Can Your Landlord Evict You Because They Want to Sell? Dubai Property Law Explained

The landlord can request the termination of a renter if they desire to offer the property, but rigid legislation should be taken into account. Unlike Dubai Tenancy Law, landlords cannot ask tenants to move out after a few weeks or months.

Just giving a casual notice, or making a phone call or WhatsApp message stating that the property is being sold, will not suffice to be able to evict a tenant under the Evictions by way of sale clause unless it is in the formal legal format.

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Dubai’s Mandatory 12-Month Eviction Notice

The 12-months notification period is the most important protection for tenants. If the landlord is preparing to sell the property, and migration is required to be made by the tenant, then notice will be required to be given at least 12 months in advance of the tenant being required to move out.

The notice shall also be issued in the formal manner such as by Notary Public or registered mail. The 12-month period is a time that starts from the date of receipt of formal notice.

That means a landlord typically isn’t entitled to ask a tenant to move out of the rental in a month or two because of the property’s sale.

What Happens When a Dubai Property Is Sold?

The termination of a tenancy under a rental does not result from the sale of the rental property. When the ownership changes during the term of an existing lease arrangement, the owner will assume the responsibilities of being the landlord.

The tenant’s contractual rights can’t, therefore, be lost just because the property has changed hands. The seller can’t just ask the new owner to move out immediately, simply by virtue of the fact that they are the owner.

What Should Tenants Do If Asked to Leave?

Tenants need to determine first how notice was issued and whether the notice includes the proper amount of notice, as specified in these rules. Retain copies of WhatsApp messages, emails and tenancy notices and contracts.

Tenants can get support from Dubai Rental Disputes Center (RDC) to discuss the issue with the landlord in a much more constructive and useful manner, and can take the right legal actions if the landlord tries to rush them out by harassing, disconnecting utilities or locking out the tenant.

FAQs

Can my landlord notify me of the two-months before sale?

A landlord may not serve any demand that is shorter than the legal 12 month’s notice for a sale-based eviction.

Will selling the apartment terminate my tenancy?

No. However, a property isn’t deemed to come to the end of its lease when it is sold, and the landlord’s duty to comply with the current lease continues with the new buyer.

What if your Landlord is forcing you out?

All communications and tenancy-related documents should be kept and one should file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Disputes Center in the event the landlord comes for an illegal early eviction.