أسئلة وأجوبة
Do I have to send the tenant an eviction notice after buying a villa in Dubai?
Hi
We are in the process of buying a residential villa in Dubai which is currently tenanted. The seller did not issue an eviction notice to the current tenant.
However, the following sentence was added to the contract:
“As agreed, this will be the last renewal period for the tenant. The tenancy contract will not be renewed or extended. At the end of this contract, the tenant will vacate the property on 11/01/2025.”
On the above basis, is the tenant obligated to vacate on the above-mentioned date even after the property is transferred to me?
If so, do I need to send them an eviction notice for 11/01/2025?
Or a 12-month notice would need to be sent?
Thanks In advance
In the scenario you described where the seller did not issue an eviction notice to the current tenant but included a clause in the contract stating that the tenancy contract will not be renewed and the tenant will vacate the property on a specific date, it's crucial to understand the legal implications in Dubai.
In Dubai, the Tenancy Law provides specific guidelines and procedures regarding the eviction of tenants. Here are some important points to consider:
1. Notice Period: Typically, a landlord must provide a notice period of at least 12 months to terminate a fixed-term tenancy contract in Dubai.
This means that if you intend for the tenant to vacate the property after the current contract ends and the tenant has been provided with notice, a 12-month notice period is usually required.
2. Contractual Agreement: The clause added to the contract stating that the tenancy contract will not be renewed and the tenant will vacate the property on a specific date can be legally binding if both parties agree to it.
However, it's essential to ensure that the wording aligns with the requirements of the Dubai rental laws.
3. Legal Advice: It is advisable to seek legal advice from a real estate lawyer in Dubai to review the contract and the specific terms related to the tenancy agreement. A legal professional can provide guidance on the enforceability of the clause and the proper procedures to follow.
4. Communication with Tenant: If the tenant is expected to vacate the property as per the contract terms, it may still be advisable to communicate with the tenant in a clear and respectful manner regarding the expectations and timeline for vacating the property.
5. Possession of Property: Once the property transfer to you as the new owner is completed, you would generally have the right to take possession of the property. However, the tenant's rights and the terms of the tenancy agreement should be considered.
Given the complexity of the situation and the legal nuances involved, consulting with a legal expert specializing in property and tenancy law in Dubai would be the best course of action to ensure that the rights of both parties are respected and that the necessary steps are taken in compliance with the law.
If there is mutual consent between the parties, then no need to serve a twelve-month eviction notice.
Otherwise, if the tenant is not willing to follow the contract and its terms then it's a kind of breach. We have the right to file a case for eviction.
However, according to Dubai rental law, it is mandatory to serve the eviction notice in order to evacuate the tenant from the property.
So there is a considerable weightage in both these factors. We can discuss the legal aspect in detail. Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.
Dear Questioner,
The law does not prevent the parties from agreeing on any specific terms, and if there is an agreement between the former landlord and the tenant to vacate in January 2025, they must adhere to it.
On your part, immediately after purchasing the villa, you can send them an email informing them that you are the new owner and reminding them about the eviction in January 2025.
Make it a friendly and regular email, and wait for their response.
If you send them an official eviction notice, it must have a duration of 12 months, no less. So, if you send it in June 2024, they will have the right to stay until June 2025.

The old owner must send a 12-month notice to vacate.
Please contact us via phone.