Two-Year Rental Ban After Owner Occupancy

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In Dubai, property owners have the right to evict tenants under specific conditions if they wish to occupy the apartment themselves or for a first-degree family member’s use.

This is governed by Article 25(2)(c) of Dubai’s Amended Rent Law (Law No. 33 of 2008), which allows owners to request the tenant’s eviction at the end of the rental contract if they do not own any other suitable property for this purpose.

To begin the eviction process, the property owner must issue a 12-month eviction notice to the tenant. This notice needs to be legally attested by a notary public or sent via registered mail, clearly outlining the eviction reasons. The law mandates this notice period to ensure the tenant has adequate time to make alternative arrangements.

Additionally, once the property owner has taken possession of the apartment, they cannot rent it to a third party for at least two years if it is a residential property, or three years if it is a commercial property. This restriction is intended to prevent misuse of the eviction clause under personal use grounds.

If the owner violates this restriction by renting out the property within the prohibited period, the former tenant may petition for compensation through the rental dispute tribunal.

In summary, an owner in Dubai intending to move into their rented apartment must serve a 12-month notarized notice for eviction and, upon taking possession, refrain from renting it out for two years (for residential properties) or three years (for commercial properties).

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/legal/dubai-owners-cannot-rent-out-apartment-for-2-years-after-vacating-it-for-personal-use