What Abu Dhabi Tenants Should Know About Short Notice Evictions by Landlords

The rental laws of Abu Dhabi are well defined to ensure that both the landlord and the tenant are protected. It is very important that if you have been living in a rental property and your landlord wants you to move out on short notice, you know your rights and what the laws say about it.  This article will help you understand the eviction laws in Abu Dhabi, the time of notice that a landlord is required to give you, and what you can do if the landlord fails to comply with the law.

Understanding the Notice Period for Eviction in Abu Dhabi

Under Law No.4 of 2010 Amending Some Provisions of Law No. (20) of 2006 Concerning the Lease of Premises and Regulation of the Landlord-Tenant Relationship in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, (Abu Dhabi Rental Law) the landlords are to give a notice in writing if they do not want to extend the lease. 

According to Article 20 of the amended law:

“Where one of the parties does not wish to renew the lease contract or wants to modify its terms, he shall notify the other party in writing two months before the expiry date of the lease contract in case of premises leased for residential purposes, and three months before the expiry date of the lease contract in case of premises leased for commercial, industrial, liberal profession, and artisanal purposes.”

This means that if you are living in a residential property your landlord must give you a written notice at least two months before the contract expires. The notice period for commercial properties is three months.
If your landlord fails to provide the required notice, you can dispute the eviction through legal channels. 

You may want to know: Notarized Eviction Notice in UAE

Is It Legal for Landlords to Ask Tenants to Vacate on Short Notice?

No, a landlord is not allowed to provide short notice to tenants without issuing the mandatory notice period. If your landlord has only given you a few weeks’ notice before the contract end date of their decision not to renew the lease, this is a violation of Article 20 of Abu Dhabi’s rent laws.

Landlords cannot unilaterally terminate or refuse to renew a lease without compliance with the notice procedure. If they fail to serve the required notice, the tenants are allowed to remain in the premises until their complaint is heard by the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee.

What Should Tenants Do If They Receive Short Notice?

Upon receipt of a short-notice eviction notice from the landlord, the below steps should be followed:

1. Communicate with the Landlord or Real Estate Agent: Inform your landlord or real estate agent about the applicable two-month written notice requirement concerning residential property. Show the relevant portions of Article 20 to the landlord and try to settle the matter amicably.
2. Keep records: Obtain copies of all communication concerning the eviction notice, such as emails, letters, and messages. This could be vital for your further legal action.
3. Seek Legal Advice: Seek consultation from a competent legal practitioner specializing in landlord-tenant disputes to allow you to understand your rights and ways of proceeding.
4. File a Complaint with the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee: In the event you are unable to resolve the matter, you may file a complaint with the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee set up under the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

Role of the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee in Abu Dhabi

The Rent Dispute Settlement Committee is constituted pursuant to Article 24 of the Abu Dhabi Rent Law with an obligation to adjudicate disputes between landlords and tenants. 

It states:

“A local committee(s) named ‘Rent Dispute Settlement Committee’ shall be formed, shall make reports to the Abu Dhabi judicial department, and shall be presided over by a judge.”

The committee is empowered to:

• Adjudicate disputes pertaining to lease contracts.
• Grant interim measures sought by either party.
• Enforce the execution of the leases.

This legal body is empowered under the law to implement the law and prevent unlawful evictions of tenants.

Legal Remedies Available to Tenants

In case the landlord goes ahead with the eviction without following due notice, you have several legal remedies:

1. Make a Complaint: You may approach the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee by way of a formal complaint against the violation of the notice period.
2. Request for Provisional Measures: The committee must issue emergency orders to stay the eviction until the dispute is settled.
3. Claim for Damages: In case of a loss caused to you by the unlawful eviction attempts, you may file a suit for damages against him.
4. Stay on: So far as the committee is concerned with the matter, you are legally entitled to stay in the property.

When can Landlords Legally Evict Tenants?

There are specific situations where a landlord has to follow the rules of Abu Dhabi law while evicting tenants. These include the following: 

• Non-Payment of Rent: When a tenant does not pay rent, after receiving a formal communication in this connection.
• Breach of Lease Agreement: Any violation by the tenant related to the terms of the lease.
• Property Demolition or Renovation: The landlord intends to demolish the property or carry out major renovations.
• Personal Use: Use of property by the landlord or members of his immediate family for personal habitation, under a notice period.

Read more about – Circumstances under which notice of Eviction can be given

How HHS Lawyers in Dubai Can Assist You

Should an eviction in Abu Dhabi occur without proper notice, you must get in touch with HHS Dubai Lawyers to protect your rights. Our property lawyers in Dubai have experience in handling the landlords and tenant dispute, and they can:

• Review the relevant lease agreement for compliance.
• Engage and negotiate with the landlord toward an amicable settlement.
• Appear before the Rent Dispute Settlement Committee on your behalf.
• Assist you in claiming compensation for the violation of your rights.

Call HHS Lawyers in UAE today for professional legal support and make sure your rights as a tenant in Abu Dhabi are well protected.