The Regulatory Framework for Eviction in Dubai
In Dubai, the relationship between landlords and tenants is strictly governed by Law No. (26) of 2007 and its amendment, Law No. (33) of 2008. Under Article 25(2) of the amended law, a landlord may seek the eviction of a tenant upon the expiry of the tenancy contract if the owner intends to demolish or carry out comprehensive renovations that prevent the tenant from occupying the premises.
Mandatory Notice Requirements
To legally proceed with an eviction for renovation, the landlord must provide the tenant with a 12-month notice. This notice is mandatory and must be sent via Notary Public or registered mail. Crucially, the landlord must provide technical reports approved by the Dubai Municipality or relevant authorities to prove that the intended renovations are substantial enough to require the property to be vacant.
Tenant Rights and Compensation
Tenants should be aware that if a landlord evicts them for renovation but fails to carry out the work, the tenant may be entitled to compensation through the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). Furthermore, if the property is re-leased to another party after the renovation, the original tenant often has the right of first refusal to re-occupy the premises under new terms, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.