Q: My landlord sent me a notary notice to vacate the property saying he will ‘sell’ the property. He previously asked me to leave so that his family can stay there. We are almost certain that he wants to lease the property to new tenants to take advantage of the rent hikes in the area. We have signed a contract till the eviction date. Do I have any option to remain in the property after the eviction date taking into account that I have been in the property for 4 years?

Q: Hello, I am a landlord in Dubai and I wish to send a 12-month legal eviction notice to my tenant for my intention to sell my property after the 12-month eviction notice. My question is: If after putting my property on the market for sale I don't manage to sell it and I decide to rent it out again, can my tenant take any legal action against me or ask for any compensation? Will they be entitled to that?

Q: I purchased a villa in Jan 2023 which had a 12-month vacating notice by the previous owner for the reason of selling the property (tenant to vacate 30th June 2023). The tenant now informs me that he is not obliged to vacate as the reason for vacating is no longer valid since the property is sold and I am the new owner. Now the tenant is mentioning that he believes a fresh notice needs to be given with another 12 months' notice. When I called the RDC of RERA, they mentioned that the new owner needs to give fresh notice. I want to understand the below: 1) Do I need to give fresh notice of 12 months to my tenant? 2) Is the eviction notice sent by the previous owner still valid?

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 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. 

This Decree determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.