Five points to remember about the landlord and tenant relationship

18 Apr 2019

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The two laws that regulate the landlord and tenant relationship in both residential and commercial properties in the Dubai are:

• Law No. 26 of 2007 regulating the relationship between landlords & tenants in the Emirate of Dubai; and

• Law No. 33 of 2008 amending some provisions of Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating Relationship between landlords & tenants in Dubai.

5 points to remember from the law are as follows:

1. If a tenant fails to pay rent value, or part thereof within thirty (30) days of the landlord’s notification for payment (unless the parties agree otherwise) the landlord may demand eviction of the tenant before the expiry of the tenancy period;

2. If a tenant has to evict a property due to demolition, reconstruction or renovation, the tenant has priority to return to the property provided that the rent value is fixed and specified within the tenancy contract. The tenant can benefit from this priority right for a period of thirty (30) days from when notification is given by the Landlord;

3. If a tenant continues to occupy a property after expiry of the contract period with no objection from the landlord, the contract shall be deemed renewed for similar period or for one year (whichever is less) on the same terms and conditions;

4. A valid contract cannot be unilaterally terminated by a landlord or tenant unless both parties agree on the termination of the contract or the termination is in accordance with the provision of the law;

5. The value of rent includes benefiting from utilities within the property such as swimming pools, playgrounds, sports halls, health club, car parking, unless agreed otherwise.

This article does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. For specific advice in relation to any of the issues highlighted above, please contact enquiries@jamesberrylaw.ae.

Author: Hannah Farooq | Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department