Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

In Dubai, landlords cannot evict tenants without just cause, and they must follow the legal process to do so. Law No. 26 of 2007 outlines specific circumstances under which landlords can serve eviction notices to tenants. Here's what you need to know:

What are the key rules for eviction before lease expiry?

Landlords can serve eviction letters with 12 months' notice through a notary public. However, there are specific instances where landlords can ask tenants to vacate before the lease expires: Non-payment of rent: If the tenant fails to pay rent within 30 days of receiving a payment notice. Subletting: Unauthorized subletting of the property without the landlord’s written consent. Illegal use of property: If the tenant uses the property for illegal purposes or activities that breach public order, or using the property for a purpose other than what it was leased for Property damage: Making changes that compromise the property’s safety or failing to maintain the property. Urban development: If a government entity requires the property to be demolished or renovated. Condemned property: If the property is deemed unsafe to use. In this case, the property owner must provide a technical report attested by Dubai Municipality. Other violations: If the tenant uses the property in a way that violates the planning, construction, and land use regulations in force within the emirate

What are the key rules for eviction after lease expiry?

After the expiry of the lease contract, the landlord can serve an eviction letter with a 90-day notice under these specific conditions: Demolition order: If a government entity requires demolition and reconstruction of the property Reconstruction: If the property owner intends to demolish the property for reconstruction or to add new structures that will prevent the tenant from using the property Repossession: If the property owner wishes to repossess the property for personal use or for use by any of his first-degree relatives.

What happens if the property owner rents out a property repossessed for personal use?

The property owner may not rent the property to a third party for at least one calendar year from the date of repossession. Aggrieved tenants can file a complaint with Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency and ask for compensation. ICA/Expat Media
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