Dubai: Owners restricted from leasing apartment for 2 years after taking it back for own use

Steps to Evict a Tenant for Personal Use

If you're planning to move into your Dubai apartment currently rented to a tenant, you’ll need to follow specific legal procedures for a smooth transition. Here’s how to proceed and the conditions involved:

Serve a 12-Month Notice: According to Dubai's rental laws, if an owner intends to reclaim a property for personal use or for a first-degree family member, they must serve the tenant with a 12-month eviction notice. This notice must be served through a notary public or by registered mail.

Proof of No Alternative Property: The owner must demonstrate that they do not have any other property suitable for residence to support the request for eviction.

Notice Period: The tenant will then have a full 12 months from the date of receiving the notice to vacate the property.

Restrictions on Renting After Eviction

Upon taking possession of the property for personal use:

Residential Property: You cannot rent out the apartment to a third party for two years.

Non-Residential Property: The restriction extends to three years for commercial properties.

This rule aims to ensure that the apartment is genuinely used for personal needs rather than for a quick re-let.

Compensation for Tenant in Case of Violation

If the owner violates this restriction by renting out the property within the prohibited period, the tenant can approach the rental tribunal to seek fair compensation for the inconvenience.

These regulations ensure that owners reclaim property for legitimate personal or family use, protecting tenant rights and supporting rental market stability in Dubai.