Questions & Answers
Can I sue my landlord if he cuts off DEWA and forces me to leave before my non-Ejari contract ends?
Dear Lawyers,
I rented a studio on a monthly basis, and my rent included all utilities and bills, with a contract that isn’t Ejari.
Now, the landlord has cut off the DEWA and is asking me to vacate the unit and take the rest of my rent three months before the contract expires.
Is there any legal action I can take against him?
Dear Questioner,
Thanks for your inquiry!
According to UAE law, a landlord cannot cut off utilities or force a tenant to vacate the property before the end of the contract without a valid reason.
In this case, if the landlord has cut off the DEWA without any valid reason, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai or the relevant authority in your emirate.
You can also take legal action against the landlord for breach of contract and claim compensation for any inconvenience or expenses incurred due to the cut-off of utilities.
It is important to note that the contract, even if it is not registered with Ejari, is still legally binding and can be used as evidence in court.
It is recommended to seek legal advice from us as a lawyer who specializes in rental disputes to understand your rights and options in this situation.
You can also try to negotiate with the landlord and come to a mutual agreement, but if that is not possible, you can take legal action to protect your rights as a tenant.
Kindly do not hesitate to contact us via phone or email at [----------] for further guidance.
Greetings,
Greetings,
Yes, you can file a complaint of assault, and we can help you file the lawsuit.
We are honored to provide you with legal support. For further inquiries about your topic, you can come to our office or contact us via phone, WhatsApp, or email.
Yes, you can take legal action against your landlord for cutting off the utilities and attempting to force you to vacate the unit before the contract expiration.
Since you already have a contract, it can be considered a breach. We will let you know the possibilities in detail.
Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.
Hello,
The rental relationship can be proven through all forms of evidence. The landlord does not have the right to evict you from the property except by following the proper legal procedures.
You may file a lawsuit to establish the rental relationship and submit an urgent petition to restore electricity and water services.
Dear questioner,
The landlord, for any reason, cannot restrict the utilities. You can file a complaint at the police station regarding this.
Additionally, we can send him a legal notice for breach of contract. If you need our assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Even though your contract isn't registered with Ejari, you may still have a valid tenancy agreement.
In the UAE, verbal agreements or non-Ejari contracts can still be legally binding, as long as there is proof of the agreement (such as bank transfers for rent, witness statements, or any form of written communication).
It is not legal for a landlord to disconnect essential utilities like DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), especially when they are included as part of the rent in your contract.
The Landlord-Tenant Law in Dubai states that a landlord must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes providing essential utilities unless the tenant has caused non-payment or issues related to consumption.
Your landlord cannot force you to vacate the property before the contract expires unless there is a valid reason under the law.
If your contract explicitly mentions the duration and you have paid rent, the landlord must respect the terms unless you mutually agree to terminate the contract.
If the landlord is refusing to provide utilities or is asking you to vacate without valid cause, you can file a complaint with the Rent Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai.
For further assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Thank you for reaching out regarding your situation!
In Dubai, tenancy agreements are typically required to be registered with Ejari to be legally recognized. However, even if your contract isn't registered, you still have certain rights as a tenant.
It's important to note that landlords are not permitted to cut off utilities as a means to force tenants to vacate. Such actions are considered illegal.
Additionally, landlords must provide proper notice before terminating a tenancy agreement. The standard notice period is 12 months, delivered through registered mail or notary public, especially if the landlord intends to use the property for personal use or sell it.
Given the circumstances you've described, you may have grounds to take legal action against the landlord for:
- Unlawful disconnection of utilities.
- Attempting to evict without proper notice.
I recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss your case in detail and explore the best course of action to protect your rights.
Please feel free to contact me via WhatsApp or phone at [---------] to arrange a convenient time.
Best regards,
Suhail Rana
Dear Inquirer,
- Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with your landlord and any related documents (like the rental agreement).
- Check Your Contract Terms: Review the terms of your rental agreement to see if there are clauses regarding termination or utility services.
- Seek Mediation: You can try to mediate the issue with the landlord. Sometimes, direct communication can resolve misunderstandings.
- File a Complaint with RERA: If mediation fails, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) under RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency). They handle disputes related to rental agreements. It is best to have a lawyer present to prevent any risks that may occur
If you need further clarification, you can contact us.
