Q: I recently bought a property in Abu Dhabi that had a pre-existing lease, which I was told would end in September next year. The tenant says the lease agreement we have bought into grants them a further lease. I bought the property to live in. I am distressed by the situation as I cannot afford to pay rent and a mortgage. I have served an eviction notice for next year but the tenant is refusing to accept the eviction notice. What do I do?
A: As per article 18 of law no. 20 of 2006, which relates to rent and tenancy relationships in Abu Dhabi, if the ownership of a leased property moves to another owner the tenancy contract is still effective against the new owner. Under article 23 of the code, it also states that the tenant cannot be asked to leave the leased property, except for one of the following reasons:
If the owner of the property is to occupy the leased property himself for the purpose of housing, on the condition that the owner of the property is not suitable for housing in the municipal jurisdiction where the property lies. If you wish to enforce this exception you must give the tenant six months’ notice before the end of their tenancy contract. After they move out you must move in and live at the property for at least one year without interruption.
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