Practical guide · Dubai
How much notice should my landlord give me to move out in Dubai?
For reasons such as selling the property or moving in, the landlord must generally give at least 12 months' formal notice. But not every eviction follows this rule. Check the reason, how the notice was served and the requested move-out date. Dubai Land Department guidance.
When does the 12-month notice rule apply?
At tenancy expiry, the grounds include sale, personal use by the landlord or a first-degree relative (such as a parent or child), rebuilding, or major work requiring an empty property.
Conditions apply. For personal use, the landlord must prove there is no suitable alternative property. Article 25.
When do the 12 months start?
There must be at least 12 months between formal notification and the requested eviction date. Do not count automatically from contract expiry.
Check proof of service: preparation and delivery dates may differ. Get legal advice if the date is disputed. Official notice requirements.
Is a WhatsApp message enough?
An ordinary message saying "please leave" is not a substitute for the required formal eviction notice. For the 12-month route, the law requires service through a notary public or registered mail. Article 25.
Save messages as evidence. If sent an electronic copy of a formal notice, check its service record; do not ignore it. RDC guidance.
Can my landlord give me only 90 days?
The usual 90-day notice concerns changes to tenancy terms, such as rent at renewal, unless you agreed otherwise. It does not replace the 12-month eviction notice for sale or personal use. Dubai Land Department guidance.
Ask whether the landlord is proposing new terms or seeking eviction.
What if my contract expires before the notice ends?
Contract expiry alone does not remove the need for a valid eviction ground and the required notice. Discuss renewal and rent payment promptly.
If you remain without the landlord objecting, the law provides for renewal on the same terms for the previous contract period or one year, whichever is shorter. Do not assume every renewal cancels an existing eviction notice; have disputed dates checked. RDC renewal guidance.
Does every tenant get 12 months to leave?
No. Different grounds can allow eviction before the contract ends.
For unpaid rent, the law generally allows the landlord to seek eviction if payment remains outstanding 30 days after a formal demand is served, unless otherwise agreed. This is a chance to pay, not an automatic move-out date or permission to stop paying. Other grounds have their own requirements. Article 25.
What should I do when I receive a notice?
- Save the notice, delivery record, contract, Ejari (registered tenancy record) and messages.
- Check the reason, service date and requested move-out date.
- Keep paying rent due. If payment is refused, ask the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) about its Offer and Deposit procedure.
- If you disagree, get legal advice promptly and check the RDC rental dispute procedure. Do not ignore court notices or deadlines.
Can the landlord lock me out or cut off services?
No. The landlord cannot cut services or block your use of the property to force you out.
Dubai Land Department says tenants can report this to the police station responsible for the area and pursue a claim through RDC, supported by official evidence. Official guidance.
What can I message my landlord?
You can adapt this ordinary request:
"Please confirm the reason you are asking me to move out and the proposed date. Please also send a copy of the formal notice and its delivery record so I can check the notice period. My current tenancy expires on [date]. Please confirm the renewal and rent-payment arrangements while this is clarified."
This message does not replace a legal response to a court case.
Official sources checked on 9 November 2026. General information for residential tenancies covered by Dubai's landlord-and-tenant law. Other jurisdictions may differ. A qualified legal adviser can assess your particular notice and contract.
What can I do next?
Looking for another home?
Browse rental listings and check the rent, move-in date and terms with the agent before making plans.
Browse homes for rent