Navigating Tenant Eviction for Dubai Homeowners

In the real estate market, numerous rules and regulations apply to rentals, making it important to know these guidelines, especially in Dubai, where the real estate market is dynamically changing. In the following blog post, we will provide a detailed overview of how an owner can move into their own Dubai property after having rented it out.

Dubai's Rental Rules: How Owners Can Reclaim Their Home

Dubai's laws allow owners to move into their own property, but only by complying with certain rules. Below, we explain how tenant eviction works when the owner or their immediate family members wish to move in for personal use.

1. 12-Month Eviction Notice: Requirement and Certification

If an owner decides to move into their own apartment, they must officially notify the tenant. During this process, the owner must issue a 12-month eviction notice, which must be notarized. This ensures that the tenant has sufficient time to seek alternative housing.

It is important that the notice clearly specifies the eviction deadline, and the owner must respect the expiration date of the contract.

2. Involvement of Immediate Family: Who Can Move Into the Apartment?

Dubai laws allow the owner to use the property for themselves or make it available to their immediate family members. Immediate family members include, for example, a parent, child, or spouse, so if the owner does not wish to move in themselves but a close family member does, this can also be a legitimate reason for eviction.

3. Restriction on Renting After Eviction

According to the regulations, if the owner successfully evicts the tenant, the property cannot be rented out again for two years. This restriction is part of the regulation's tightening to ensure that owners take possession for actual personal use, not just to swap tenants.

4. Tenant Rights: Lease Expiration and Renewal

The tenant also has rights, as the law protects those who regularly pay rent and comply with contractual obligations. If the owner does not adhere to the required 12-month notice period or does not use the property for personal use, the tenant may seek compensation through legal means.

The Dubai Rental Disputes Center is an effective forum for those who feel the eviction is unjust and offers legal remedies.

Summary

For owners in Dubai, there is an option to move into their own property, provided they comply with strict tenant protection regulations. The 12-month advance notice and the two-year rental restriction ensure that the apartment is genuinely used for personal purposes, not just for a quick tenant swap.