In Dubai, getting rid of a roommate is a legal process that needs to be done carefully. Even after a lease is over, property owners can’t just kick renters out at any time. The Dubai rental law protects both owners and tenants, making sure that everything is fair and clear.
Property owners in Dubai need to know how to read an eviction letter if they want to get back into their home without getting into a legal battle. This guide explains the law, the steps that need to be taken, the reasons why eviction is allowed, and the mistakes that landlords should not make.
Understanding Eviction Notice in Dubai Under UAE Rental Law
In Dubai, an eviction notice is a formal legal document that tells a renter that the landlord wants to end the lease and take back the property. This notice has to follow Law No. 26 of 2007 and the changes made to it by Law No. 33 of 2008.
Dubai’s rental rules say that evicting a tenant is illegal unless there are certain legally valid reasons to do so. Even if the landlord has a good reason, they still have to give you enough warning and paperwork.
Notices to vacate must be given at least one year in advance and must be sent through registered mail or a notary public. Notices sent informally, like emails or phone calls, are not legally binding.
If you don’t follow these rules, rental officials may not act on your eviction claims.
Legal Grounds for Issuing an Eviction Notice in Dubai
A landlord can’t send out an eviction letter just because they want to. The law only lets people be evicted in certain situations.
Valid Reasons for Eviction Notice in Dubai
An eviction notice in Dubai is legally valid only if issued for one of the following reasons:
1. Personal Use by Owner
A landlord can kick out a renter who plans to use the property to live there or with close family members. But the owner can’t rent the property to anyone else for at least two years (three years for business property) after the tenant is kicked out.
2. Sale of the Property
If the owner wants to sell the house, the tenant can be kicked out after giving the landlord enough notice. The desire to sell must be real and backed up by proof.
3. Major Renovation or Reconstruction
Tenants can be kicked out of their home if big repairs are needed that make it impossible for them to stay. Not even minor repair is a good enough reason.
4. Demolition of Property
If the building is going to be torn down by the government, the landlord may send an eviction letter.
5. Breach of Tenancy Contract
A renter can be kicked out for breaking the terms of their lease by doing things like subletting without permission, using the property illegally, or doing major damage.
Procedure to Serve an Eviction Notice in Dubai
Issuing an eviction notice in Dubai involves a structured legal process that must be followed carefully.
Step 1: Drafting the Legal Notice
The notice must clearly mention:
- Reason for eviction
- Property details
- Eviction date
- Reference to applicable law
Ambiguous or incomplete notices are likely to be rejected.
Step 2: Notarisation and Legal Service
The eviction notice must be:
- Notarised, and
- Served through registered mail or official courier channels
Notices sent through WhatsApp or email are generally invalid.
Step 3: 12-Month Notice Period
The warning has to be given at least 12 months before the date of the eviction. The time period starts when the tenant gets the letter, not when it is sent out.
Step 4: Contract Renewal During Notice Period
Even if they give a tenant a notice to vacate, the landlord has to renew the lease if the renter asks and follows the rules. Before the notice time is over, the tenant cannot be forced to move out.
Step 5: Enforcement Through Rental Dispute Centre
The landlord can go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) to get the tenant to leave if they don’t after the notice time.
Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
Landlord Rights
Property owners have the right to:
- Reclaim their property for valid legal reasons
- Receive rent during the notice period
- Seek compensation for damages
- Approach RDSC for dispute resolution
Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords must:
- Issue legally compliant eviction notices
- Respect notice periods
- Avoid harassment or forced eviction
- Maintain the property during tenancy
Tenant Rights
Tenants are entitled to:
- Complete 12-month notice period
- Renewal of contract during notice period
- Legal protection against unlawful eviction
- Compensation for wrongful eviction
These rights ensure stability in Dubai’s rental market.
Need a More information About It?
Our agents will help you explore premium options tailored to your lifestyle, location preferences, and investment goals.
Important points for Commercial Property Eviction
Commercial lease evictions work in a similar way, but they are usually looked at more closely. Courts carefully look over business loses and promises made in contracts.
For business properties, evictions for personal use or redevelopment must be backed up by strong proof. Courts may give tenants money if being kicked out of their home causes business problems without a good reason.
How can you manage eviction notice in dubai easily?
Giving an eviction notice in Dubai is an important legal action that must be done in strict accordance with rental laws. Property owners need to know that evicting a tenant is not a right that can be used at will, but a formal process that must be followed.
Landlords can protect their investments and keep legal relationships with tenants by following the right steps, giving renters enough time to give notice, and giving real reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tenant has to give at least 12 months’ notice after getting a notarized eviction letter.
No, you can’t be kicked out of your home unless the reason is legal, like for personal use, sale, remodeling, or demolition.
Not at all. Notices to vacate must be notarized and sent through official legal channels.
Yes. Tenants can renew their lease during the notice time as long as they follow the terms of their contract.
The landlord can go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center and make a case to get the law to follow through.
Join The Discussion