Can Dubai landlord remove tenant to use property ‘for storage’

Keren Bobker advises a reader who is unsure whether the landlord is acting legally.

Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. Landlords have to follow the correct procedure to evict a tenant. Pawan Singh / The National
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My tenancy contract expired on February 5. My landlord hinted to me last year on the phone that he might need the place for his own personal use. I reminded him about the expiration of my tenancy via text message while also informing him about my intention to renew my contract. He called me back on February 15 to tell me matter of factly that he can now confirm he needs to use the place by the summer. As prices have increased more than 50 per cent, it seems he is trying to nicely ease me out with a story that he wants to go back to the United Kingdom and needs the place for storage. I empathised with him, but I also need to be sure I am not being lied to so that the rent can be jacked up for a new tenant. And I also don't want to antagonise him, so what can I do to resolve this issue? AR Dubai

AR has confirmed that he wishes to renew and as the landlord took no action 90 days prior to the end of the tenancy period, the lease will renew for another year on identical terms. A hint by way of a telephone call has no legal standing so the landlord is not permitted to ask his tenant to vacate even if he wishes to live in the property. The law relating to tenant eviction in Dubai is very clear and is backed up by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. If the landlord or his immediate relatives wishes to live in the property, he must provide the tenant with a full 12 months’ notice in writing which must be delivered prior to the renewal date either by public notary or registered post. Wishing to use a property for storage is not listed as an acceptable reason to evict a tenant and also looks a little suspicious. As the landlord has failed to act properly he cannot now issue an eviction notice until prior to the renewal date in February 2015, which will only be valid – assuming for a proper reason – from February 2016. I suggest that AR politely advise the landlord of the law and that he will be remaining in the property.

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