Questions & Answers
Eviction of the tenant for failing to pay the rent
I have rented an apartment to a Saudi national in Dubai with 4 cheques. My tenant's third cheque has bounced which was due on 20th November, and after repeated phone calls/messages and emails, he is unable to pay.
He always asks for a few more days and then disappears. Currently, he is residing in Saudi and claims he cannot travel because of sickness.
At the moment, his brother is using the apartment occasionally (it's a luxury furnished apartment attached to a hotel).
Please advise what is the course of action and how long it will take?
Dear Questioner,
Please note that Article 25(1) of Law No. 26 of 2007 which states that the landlord may demand eviction of tenant prior to the expiry of tenancy period IF the tenant fails to pay rent value or part thereof, within thirty (30) days of landlord’s notification for payment; unless the parties agreed otherwise.
In your case, as discussed above, you shall notify the tenant to pay the rent (through registered mail or notary public).
If the tenant does not make the payment within 30 days, then the landlord can demand eviction through a case filed before the Special Tribunal. The Tribunal will order the tenant to vacate the premises.
Please let me know if you need any assistance in serving the notice.
Regards,
Rajasree Ravivarma
0544461746
cloudsdarker@gmail.com
