From rental dispute resolution to abandoned property rules, here’s what you need to know about Ajman’s sweeping legislative reforms.
Since February 1, 2026, Ajman has had a dedicated judicial body to handle all matters between landlords and tenants. This follows the issuance of Law No. 1 of 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, in late January.
The new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre officially replaced the former Rental Disputes Committee and is now fully functional. Its establishment is a key step to strengthen the legislative framework regulating landlord-tenant relations, reinforcing principles of justice, and ensuring the swift resolution of rental disputes.
Key Features of the Centre
- Specialised judicial authority dedicated solely to rental disputes
- It has the authority to hear cases related to all rental properties across the emirate, including those within free zones.
- goal is to expedite litigation procedures to deliver prompt justice, contributing to social and economic stability for all stakeholders in Ajman’s property leasing sector.
- Enhance efficiency and transparency in resolving cases,
- Strengthens Investment: By creating a stable and predictable legal environment for property leasing.
New Legislation on Lost or Abandoned Property
Ajman had issued new legislation on how lost and abandoned property must be handled in the emirate, alongside a new centre for Rental Disputes.
Definition:
- Lost Property: Movable items of value that are lost without the owner’s intention to abandon them, THIS Excludes: Stray animals
- Abandoned Property: Movable assets intentionally given up by the owner (explicitly or implicitly)
Role of Ajman Police
Ajman Police now have clear statutory responsibilities towards lost and abandoned property, including:
- Receiving reports of lost, found, and abandoned items.
- Taking custody of items and preserving them properly.
- Announcing found items through official channels.
- Keeping dedicated records (date, time, place found, description, condition, and finder’s details).
- Supervising the disposal or sale of unclaimed property.
- Working with government and private entities for storage and sale where needed.
Duties of the Finder
Anyone who finds lost property in Ajman has legal obligations, including:
- Delivering the item to Ajman Police within 48 hours of finding it.
- Providing a valid excuse if they cannot meet this deadline (subject to police acceptance).
- Not using, selling, or treating the item as their own.
- Cooperating with police inquiries.
- Obtaining an official receipt from the police that records:
- Description and condition of the item.
- Finder’s details.
- Date and exact location of finding.
Failure to comply may expose the finder to legal consequences, depending on the circumstances.
Rights of the Owner
The true owner retains important rights under the new law, including:
- Recovering the item from the police any time before it is lawfully disposed of.
- Claiming its monetary value within five years if the item has already been sold.
- Tracing and recovering the item from later possessors if it was passed on without compensation.
- In competing claims, the item goes to the claimant confirmed by a final court judgment.
- A fifteen-year limitation period applies to claims where there is no valid justification for delay.
These rules aim to balance owners’ rights with legal certainty and administrative practicality.
Rewards for Honest Finders
The law encourages honesty and civic responsibility by allowing Ajman Police to grant:
- Certificates of appreciation.
- Financial rewards (which may come from the item’s value or sale proceeds).
- Gifts in kind as alternative recognition.
- Public acknowledgment of the finder’s conduct.
This helps promote a culture of reporting and proper handover rather than concealment or misuse.
Why These Reforms Matter
Together, the Lost and Abandoned Property Law and the Rental Dispute Resolution Centre:
- Remove uncertainty around found items and who may keep, sell, or claim them.
- Protect proprietary rights of owners while recognising and rewarding honest finders.
- Provide a structured, specialist forum for landlord and tenant disputes.
- Enhance confidence in Ajman’s legal framework for residents, visitors, and investors alike.
For individuals, businesses, landlords, and tenants operating in Ajman, it is prudent to review internal policies, tenancy documentation, and staff guidelines to ensure alignment with these new rules.
If you would like tailored advice on how this legislation affects your leases, internal procedures, or risk exposure, you can reach out to our team for a detailed review and practical recommendations.
