I have rented out the villa I own in The Springs in Dubai and the lease expires on February 19 this year. I will be renewing the lease for a further 12 months at my tenant’s request. I am now in Doha and I wish to put the villa up for sale next year. I need to issue a termination letter to the tenant to vacate on expiry of the renewed tenancy contract so on February 19, 2016. I have some questions – does the termination letter have to be in both English and Arabic, or will just English suffice? Can I forward it through registered Q-Post or a courier service? And to which address, the tenant’s PO Box in Dubai, their home or their physical office address? DK, Doha
Dubai rental law does not require the eviction notice to be in Arabic; English only will be sufficient, as it can be legally translated if required. However, I would recommend issuing the notice in both languages. It can also be useful to have it written and translated at an approved typing centre. The law is clear in that it must be sent to the tenant by public notary or registered mail. Provided the eviction notice is clearly written, sets out the proper terms and is delivered by a registered courier service, not a national postal service, then it should be valid if sent from outside the UAE. It should be delivered into the hands of the tenant at the leased address.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 20 years of experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice.
