Q: I have been a tenant for the past three years. He has been threatening to evict me and not renew my contract if I do not agree to his demands of an 80% rent increase… A: According to the law and RERA guidelines, 80% increase in rent is unacceptable. You can file a complaint against the landlord…

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Landlord's threat to accept unfair rent increase or face eviction

Dear Lawyers,

I have been a tenant for the past three years and my landlord has been arguing about the rent. I have always stated that I will pay whatever is required according to RERA.

Last year, in January 2022, he gave me a court-attested notice to sell the property. Throughout the year, he has been threatening to evict me and not renew my contract if I do not agree to his demands of an 80% rent increase.

He has only had one viewing in the last 12 months (and has not listed the property on any websites) just to show that he is attempting to sell it.

He has openly stated that he is willing to allow me to stay if I accept the 80% increase in rent, but if not, he will ask me to leave (and refuses to put this offer in writing).

He claims that he has enough evidence to show that he tried to sell the property, and after I leave, he will leave it empty for two months before renting it out again, and there is nothing I can do about it.

Can I dispute this in RDC and get my contract renewed?

If I leave and he rents the property out after three months, can I claim damages from him?

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9 Jan 2023, 09:20

Dear questioner,

According to the law and RERA guidelines, an 80% increase in rent is unacceptable and illegal.

If you have evidence of the landlord's intention to increase rent by 80%, such as emails, WhatsApp messages, or a drafted Ejari contract with such terms, you can file a complaint against the landlord at RDC.

Additionally, if you leave the apartment after being evicted (with a 12-month notice) and the landlord rents the apartment after two months, you may file for damages/compensation as the unit is not supposed to be rented for a period of two years.

Kind Regards,

9 Jan 2023, 09:30

Sir,

I have emails from past years. For this year, I have WhatsApp messages, but he refuses to put the offer in writing.

If he gives me a drafted Ejari physically in my home and gets my signature before signing himself, will I still be able to take it as evidence to RDC?

Or will RDC consider that I have agreed to the new terms by signing the new Ejari?

9 Jan 2023, 09:34

Please do not sign any document if your landlord gives it to you.

Furthermore, if you have WhatsApp messages and emails, then these are sufficient to be used as evidence to support your case.

It is very common practice to receive a contract and "review" it for a couple of days before signing and one usually does not sign a contract the second hs/she receives it.

9 Jan 2023, 09:39

Dear Sir,

Please let me know your fees to represent me and plead my case in RDC.

9 Jan 2023, 10:05

Dear,

It is advisable to book a consultation meeting with us first for a professional fee of AED 2000.

Please send us an email.

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