Questions & Answers
How can I pay the rent after selling the property if neither the old nor the new owner is clarifying this?
My current landlord has sold the building I live in, and my rent cheque was due to be presented on April 1st. I contacted the new landlord and the current landlord about my rent cheque.
My current landlord advised that they had withdrawn the cheque and presented it to the new landlord. However, the new landlord has ignored three requests for clarity on how to pay my rent, which is now overdue.
What are my options here?
I am attempting to pay the rent, but they are unresponsive.
Greetings,
If your previous landlord has transferred the rent cheque to the new landlord but the new landlord is unresponsive, you should take the following steps:
- Document Your Attempts: Keep records of your communication attempts with both landlords.
Issue a Legal Notice: If the new landlord remains unresponsive, a legal notice may be necessary to clarify payment terms and protect yourself from any potential claims of non-payment.
Check Your Tenancy Contract & RERA Regulations: Depending on your lease terms and Dubai tenancy laws, further legal action may be required.
To avoid legal risks and ensure your rights are protected, we recommend booking a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy. Our team can assist with the correct legal steps or representation if needed.
Contact us today for expert legal support.
We are happy at Future Vision Law Advocates and Legal Consultancy to assist you and provide the best legal services that meet your needs.
To contact us, you can call or WhatsApp us.
Failure to pay rent could lead to eviction proceedings, even if the delay is not your fault. Keep meticulous records of all attempts to contact the new landlord (emails, WhatsApp messages, call logs).
This documentation will be crucial if you need to defend yourself in a dispute. Document all communication with the previous landlord as well.
Send a formal written notice (email with read receipt, registered mail, or courier) to the new landlord, clearly stating: Your attempts to pay rent, the lack of response, your willingness and ability to pay, requesting clear payment instructions, and give them a specific, reasonable time frame to respond.
If you need further assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
According to UAE law, in the event of a change in ownership of a property, the new landlord is responsible for collecting rent and managing the property.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of the new landlord to provide you with the necessary information on how to pay your rent.
If the new landlord is not responding to your requests for clarification on how to pay your rent, you can take the following steps:
1. Send a written notice: Send a written notice to the new landlord, stating that you are willing to pay your rent but need clarification on how to do so. Keep a copy of the notice for your records.
2. Contact the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA): If the new landlord continues to be unresponsive, you can contact RERA, which is the government agency responsible for regulating the real estate sector in Dubai.
They can assist you in resolving any issues with your landlord.
For more details, please reach our office on WhatsApp.
Professional Response
Subject: Guidance on Rent Payment Issues Following Property Sale
Dear Client,
I understand your concerns regarding the rent payment issue after the sale of your building and the lack of response from the new landlord. Below is a detailed response addressing your situation and potential next steps:
Legal Context and Tenant Rights
1. Validity of Tenancy Contract:
According to UAE tenancy laws (Article 28 of Dubai Property Law), the sale of a property does not affect the existing tenancy contract.
The new landlord assumes all rights and obligations under the lease, including accepting rent payments for the remainder of the lease term.
2. Responsibility for Rent Payment:
It is the responsibility of the new landlord to provide you with updated payment details (e.g., bank account information) to facilitate rent payment.
The previous landlord should have formally notified you about the sale and provided contact details for the new landlord.
3. Delayed Rent Payment Due to Lack of Clarity:
As a tenant, you are attempting to fulfill your obligation to pay rent, but the unresponsiveness of the new landlord creates uncertainty.
This situation does not constitute negligence on your part, as you are making reasonable efforts to resolve the issue.
Steps You Can Take
1. Document Your Efforts:
- Keep a record of all communication attempts with both the current and new landlords (emails, messages, calls).
- Document your intent and willingness to pay rent to demonstrate good faith in fulfilling your obligations.
2. Send a Formal Notice:
- Draft a formal notice addressed to both landlords (current and new), stating that you are ready to pay rent but require clarity on payment details. Mention that their lack of response is causing payment delays.
- Send this notice via registered mail or email for official documentation.
3. Deposit Rent in Escrow (if applicable):
- If no clarity is provided within a reasonable timeframe, you may approach the Rent Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai or the relevant authorities in your emirate to deposit your rent into an escrow account.
This ensures that you fulfill your payment obligations while avoiding penalties for late payment.
4. Seek Legal Assistance:
- Engage a real estate lawyer to guide you through this process and ensure compliance with UAE tenancy laws. A lawyer can also assist in filing a formal complaint with RDC if necessary.
5. Avoiding Late Payment Penalties:
- If penalties arise due to delayed payment caused by the landlords' lack of response, you can dispute these charges by presenting evidence of your communication efforts and willingness to pay.
Recommendations
- Act promptly by sending formal communication to both landlords requesting immediate clarification on payment instructions.
- Consider filing a complaint with RDC or seeking legal advice if no resolution is reached within a reasonable timeframe.
- Ensure all actions are documented to protect yourself from potential disputes or penalties.
Should you require assistance in drafting notices or legal representation, please let me know, and I will be happy to guide you further.
Best regards,
ABDUL WAHIED
Dear questioner
If they are not responding, then you need to pay the rent through the courts, and make clear written communications with the landlords as well regarding the submission of the cheque.
If you need our assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
