Q: Hi I am a tenant in Abu Dhabi. I have been staying in the same apartment, for the last 6 years. I had given 2 months notice to vacate the apartment in case the rent is not reduced. But the landlord did not reduce my rent. Unfortunately, I am not able to move to another apartment, within the notice period. So I asked him for an extension of 10 days, or for 4 months since I will be moving to Dubai within 4 months as my husband is working in Dubai. But he refused to give any extension. Now, what are my rights in case of early termination, he is telling that I am supposed to give him 2 months notice, and after completion of 2 months notice, I am liable to pay him another 2 months rent. Please advise what are my rights under this.

Q: Hi, I live and work in Dubai. I recently got married and want to bring my wife to Dubai on a spouse visa. For that, one of the essential conditions is to have a lease agreement with 1 year lease period. The nature of my job is such that I may have to relocate to another country anytime. Also, I have an open application for immigration to another country and I may get a PR within a few months or so. In either of the case, there is a possibility that I might have to terminate my tenancy contract before it officially ends. Please advise if it's possible & legally acceptable to have an early exit clause, something like "the tenant (or both the parties) may terminate the contract any time after three months of signing the contract by giving one month notice to the other party. No penalty shall be applicable in such case." Of course, this subjects to finding a landlord who would agree to such condition. But I find one, can the standard contracts be modified to add such clause? Thanks SJ

Q: Hi, We just received our eviction notice from our Landlord for next summer 2018. We, however, would prefer exiting earlier. In our current lease contract, we have the following clause: "The Parties agree that there may be instances where the tenant shall need to terminate the lease early. In this event, and in accordance with the current guidelines, the tenant must provide the landlord with a written 2 months of notice. The landlord agrees to refund any outstanding rental amount." Kindly can you confirm the below: This means that we still get to stay in the house for the 2 month notice period and there is no penalty charge. The date on the letter is the 1st day of the 2 month notice period (notice given 23.08.2017, out by 22.10.2017). Do we need the written notice to be notarized or does an emailed letter suffice? Thank you very much and best regards, S.W

The provisions of this Law apply to real property leased out in the Emirate of Dubai, including vacant and agricultural lands, but excluding hotel establishments and real property provided by natural or legal persons as accommodation to their employees at no charge.

Provisions of this Law supersede articles (2), (3), (4), (9), (13), (14), (15), (25), (26), (29), and (36) of Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai.