Is my Dubai landlord’s eviction notice of two months legal?



My tenancy for an apartment in Jumeirah Lake Towers is due to expire on November 15, so I have been trying to liaise with the agent who has been dealing with my cheques and contracts for the last two years to no avail. So I spoke to the landlord directly. He was out of the country for some time and has only just returned. He has now said that the owner, who appears to be someone else, has plans for the apartment, so I have to vacate. When I reminded him that I should have been given notice, he only said: “OK, then you have until December.” And he is going to write something to say that I am being asked to move out and will pay the two months’ rent. If I get a new place before December, he will reimburse the amount. I haven’t signed anything yet and all I want is to not be pressured into moving out at the last minute. Is there anything I can do? Are his actions legal? I want to at least stay for another year to sort out a new place. DC Dubai

In this scenario, your landlord is acting illegally as he is required to give you a full 12 months’ notice to leave, effective from a renewal date. The rental laws in Dubai (Law Number 26 of 2007 and subsequent amendments and updates) are in place to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords. Article 24 (2) of the law states that the landlord may demand the tenant’s eviction upon the expiry of the tenancy contract in the following cases: If the owner wishes to demolish the property for reconstruction or to add new constructions that prevent the tenant from benefiting from the leased property, provided the necessary licences are obtained; If the property requires renovation or comprehensive maintenance which cannot be executed while the tenant is an occupant; If the owner wishes to recover the property for personal use or for the use of his next of kin, provided that he proves that he does not own a suitable alternative for that purpose; If the owner wishes to sell the property. And for the purpose of the last clause, the landlord must notify the tenant with the reasons for the eviction at least 12 months prior to the determined date of eviction, and this must be sent through the Notary Public or by registered mail. The notice must run from the expiry date of the current contract and be received no later than the contract renewal date. DC is not obliged to leave her flat in December and the law is on her side.

Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated

Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid

Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
TWISTERS

Director: Lee Isaac Chung

Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos

Rating: 2.5/5