Residential tenancy disputes

Unfortunately, you haven’t specified where your rented apartment is located. If you’re in Dubai, your relations with the landlord are regulated by Law Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai No. (26) of 2007 (amended by Law No. (33) of 2008).

To provide you with the most accurate information the terms of your tenancy contract must be studied. However, the Law stipulates a closed list of cases which allow the landlord to seek eviction of the tenant and your situation doesn’t seem to be one of them.

Moreover, your landlord was obliged to notify you of the alleged eviction through a Notary Public or registered post, not via e-mail.

To be provided with more information and legal assistance you’re welcomed to our office.

Pursuant to your questions it may be advised that, in order to seek eviction of a tenant, a landlord must serve a written notice to the tenant to that effect. In Dubai, such notice must be served at least 12 months prior to the anticipated date of eviction and must be sent through the Notary Public or by registered mail. The provision as such is described in clause 2 of Article (25) of the Tenancy Law which states as follows:

"Landlord may demand eviction of tenant upon expiry of tenancy contract limited to the following cases:

a. If the owner wishes to demolish the property for reconstruction or to add new constructions that prevent tenant from benefitting from the leased property, provided that necessary licenses are obtained;

b. If the property requires renovation or comprehensive maintenance which cannot be executed while tenant is occupying the property, provided that a technical report issued by Dubai Municipality or accredited by it is to be submitted to this effect;

c. If the owner of the property wishes to recover the property for use by him personally or by his next of kin of first degree provided that he proves that he does not own a suitable alternative property for that purpose;

d. If the owner of the property wishes to sell the leased property;

And for the purposes of clause (2) of this Article, landlord must notify tenant with reasons for eviction at least 12 months prior to the determined date of eviction subject that such notice be sent through the Notary Public or by registered mail."