Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My landlord had originally said that I could stay in the villa during the minor renovation (inside) and construction of a new building outside. He put it in writing and agreed that the tenancy value of the property would not increase significantly for two years based on these improvements. I then received an eviction notice due to renovation. I have lived in the same villa for 18 years. My question is: At what point does the landlord need to have the attested Dubai Municipality report to show that the planned renovation makes the property uninhabitable, as this has not been shown anywhere yet?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I have a question about rental renewal and would appreciate your response. The landlord did not give us any notice of rent increase or renewal before the 90-day expiration of the contract. However, I gave the landlord written intent-to-renew notice by email before 60 days of the rental expiration. They explained on the phone that they would like to renovate the villa and therefore will not be renewing the rental contract. Can you please confirm what is the minimum notice period that the landlord needs to provide for eviction if they want to renovate the villa? And can they refuse to renew the contract even though they did not serve the notice 90 days before the expiration of the contract?

Q: Good morning, I have just received an eviction notice. The reason for the eviction is the "urgent need for a notifier for conducting alterations and comprehensive maintenance". I think that this eviction notice is unjustified as the apartment was completely refurbished in May/June 2022, with a new kitchen, bathroom furniture and fittings, new tiles, and a new water heater (I have a video of the ongoing works). The works were still ongoing when I moved in, in June '22. I couldn't use the apartment to the full extent and unpack until the works were completed in September'22. I suspect that the landlord wants to get rid of me due to the spike in rental prices in Dubai. According to the RERA calculator, she could raise the rent to a maximum of 15%. In the case of letting the apartment to a new tenant, she would get much more. Doesn't the landlord need to provide me with a technical report attested by Dubai Municipality together with the eviction notice? What are my options? What can I do to prevent the eviction?

Q: Hi everyone, Glad to have found this platform. I’ve been searching for answers and haven't found anything concrete online. I am renting an apartment in Dubai, and my landlord sent me an eviction notice more than 12 months before the end of my contract. The reason for eviction is “renovation”. I tried to negotiate a renewal, but he clarified verbally that he would renovate the apartment and sell it afterward. My question is if this is legal since the intention is to sell the apartment and not just renovate it. Will I be able to sue him if he sells the apartment? Appreciate your responses. Thanks!

Q: Dear All, I own an apartment, and a year ago, I sent a legal notice for renovation to the tenant. However, the tenant is refusing to leave. I have my drawings, and the company is ready to proceed with the work, but the tenant still refuses to vacate. What should I do? I know I need a technical maintenance report from Dubai Municipality. How can I obtain it, and where? Thank you all!

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 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.

In Dubai, property owners often seek to enhance their investments through renovations. However, evicting tenants to facilitate these renovations involves specific legal requirements and considerations. Understanding these regulations is crucial for landlords looking to avoid potential disputes and ensure compliance with Dubai’s rental laws.

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. 

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.

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.