Sarah (Tenant) has been renting an apartment for two years. She’s built a positive relationship with her landlord, David (Apartment Owner), through the following actions:
- Consistent communication: Sarah contacts David promptly about any issues, using his preferred method (email). She’s polite and concise in her messages.
- Timely rent payments: Sarah always pays her rent on time, often a day early. She uses the online payment system David set up for convenience.
- Property care: Sarah takes good care of the apartment, keeping it clean and reporting any maintenance issues immediately. For instance, when she noticed a small leak under the kitchen sink, she informed David right away.
- Respecting rules: She follows all rules outlined in the lease agreement, including noise regulations and pet policies.
- Flexibility: When David needed to schedule repairs, Sarah was accommodating with her schedule to allow workers access.
- Reasonable requests: Sarah only asks for necessary repairs or improvements. When she requested permission to paint a wall, she offered to return it to its original color before moving out.
- Documentation: Sarah keeps copies of all communications and agreements. When she renewed her lease, she made sure both she and David signed the new agreement.
- Neighborly behavior: She maintains good relationships with other tenants, which helps create a positive atmosphere in the building.
This positive relationship has benefited both parties. David appreciates having a responsible tenant and has been more inclined to consider Sarah’s requests, such as allowing her to install a small garden box on the balcony. In turn, Sarah enjoys a well-maintained living space and feels comfortable in her home. For an appointment with a rental dispute lawyer, please call +971506531334 +971558018669
What are The Rights and Obligations of the Landlord towards a tenant in Dubai
The key rights and obligations of landlords towards tenants in Dubai:
Rights of Landlords in the UAE
- Receive rental income on time as per the agreed terms in the lease agreement.
- Increase rent when renewing the lease, in accordance with the RERA Rent Calculator and with 90 days’ advance written notice.
- Evict tenants for valid reasons, such as non-payment of rent, unauthorized subleasing, property damage, or illegal activities.
- Inspect the property with prior notice.
- Terminate the tenancy agreement at the end of the agreed term, with 12 months’ written notice.
- Impose reasonable penalties (up to 5% of rental value) for breaches of the tenancy agreement.
- Withhold the security deposit if the property is not returned in satisfactory condition.
Obligations of Landlords in the UAE
- Ensure the property is in good condition and allows full use by the tenant as per the contract.
- Maintain, repair, and restore any faults, defects, or wear and tear in the property throughout the tenancy, unless agreed otherwise.
- Not change the leased property in ways that hinder its full intended use by the tenant.
- Provide official permits and licenses required for any construction or redecoration of the property, where relevant.
- Return the security deposit upon lease completion if the property is left in satisfactory condition.
- Provide check-in and check-out reports to tenants.
- Ensure a secure environment for the safety of tenants.
- Register the tenancy contract with Ejari to protect both parties’ rights.
It’s important to note that these rights and obligations are governed by Dubai’s tenancy laws, including Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments. Landlords should familiarize themselves with these laws and seek legal advice when needed to ensure compliance and protect their interests. For an appointment with a rental dispute lawyer, please call +971506531334 +971558018669
What are Eviction Laws in the UAE?
Here are the key points about eviction laws in Dubai:
- Landlords must provide at least 12 months’ notice to evict a tenant, served through a notary public or registered mail.
- Landlord’s valid reasons for eviction include:
- Landlord wants to demolish/reconstruct the property
- Property requires major renovations that can’t be done while occupied
- Landlord or first-degree relative wants to personally use the property
- Landlord wants to sell the property
- For personal use evictions, the landlord cannot rent the property to others for:
- 2 years for residential properties
- 3 years for non-residential properties
- Landlords can also evict during the lease term for reasons like:
- Non-payment of rent within 30 days of notice
- Illegal subletting
- Using property for illegal/immoral activities
- Leaving commercial property unoccupied for 30+ consecutive days
- Tenants can contest eviction notices if:
- Not properly served through notary public/registered mail
- Minimum notice period not given
- Reasons are invalid or false
- Recent court rulings suggest eviction notices may be transferable to new owners if a property is sold.
- Rent increases are restricted based on the Dubai Land Department rental index and require 90 days’ notice.
Its easy for the tenant to avoid rental disputes and cases against the Landlord. Maintain open, clear communication and honest dialogue with your landlord or tenant. Document everything and keep records of all communications, payments, and property conditions. The laws aim to balance tenant protections with landlords’ rights in Dubai’s property market. Proper procedures must be followed for evictions to be valid. For disputes and issues, For an appointment with a rental dispute lawyer, please call +971506531334 +971558018669
