Questions & Answers
I renewed my tenancy contract in Dubai but Ejari is yet to be renewed.
Hello,
I renewed my tenancy contract in Dubai but Ejari is yet to be renewed.
I want to early terminate the contract. The notice period is not mentioned in the contract but the addendum has a clause of 2 months penalty without mentioning any notice period.
What does the RERA Law stipulate regarding tenant notice period?
Can I avoid the 2-month penalty if I give a notice period as per RERA Law?
Thank you
Hello,
According to Dubai's Tenancy Law (specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments), if there is no notice period specified in the tenancy contract, the tenant is generally required to provide a notice period of 90 days (3 months) before vacating the property.
This notice must be given in writing. In your case, the addendum to your tenancy contract mentions a 2-month penalty for early termination but does not specify a notice period.
If you wish to terminate the contract early, you might still be required to pay this penalty, unless both parties agree otherwise.
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Dear Questioner,
Thanks for your inquiry.
In your situation regarding the early termination of a tenancy contract in Dubai, here’s what the RERA laws and practices suggest:
1. Notice Period and Penalty Clause
No Mention of Notice Period in Contract: If your tenancy contract and addendum do not mention a specific notice period, there is no legal requirement under Dubai’s tenancy laws for a tenant to provide one.
Addendum Clause (2-Month Penalty): Since the addendum specifies a 2-month penalty for early termination, this clause is likely enforceable, as agreed upon by both parties.
2. RERA Law on Notice Period
No Explicit Provision for Early Termination: The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) does not explicitly regulate early termination or impose a mandatory notice period for tenants. Instead, it relies on the terms of the tenancy agreement and any agreed-upon addenda.
3. Can You Avoid the Penalty by Giving Notice?
Unlikely: The penalty clause in your addendum (2-month rent) is binding unless:
You negotiate with the landlord to waive or reduce the penalty.
The landlord violates the terms of the agreement (e.g., failing to maintain the property or provide Ejari services).
4. Options to Explore
Negotiate with the Landlord: Offer a notice period in exchange for reducing or waiving the penalty. Landlords may agree if they can find a new tenant quickly.
Document Issues (if applicable): If Ejari renewal delays or other landlord-related breaches are causing inconvenience, you might use this as leverage to renegotiate the penalty.
5. Recommended Next Steps
Review the terms of both your tenancy contract and the addendum carefully.
Negotiate with the landlord or property management company regarding the penalty.
If no agreement is reached, the 2-month penalty specified in the addendum will likely apply.
Let me know if you’d like further clarification or assistance drafting a notice to your landlord. Please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
Greetings
RERA Law doesn't specify a standard notice period for tenants to terminate a tenancy contract early.
However, it does stipulate that any terms and conditions in the tenancy contract that are unfair or unreasonable to the tenant may be considered null and void.
In your case, the 2-month penalty clause in the addendum, without a specified notice period, could be considered unfair and unreasonable.
Try to negotiate with your landlord to reach a mutually agreeable solution, such as a shorter notice period or a reduced penalty fee.
If you need our assistance to negotiate with the landlord kindly share your WhatsApp number.
Since the contract and the annex provide for a two-month penalty for early termination without specifying a notice period, giving advance notice will not exempt you from paying this penalty, unless the landlord agrees otherwise.
Recommendation:
It is advisable to contact the landlord and discuss your desire to terminate the contract early.
It may be possible to reach an amicable agreement that reduces or eliminates the penalty, especially if reasonable advance notice is given.
Remember that any amendment to the terms of the contract must be agreed upon by both parties.