ejectment application brought on a pretext.
What we handle
- Ejectment applications on default, personal bona fide need, or unlawful subletting
- Recovery of rental arrears and increases
- Defence of ejectment proceedings brought in bad faith
- Tender of rent and deposit applications where a landlord refuses to accept payment
- Disputes over security deposits and dilapidation
- Commercial tenancy, shop and godown disputes
- Execution of ejectment orders and delivery of possession
- Appeals against orders of the Rent Controller
How a matter proceeds
- 01
Tenancy audit
We check the written agreement, the payment record, and whether notices were validly served.
- 02
Notice
Most grounds require a proper written notice first. A defective notice sinks an otherwise good case.
- 03
Application to the Rent Controller
The case is filed with the supporting record; tenants are ordinarily directed to deposit rent while the matter runs.
- 04
Evidence and order
Affidavits and cross-examination follow, then the Controller's order.
- 05
Execution or appeal
Possession is taken through execution, or the order is challenged in appeal.
Rent Law Matters: common questions
My tenant has not paid for months. How fast can I get possession?
Rent matters move faster than civil suits but they are not instant. Expect months rather than weeks, and expect the tenant to be directed to deposit rent in the meantime. Self help, such as changing locks or cutting utilities, will damage your case.
My landlord is claiming he needs the shop himself, but he is really after a higher rent. Can I defend?
Yes. Personal bona fide need must be genuine and is tested on evidence. If the premises are re-let soon after you leave, that has consequences for the landlord.
There is no written tenancy agreement. Does the Ordinance still apply?
Yes. An oral tenancy is still a tenancy. It is simply harder to prove its terms, which is why the payment record matters so much.
Related work
Other practice areas
- Practice area
Civil Litigation
Suits, appeals and injunctions before the Civil Courts and the High Court of Sindh: declarations, possession, specific performance and recovery.
- Practice area
Property Law Matters
Title, transfer, possession and inheritance disputes over property in Sindh, together with the due diligence that prevents a dispute from arising.
- Practice area
Civil Liability Litigation
Claims for damages and compensation arising from negligence, defamation, malicious prosecution and professional or institutional failure.
- Practice area
Criminal Law
Bail, defence and complaint work before the Magistrates, the Court of Sessions and the High Court of Sindh.
Consultation
Instruct the chambers.
Bring the complete file, including any document you consider unhelpful. You will receive a considered view of your position before any money is committed to litigation.