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Dubai, UAE

Can I renew the current contract as the new landlord or is a new one needed?

Good afternoon,

I bought a tenanted property a few months ago. The tenancy contract will expire at the end of January.

I would like to renew the contract with the tenant under the same conditions.

Do I have to sign a new contract with the tenant, or can I simply renew the current contract by changing the name of the landlord?

Thank you for your advice!

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Mohamed Bakheet Advocates & Legal Consultants
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23 Jan 2025, 08:07

You can renew the current contract only with a change in the owner's name, without the need to sign a new contract if the terms will remain the same.

Make sure to register the renewed contract in the approved system to ensure compliance with the law.

If you need assistance in drafting the contract, please contact us via phone or WhatsApp.

23 Jan 2025, 08:14

Thank you!

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Al Fahad Legal Consulting
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23 Jan 2025, 08:31

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for reaching out with your query regarding the renewal of the tenancy agreement for the property you recently purchased.

To address your question:

When a property is sold, and a new landlord assumes ownership, the tenancy agreement remains legally binding. However, it is advisable to formalize the transfer of landlord rights by preparing a new contract. Here’s how you can proceed:

- Change of Landlord:

As the new owner, you can renew the tenancy under the same conditions as the previous agreement, provided the tenant agrees. The key step is to update the contract to reflect the change of landlord. This ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the identity of the landlord and the responsibilities tied to the tenancy.

- New Contract:

While the terms of the tenancy (such as rent, duration, and other conditions) can remain unchanged, you should issue a new contract with your name as the landlord.

This process ensures both parties are aligned with the legal obligations moving forward. The original tenancy can be referenced, but the new contract must be signed and registered.

- Registration:

Once the new contract is agreed upon, ensure that it is officially registered with the relevant regulatory authority (such as RERA for Dubai or the respective authority in your emirate). This ensures the validity of the agreement and provides legal protection for both parties.

- Other Considerations:

If the tenant is satisfied with the existing terms, the renewal should proceed smoothly without renegotiation. However, if any adjustments need to be made (e.g., rental increase), this should be addressed within the new agreement.

I would recommend drafting the new contract to avoid any potential legal issues and ensure clarity regarding the change of ownership.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further assistance in drafting or finalizing the agreement.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

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London Center for Legal Consultancy Office
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23 Jan 2025, 08:32

According to UAE law, you can renew the current tenancy contract with the tenant by simply changing the landlord's name, without the need to sign a new contract, as long as the terms remain the same and no major changes are made.

It is recommended to document the changes to avoid any future disputes.

We specialize in such matters and can assist you with the necessary legal procedures. Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp for further details and legal consultations.

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Al Hajeya Alnoobi Advocates and Legal Consultants
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23 Jan 2025, 08:34

Hello,

When you purchase a tenanted property in the UAE, the tenancy contract automatically transfers to you as the new landlord under the same terms and conditions.

According to Dubai’s Law No. (26) of 2007, as amended by Law No. (33) of 2008, the rights and obligations under the existing tenancy agreement continue to be binding on both the tenant and the new property owner.

In your case, you do not necessarily need to draft an entirely new tenancy contract. Instead, you can renew the existing contract with the tenant by simply updating the landlord’s name and any other relevant details, such as your bank account for rent payments.

Both parties should sign the renewal to formalize the agreement.

It is also advisable to register the updated tenancy agreement with the relevant authority, such as Ejari in Dubai, to ensure compliance with local regulations. This will also protect your rights as a landlord and the tenant's rights under the law.

If you need further assistance in preparing the renewal or registering the tenancy, feel free to contact me via phone or email.

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Fatema Almheiri Advocates & Legal Consultants
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23 Jan 2025, 08:35

You need to sign a new contract and change the cheques.

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Engy Nabeel Advocates & Legal Consultants
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23 Jan 2025, 08:53

A new lease contract must be signed with the tenant.

If you have any other questions, contact us via phone number to help you.

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Sara Alsaedi Advocates and Legal Consultants
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23 Jan 2025, 08:58

Dear friend,

If you are the new owner, you must give a legal notice to the tenant informing him that you are the new owner of the property.

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Hend Humaid Alnuaimi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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23 Jan 2025, 09:28

You can renew the current contract by changing only the landlord’s name if permitted by local laws; however, it’s advisable to sign a new contract for clarity and legal protection.

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Sara Alsaedi Advocates and Legal Consultants
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23 Jan 2025, 09:34

Greetings of the day,

In the UAE, when a property is bought with an existing tenant, the tenancy contract is typically transferred to the new owner.

1. Inform the tenant in writing about the renewal and the change of landlord.

2. Prepare an updated contract or addendum to reflect the new ownership.

3. Ensure the tenant agrees to the renewal under the same terms and signs the necessary documents.

4. Update the Ejari system with the new landlord details.

By following these steps, you can renew the tenancy contract under the same terms without requiring a full new agreement, but ensure all legal documentation is updated for clarity and compliance.

Best regards,

Sara Al Saedi Advocates & Legal Consultants

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KHE Legal Consultancy
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23 Jan 2025, 09:47

Dear questioner,

You can continue the same contract by changing the ownership. If you need further assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

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Dar Al Haqooq Legal Consultancy
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23 Jan 2025, 10:01

Dear Client,

Thanks for your question! I hope you are doing well. I will assist you in this matter.

For your newly acquired tenanted property, it's advisable to sign a new tenancy contract with the tenant as the current one expires in January. Simply changing the landlord's name on the existing contract is not sufficient.

Create a new contract listing yourself as the landlord and maintain the same conditions if agreed upon. This ensures all details are up-to-date and legally binding.

After signing, register the new contract with Ejari within 30 days. You'll need the original contract, your UAE ID, proof of property ownership, and the tenant's Emirates ID copy. The registration fee is AED 155 plus VAT.

This process protects both your rights and the tenant's under Dubai law.

Thanks & Regards,

ABDUL WAHIED

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