Q: I purchased a tenanted villa recently. Before signing form B, we asked the seller through the broker if the tenant could vacate the house upon expiry of the tenancy contract, and the seller said yes verbally. So we signed form B, proceeded with the buying process, and confirmed as vacate house again with the seller during the final transfer. We've sold the place we used to live in because we will move into this new house and stay in temporary accommodation until the tenancy contract of this new house expires. However, now the tenant doesn't want to vacate the house upon expiry of the tenancy contract. What can I do in this case?

Q: Hi, Do I need to submit an eviction notice to my tenant of the newly purchased villa while the seller has already sent him notice 2 months ago? Or as my escrow agent said, it will pass to me?

Q: Hi, I have sent an eviction notice to my tenant (as I plan to use the property for my own - 2BR in free zone Dubai) 4 months ago via Emirates Post registered email service (and I have got a digital certificate time stamped of receipt ). Is this accepted by the Dubai courts? My tenant is refusing to provide a tentative day to move out within the 12 months period from when I have sent the email, and says that according to RERA he will vacate the property only after 12 months since he received an ‘official notice of eviction’. The current tenancy contract expires in 2 months and I do not know what should I do if we do not reach an agreement. 1. Can I deny to sign a new contract upon expiration or I am obliged to do so, and if yes, for what period? 2. Should I send it through Notary Public or registered mail (courier with acknowledgment of receipt) a new eviction notice? That would mean that I acknowledge the previous one was void.

Q: Dear sir/madam, If a landlord is having an issue with the court on our leased property, how will it affect us as a tenant? Our team is staying inside and a lot of our machines and client properties are inside the factory. Does the court give sufficient time to vacate the premises?

Q: Good morning, If a property is sold with an active tenancy contract (with a legal eviction notice), does the landlord's name need to be changed with an addendum or new contract? Does no new information need to be provided? I look forward to your reply. M.

Q: Hi, I just bought an apartment in Dubai on 4 May 23 but there is a tenant whose Ejari from the previous owner is valid until 18 Dec 23. The Ejari with the same T&Cs has been transferred to my name today. My questions are: 1) Can I issue him an exit notice now? If I do so, does it mean that based on the 12-month notice period he will have to vacate my premises on June 24? 2) The tenant continues to stay after the tenancy contract validity i.e. 18 Dec 23 based on the notice period. Do I have to register a new Ejari with him from 19 Dec 23 onwards or I can just wait for his notice period to get over based on the exit notice? 3) A friend said that I have to wait for the current Ejari to get over for the 12-month notice to get started i.e. when the current Ejari expires on 18 Dec 23. This means I can give him an exit notice on June 23 but he will vacate the house on Dec 24 only. Is this correct? Please help

Q: Dear All, I'm in the process of purchasing a property in Dubai, which is currently rented. The rent expires on 29th Feb 2024. I'm hoping to serve a notice as soon as the property is transferred into our name. Assuming we complete a transfer on 30th October, can we issue a notice immediately with the intention that it will be vacated on 30th Oct 2024? Are there any options to evict the tenant earlier and move in ASAP? We are planning to live in the property, as this would be our main family home.

Q: Hello, I bought an apartment, but the previous landlord is refusing to vacate it. The contract clearly states that the landlord should hand over the apartment on the day of the transfer. Out of courtesy, I gave him three days to vacate so he could find a new place to stay, but the time has passed, and he is still refusing to vacate and hand it over. What should I do in this case?

The relationship between tenants and landlords is regulated in Dubai by Law No. 33 of 2008 Concerning the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai. The arising rental disputes are referred to Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (“RDSC”) created by Decree No. 26 of 2013 to reconcile between the parties and reach an amicable settlement or seek a final judgment issued and enforced by the RDSC.

An interview-format article covering the topic of residential retail properties pertaining to the liability for property maintenance and the repercussions of defaulting on rent payments in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

This Decree establishes a specialised judicial system to hear rent disputes and develops the procedure for determination of such disputes through an expeditious and simple process for the purpose of realising social and economic stability for all persons involved with the real property rental and other related sectors.

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.