Guides · UAE · Dubai
Can a landlord evict a tenant in Dubai?
By Ahmed Elrayes · Updated
A Dubai landlord can only end a tenancy on expiry for the grounds in Law 33/2008 Article 25(2): the owner or a first-degree relative will live in the unit, the unit is being sold, it needs demolition, or renovation that cannot be done while occupied. The notice must be served at least 12 months before the eviction date through a notary public or registered mail; a message or email does not count.
Eviction during the contract
Article 25(1) lists breaches that allow eviction during the term after a 30-day written notice to remedy: unpaid rent, subletting without consent, illegal or immoral use, damage, use contrary to the licensed purpose, and a commercial unit left closed for 30 consecutive or 90 non-consecutive days. These go through the RDC.
Eviction on expiry
Only the four grounds above, with 12 months' notice served through the notary public or registered mail. If the landlord evicts for personal use and then lets the unit to someone else within two years (three for commercial), the tenant may claim compensation at the RDC.
What the notice should contain
The unit, the ground relied on, the eviction date at least 12 months out, and the landlord's signature; for sale, a sale listing or agreement; for renovation, a municipality-approved report. Keep the notary stamp or registered-mail receipt.
How Leasifys helps
Leasifys drafts the bilingual notice letter with the legal ground selected from the city's list, shows the lead time as a warning, and records how and when it was served with the proof. The other side acknowledges in the app; the statutory notice remains the notarised or posted letter.
Information from the laws and official portals as at the date shown, not legal advice. Check figures on the official channel before acting.