So You Bought a Flat in Dubai, But It Came with Surprise Roommates? Relax, It's Not a Jinn Situation (Unless it Actually Is)
Congratulations on your new swanky apartment in Dubai! You're picturing sun-drenched mornings on the balcony, maybe a fancy goldfish named Bartholomew, and... hold on, what's that? The previous owner forgot to mention the delightful tenants currently residing there? Don't panic! Eviction in Dubai isn't quite a game of musical chairs with eviction notices.
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Can New Owner Evict Tenant Dubai |
But Can You ACTUALLY Kick Them Out?
Yes, but with some key considerations. Here's the skinny:
Existing Tenancy Agreement: Those folks living their best life in your apartment? They likely have a tenant's right protected by law. This means you can't exactly turn up with a sassy eviction notice and a team of movers (although that would be a pretty entertaining reality show).
Eviction Notice: If you want them to move on, you'll need to serve an eviction notice, and it has to be from you, the new owner. Notices from the previous owner aren't like transferable party favors. You'll need to give them a whopping 12 months notice (yikes!).
Reasons for Eviction: But wait, there's more! You can't just Thanos-snap your fingers and declare, "I need this place!" There has to be a legitimate reason for eviction, like:
- You plan to move in yourself or have a close relative live there. (Sorry, best friend Mohammed from college doesn't count).
- You want to sell the property with vacant possession (which might make it more attractive to buyers).
Now, here's the interesting part: The law isn't entirely cut and dry on whether the previous owner's eviction notice (if any) carries over. It can get a little murky, so legal counsel might be your best bet.
Alternative: Peace, Love, and a New Lease on Life (For Your Apartment)
Eviction is a hassle, and sometimes a good tenant is worth their weight in gold. Consider:
- Negotiating a Buyout: Maybe they'd be open to a financial incentive to vacate early. Everybody wins (except Bartholomew the goldfish, who might miss his current feeding schedule).
- Continuing the Existing Lease: If the terms are decent, you could simply become their new landlord. Less drama, more passive income.
"How To" FAQ for the Savvy New Landlord
How To Serve an Eviction Notice: Get in touch with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or a lawyer who specializes in property law. They'll guide you through the legalities and paperwork.
How To Know What's a Valid Reason for Eviction: The big two are planning to move in yourself or a close relative, or selling the property vacant. There might be others, so consult a legal professional for the full picture.
How To Deal with a Stubborn Tenant: Communication is key. Try negotiating a buyout or explain your situation clearly. If that fails, legal action might be necessary.
How To Find Out About Existing Leases: The seller should provide you with a copy of the tenancy agreement during the purchase process. If not, contact the DLD for information.
How To Become a Chill Landlord: Be respectful, responsive to maintenance requests, and consider offering a renewal lease with slightly increased rent if they've been good tenants. They might even give Bartholomew a proper goldfish funeral (assuming the worst, of course).
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