أسئلة وأجوبة
Can I go without the bailiff to receive the keys of my house from the tenant based on a court judgment?
Hi,
My tenant was not paying rent, so I filed a case and won it. The court has given a bailiff eviction date of 7th July. The tenant also has outstanding rent plus court fees to pay.
The tenant called me and proposed an out-of-court settlement. She is offering to hand over the keys today, along with her furniture, to compensate for the outstanding rent.
I don't trust the tenant as she has lied many times. She's asking me to come visit the apartment to look at the furniture and take the keys.
1. Please advise if it's ok to visit the apartment and take the keys and furniture without involving the bailiff. Do I need to report the furniture adjustment against the rent due to the court?
2. Can she create any other problem on my physical visit, although I have WhatsApp messages of her request?
3. Can she request payment installments from the court if I don't agree to take her furniture?
4. Can I write down the settlement with her on a plain piece of paper with her signature?
1. Legally, it’s risky to take possession without the bailiff, especially since eviction is court-ordered. If you bypass the bailiff.
Any property (furniture) taken without official documentation may lead to a civil or even criminal claim if she changes her story.
2. WhatsApp messages help, but are not full legal protection if she later claims you entered unlawfully or damaged something.
She can file a complaint alleging forced entry or taking her belongings without consent.
3. After judgment, a debtor (tenant) can apply to the Execution Court for installments. However, the court is not obligated to approve — the judge decides based on her financial situation.
4. Yes, you can write an agreement on plain paper with full details, her signed ID copy, and WhatsApp confirmation.
Dear questioner
1 & 2. It is generally NOT advisable to take possession of the apartment and furniture without proper legal documentation and, ideally, without the bailiff's involvement or at least a court-approved agreement.
3. Do an agreement with her if you are taking the furniture and settling, later she should not follow you for any other complications.
4. She can ask in court for an installment payment after filing an objection; however, it is up to you.
Dear S.,
Thank you for your inquiry. Based on the details you shared, please find our guidance below:
Visiting the Apartment & Accepting Keys/Furniture:
While an out-of-court settlement is permissible, accepting the keys and furniture without involving the bailiff does carry legal risk.
If you do proceed, we strongly recommend that the tenant sign a written acknowledgment stating that the keys and furniture are being handed over voluntarily as part of a mutual settlement for the outstanding rent.
You should also notify the Execution Court to formally record this development.
Risk of Future Disputes:
There is always a possibility of the tenant raising issues later. To protect yourself, ensure that you:
Document everything clearly.
Bring a neutral third party (e.g., building security or an agent) during the visit.
Keep photographic or video evidence of the condition of the apartment and furniture.
Obtain her signature on the settlement terms at the time of key handover.
Court-Ordered Installments:
If you do not accept the furniture, the tenant may petition the Execution Court to pay the outstanding amount in installments. The court will assess her request based on her financial condition.
Written Agreement Validity:
Yes, a plain written agreement is legally acceptable if it clearly outlines the settlement terms and includes both parties’ full names, Emirates ID or passport numbers, date, and signatures. For added protection, having it witnessed or notarized is advisable.
Please let us know if you would like assistance drafting this agreement or require representation in closing the execution file.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
Dear S.,
Thank you for your message.
Given the legal sensitivity of your situation, especially after a court ruling and scheduled eviction, it is not advisable to collect the keys or furniture without the bailiff's involvement, as this could lead to legal complications or counterclaims by the tenant.
Here are brief answers to your queries:
Visiting the apartment without official supervision may expose you to risk. Any settlement involving property (e.g., furniture) should ideally be documented and approved or acknowledged by the court.
Even with WhatsApp messages, the tenant may later dispute the terms or claim coercion.
Yes, she may request installment payments through the court, and the judge will decide based on her financial status.
A written agreement on plain paper is not legally binding unless notarized or filed through the court.
To protect your rights and proceed safely, we strongly recommend booking a legal consultation or authorizing our office to handle the settlement properly and formally.
Book your consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy today.
We are happy at Future Vision Law Advocates and Legal Consultancy to assist you and provide the best legal services that meet your needs.
To contact us, you can call or WhatsApp us.
Hi,
Thank you for explaining the situation.
You are allowed to visit the apartment and accept the keys and furniture as part of the settlement, especially since you have WhatsApp messages as proof of her offer. It’s wise to bring a witness with you and document everything carefully, including photos and a signed agreement.
You don’t need to report this settlement to the court, but keeping thorough records will protect you if any issues arise later. If you do not accept the tenant’s offer, she may still request installment payments from the court, but this is not guaranteed.
If you’d like, I can help you draft a settlement agreement, accompany you as a legal witness, or advise you on any further legal steps. Please let me know if you’d like to book a consultation or need any of these services, I’m here to support you throughout this process.
