What to Do if Your Landlord Sells a Rented Property in Dubai

If your landlord decides to sell a rented property in Dubai, understand your rights as a tenant, the eviction notice period, and legal protections under RERA and Dubai tenancy laws.

Article Overview

Introduction

1. Can a Landlord Sell a Rented Property in Dubai?

Key Points:

2. Tenant Rights When a Landlord Sells a Property

A. Lease Continuation Until Expiry

B. Eviction for Personal Use or Sale Without Tenants

3. What If Your Landlord Asks You to Vacate Immediately?

4. Steps to Take If Your Landlord Sells the Property

Step 1: Review Your Tenancy Contract

Step 2: Ask for Written Notice

Step 3: Verify Buyer’s Intentions

Step 4: Negotiate an Early Exit (If Necessary)

5. Key Legal Protections for Tenants in Dubai

6. Finding a New Rental Property in Dubai

7. GoDubai Portal – The Best Platform for Finding Your Next Home

Conclusion

Introduction

Dubai’s dynamic real estate market sees frequent property transactions, including Properties for Sale in Dubai, which may include homes that are already leased. If you are living in a rented property and your landlord decides to sell, it’s essential to understand your rights, obligations, and the legal framework governing such transactions.

This guide covers Dubai Real Estate Market regulations related to property sales while tenants are in place, notice periods, compensation rights, and what steps you should take if faced with eviction due to a sale.

1. Can a Landlord Sell a Rented Property in Dubai?

Yes, under Dubai Real Estate Laws, landlords have the legal right to sell their property even if it is occupied by a tenant. However, the sale does not automatically terminate the lease. The new owner must either honor the existing Ejari-registered rental contract or provide legal notice if they intend to evict the tenant.

Key Points:

✔ The property sale does not cancel an ongoing lease.
✔ The new owner must either continue the tenancy or evict the tenant under specific legal conditions.
✔ Tenants are protected under Law No. 26 of 2007 and Law No. 33 of 2008 (Dubai Tenancy Law).

🔗 Dubai Tenancy Law – RERA Guidelines

2. Tenant Rights When a Landlord Sells a Property

A. Lease Continuation Until Expiry

✔ If the property is sold, the tenant has the right to remain in the property until the lease term ends.
✔ The new owner inherits the obligations of the rental contract and cannot evict the tenant without legal grounds.

B. Eviction for Personal Use or Sale Without Tenants

✔ If the buyer wants to use the property for personal residence or sell it without tenants, they must:

• Provide the tenant a 12-month written notice via Notary Public or registered mail.
  
  

• The notice period begins only after lease expiry.
  
  

✔ If the buyer intends to keep the property as an investment, they must honor the existing lease.

🔗 Ejari Rental Contracts in Dubai

3. What If Your Landlord Asks You to Vacate Immediately?

If your landlord tries to pressure you to vacate before the legal 12-month notice period, you can:

✔ Refuse to move out unless given proper legal notice.
✔ File a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC) if the landlord acts unlawfully.
✔ Continue paying rent as per the contract.

🔗 Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC)

4. Steps to Take If Your Landlord Sells the Property

Step 1: Review Your Tenancy Contract

✔ Check if your lease is Ejari-registered.
✔ Confirm the expiry date and clauses regarding property sale.
✔ Ensure your security deposit and rental cheques are protected.

Step 2: Ask for Written Notice

✔ If the landlord wants to evict you, they must issue a 12-month notice.
✔ The notice must be delivered via Notary Public or registered mail.

Step 3: Verify Buyer’s Intentions

✔ If the new owner intends to continue renting, ensure they acknowledge the lease.
✔ If they plan to evict, they must provide valid reasons under RERA regulations.

Step 4: Negotiate an Early Exit (If Necessary)

✔ If the new owner insists on an early vacating, you can negotiate:

• Compensation for moving costs.
  
  

• A rent-free period to help you find a new home.
  
  

• Relocation assistance.
  
  

5. Key Legal Protections for Tenants in Dubai

🔗 RERA Dubai – Tenancy Regulations

6. Finding a New Rental Property in Dubai

If you must relocate, consider searching for:

✔ Apartments for Rent in Dubai – Various options for different budgets.
✔ Villas for Sale in Dubai – If you’re considering buying instead of renting.
✔ Affordable Apartments in Dubai – Ideal for tenants seeking cost-effective solutions.
✔ Studio Apartments for Rent in Dubai – Perfect for singles and small families.
✔ Luxury Properties in Dubai – High-end rental options in prime locations.

🔗 Find Properties for Rent in Dubai
🔗 Find Villas for Sale in Dubai

7. GoDubai Portal – The Best Platform for Finding Your Next Home

If your landlord sells your property and you need a new rental or investment property, GoDubai Portal provides:

✔ Access to a comprehensive database of rental and off-plan properties.
✔ Verified listings of Townhouses for Sale in Dubai, luxury apartments, and commercial properties.
✔ Expert insights on Mortgage Options in Dubai and the Dubai Golden Visa for Property Investors.
✔ Market trends, RERA compliance updates, and Dubai Land Department insights.

🔗 Subscribe to GoDubai Portal for expert guidance on Dubai real estate.

Conclusion

If your landlord sells a rented property in Dubai, your tenancy rights remain protected under RERA and Dubai tenancy laws. You cannot be forced to leave without proper legal notice, and the new owner must honor the existing lease unless they plan to use the property personally.

Understanding your rights helps you negotiate a fair exit, ensure a smooth transition, or secure compensation if required. Whether you choose to continue renting or buy your own home, platforms like GoDubai Portal offer the best real estate insights and investment opportunities in Dubai’s ever-growing property market.

Would you like assistance in finding a new rental home or investment property in Dubai?