Court orders tenant to pay BD81,000 in rent arrears

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The High Civil Court of the First Circuit has ordered the manager of a multi-storied apartment building in Bahrain to pay BD81,000 in rent arrears in a case filed by the building owner citing non-payment of 16 months of rent.

The court, ruling in favour of the building owner, also ordered the defendant to pay court expenses and attorney fees. Court files say the defendant had a contract with the building owner to manage the building with nine floors, 16 furnished apartments and a health club. As per the contract, the defendant should pay the landlord a monthly rent of BD6000 and half the agreed rent amount during Ramadan.

The defendant, however, failed to pay the rent from March 2020 until April 2021, amounting to BD 81,000. While arguing the case, the building owner’s lawyer cited Article 534 of the Evidence Law in civil and commercial matters, which states that a tenant must fulfil the rent on time.

Article 129 states that parties involved should execute a contract in good faith and fair dealing. Passing the order, the court viewed that the contract signed by the defendant obligates him to pay the rent on time. The court also criticised the defendant for failing to attend the court session or provide evidence of payment despite summoning him to give evidence.