Can I sell my Dubai property with a tenant in it?

Yes. The buyer takes over as landlord. Selling does not cancel the tenant's existing fixed-term lease. Tell buyers from the start that the property is rented, including the rent and lease dates. Dubai tenancy law, Article 28

Not immediately. Selling is a legal ground to seek eviction at lease expiry, but the law requires at least 12 months' notice, stating the reason and served through a notary public or registered mail.

Have a UAE property lawyer check the notice and dates before promising an empty home. A sale announcement is not an eviction notice. Amended Article 25

You can agree an earlier departure voluntarily. Put the move-out date, rent refund, deposit settlement and any agreed payment in writing. Record the actual handover. Do not rely on a verbal promise. Article 7

Only promise an empty home if you can legally deliver it. Show the buyer any existing notice and proof of service. Do not assume your notice automatically works for the buyer; have a qualified adviser check it before agreeing a move-in date. Rental Disputes Center guidance

Check the lease and agree appointments with the tenant. Confirm times in writing, group viewings where possible, and ask permission before photographing personal belongings. Do not force entry or interfere with the tenant's use of the home. Official guidance on tenant protection

Make the tenancy position clear:

• Lease and Ejari, the registered tenancy record.
• Rent, payment dates, amounts already received and unpaid amounts.
• Deposit held, special lease terms, and any notices or disputes.

Keep contracts, identity papers and unit numbers out of public adverts. Record in the sale agreement whether the buyer takes over the tenancy or receives an empty property on an agreed, legally achievable date.

Agree the rent split with the buyer in writing. Record the date the buyer becomes entitled to rent and how prepaid rent will be settled. Confirm arrangements for outstanding cheques with the tenant and relevant bank; do not assume cheques payable to you can simply be used by the buyer.

Include it in the sale settlement. Record the amount held, how it passes to the buyer and who handles any deductions agreed with the tenant. Give the tenant written confirmation of the deposit position and new landlord's contact details. Dubai Land Department guidance

Confirm the change of landlord in writing. Coordinate with the buyer so the tenant knows whom to contact and how future rent is paid. Ask the Ejari service how to record the ownership change without incorrectly ending the continuing tenancy.

Selling without an agent? Read our short direct-sale guide.