Dubai’s rental market is governed by Law No. 26 of 2007, outlining the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants regarding eviction. Landlords may issue eviction notices with a 12-month notice period through a notary public. However, specific circumstances allow landlords to evict tenants before their contract expires. These include cases where tenants fail to pay rent within 30 days of receiving a notice, sublet the property without written consent, or use the property for illegal activities or purposes that breach public order.
Moreover, landlords can evict tenants if they cause property damage or violate contract terms, provided a 30-day notice is given to rectify the situation. After the lease contract expires, landlords may also ask tenants to vacate if the property needs full renovation, demolition, or reconstruction due to urban development requirements. Additionally, landlords can repossess the property for personal use or for first-degree relatives, provided they notify tenants 90 days before the contract’s end.
If a landlord successfully reclaims the property for personal use, they are prohibited from renting it to third parties for at least one year. Otherwise, tenants have the right to seek compensation. These eviction laws ensure a fair balance between the rights of property owners and the protection of tenants, offering both sides legal recourse in cases of dispute. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) oversees these regulations to maintain fairness in Dubai’s rental market.
