What happens if the current tenant refuses to move and continues to stay on the premises?

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for your message!

If you wish to evict the current tenant at the end of the Ejari contract (October 2025) to rent the property to a new tenant, you are legally required to serve a 12-month written notice for eviction.

This notice must be sent through a notary public or registered mail, and the 12-month period begins from the date the notice is served, not from the contract end date.

If the tenant refuses to vacate after the notice period, you may file an eviction case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Settlement Center.

To ensure compliance with legal procedures and avoid future disputes, we recommend booking a consultation or assigning us to act on your behalf.

Dear Client,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the process of switching or onboarding a new tenant for your apartment in Dubai after your current Ejari contract expires in October 2025.

1. Notice Period Requirement:

According to Dubai tenancy laws, if you wish to evict your current tenant for the purpose of renting the property to a new tenant, you are required to provide a 12-month written notice.

This notice must be served via a notary public or registered mail to be legally valid and to serve as proof of delivery. The notice should clearly state the reason for eviction.

2. If the Tenant Refuses to Vacate:

Should the current tenant refuse to leave the premises after the 12-month notice period, you are entitled to file an eviction case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDC) in Dubai.

The RDC will review your case and, if justified, issue an eviction order. If the tenant continues to stay after the court order, enforcement procedures will be initiated to remove the tenant from the property.

3. Recommended Actions:

- Serve the 12-month eviction notice as soon as possible via a notary public or registered mail.

- Retain all relevant documentation, including the tenancy contract, title deed, Ejari, and proof of notice delivery.

- If the tenant does not vacate after the notice period, proceed with filing a case at the RDC.

If you require assistance with preparing the eviction notice or navigating the legal process, please let me know. I would be happy to assist you further.

Best regards,

Hi,

Hope you're doing well!

Upon your inquiry, usually, the eviction notice period is different for each emirate. While we can consider that for all emirates, the prior notice should not be less than 3 months.

If the tenant refuses to vacate, you can approach the rental disputes authorities for that.

Thank you!

Hello,

If you intend not to renew the tenancy or evict the current tenant at the end of the Ejari, then you need to give 12 months’ written notice through a notary.

If the tenant doesn't evacuate despite the notice, then you can file a case with the Rent Dispute Settlement Center.

You can reach out on [-----------] for further clarification or assistance.

Thanks!

According to UAE law, if you do not wish to renew the tenancy contract for legitimate reasons (such as selling the property or personal use), you must provide a 12-month notice before the contract expiration.

The notice should be in writing and registered through a notary or a certified mail.

If the tenant refuses to vacate after the notice period, you can approach the Rental Dispute Settlement Committee to file an official eviction request.

Hello,

There are some factors to be considered. The 12-month notice is applicable if the landlord wants to evict the tenant for sale or personal use of the property.

It cannot be used for evicting the tenant for re-renting the property, which can be disputed by the current tenant.

We will let you know the possibilities in detail.

Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss further.

Hello,

Under Dubai’s tenancy law, if a landlord does not wish to renew the lease and intends for the tenant to vacate the property, the landlord must give a 90-day (3-month) notice prior to the expiration of the tenancy contract.

This notice should be provided to the tenant before the contract ends, informing them that the lease will not be renewed and they are expected to vacate at the end of the contract period. Notice should be properly served.

If you require our assistance, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your inquiry!

Since your current Ejari lease ends in October 2025, here are the important points under Dubai tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007 as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008):

1. Notice for Eviction:

If you wish not to renew the lease and bring in a new tenant, you must serve a written 12-month notice through a notary public or registered courier.

This notice should be given at least 12 months before the end of the tenancy contract (i.e., by October 2024).

2. If Tenant Refuses to Vacate:

If the tenant refuses to leave after the notice period and lease expiry, you have the right to:

- File an eviction case with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC).

- Attach proof of the notice sent properly and the reason for eviction (e.g., renting to someone else, personal use, or sale).

3. Important Notes:

If the 12-month eviction notice is not served properly and in time, the tenant may have the right to renew the lease.

You cannot evict the tenant without legal grounds and proper notice, even after the contract ends.

Please let me know if you'd like help preparing and sending the legal notice or filing a case if needed.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant