When can a Dubai tenant be evicted?

LANDLORDS HAVE LEGAL RECOURSE IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS, INCLUDING NON-PAYMENT OF RENT

- BY ASHFAQ AHMED

Evictions in Dubai are allowed only under specific legal conditions, and tenants cannot be forced to vacate arbitrarily, according to a senior judge at Dubai's Rental Disputes Centre (RDC)

Dr Omar Bin Suwaidan Al Suwaidi, Senior First Instance Judge at RDC, told Gulf News that the centre ensures disputes are handled fairly, efficiently, and transparently.

He said that tenants are well-protected under Dubai law. "Tenants cannot be evicted simply because the landlord wants them to leave. Factors like children's schools, work locations, and family stability are considered to ensure fairness in eviction cases," he said.

Dr Al Suwaidi added that landlords also have legal recourse in certain circumstances, including nonpayment of rent and unauthorised structural modifications. "If tenants fail to pay rent or make structural changes without consent, landlords are entitled to take action," he explained.

Eviction scenarios before the lease ends

Landlords may request eviction of tenants before the lease ends in the following cases: