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Dubai: Tenants cannot be forced out of their homes by landlords without permission from the authorities concerned, said a senior official at the Rent Committee.
"No one can force or threaten a tenant to vacate the house," said Mohammad Al Shaikh, Secretary General of the Dubai Rent Committee.
He advised tenants to complain to the rent committee if they face such a situation.
The Dubai Rent Committee recently barred a landlord from renting his house when he served an eviction notice on the pretext that he needed the house for his son.
An official said the landlord was using the pretext just to increase the rent or get a new tenant on a higher rent. The tenant approached the committee, which told the landlord if he really needed a house for his son then he would not be able to rent out the same house to another tenant.
"There is no hard and fast rule on such cases. We decide every case on its merit," said Mohammad Al Shaikh, when asked whether this decision would apply to every landlord.
The Dubai Rent Committee receives a number of complaints from landlords seeking eviction of tenants, giving different excuses. Such cases have increased especially after the maximum seven per cent rent cap came into effect from January this year - mainly because many landlords want tenants to move out so that they can increase the rent.
Procedure
Al Shaikh said there is a procedure for serving an eviction notice - explaining the reason for eviction.
The tenants should come to the rent committee if they do not agree, he said.
The rent committee with the help of Dubai Municipality team inspects the building and then gives its decision. "But enough time is given to tenants to look for another house," he said. Also, priority should be given to the same tenants once the maintenance work is over.
He also clarified that tenants will not be evicted if a landlord uses an eviction notice as a threat just to increase rents.
"Tenants' rights are protected under the law and they should not hesitate to contact the rent committee in case of disputes," said Al Shaikh.
"I would suggest that tenants, who get rent increase notices or eviction notices, to write letters to their landlords or real estate agents mentioning the new rent law.
Disputes
"If they [tenants] do not agree, then come to us and file a case. We are here to settle such disputes," he said.
He made it clear that the rent committee takes action on disputes only if a tenant or landlord formally files a complaint with the committee.
The complainant has to deposit a fee of 3.5 per cent of the total rent amount. The fee is adjusted in the rent if he wins the case.
No significant increase in cases
Mohammad Al Shaikh, Secretary General of the Dubai Rent Committee, said there was no significant increase in the number of cases regarding rent disputes.
"Landlords know about the seven per cent rent cap rule and most of them normally don't tend to violate this," Al Shaikh said. The committee, which meets six times a week, deals with an average of 150 to 200 cases every week.
Your comments
It is a good decision taken by the authorities to control the rent hike in this emirates.
Paul
Dubai,UAE
If you complain, will any action be taken immediately or do you have to wait until your file climbs up the pile?
RULES - if the landlord rents - Rent should remain the same from date u sign the contract until u leave. He can increase when he gets a new tenant.
Clare
Dubai,UAE
I have been facing the same dilemna lately from my landlord telling me that someone is willing to pay higher rent for the place I am renting and even forcing me to move out that soon. Being a single mom, it is going to be a great help protecting the tenants from such vicious landlords.
I salute you and more power to the Dubai Rent Committee and let this be a lesson to everybody.
OG
Dubai,UAE
I think the Govt/Muncipality has to come forward in deciding the rent of every building in Dubai as pert the merit of the building.
Masood
Dubai,UAE
We the expatriates, really appreciate with all respects, the decision from the Government implemented. Such a strict law for those who have tried to violate the law as well as harming the tenants.
Santhosh
Dubai,UAE
Thanks for publishing this which is great support to tenants. Hope somebody also looks into the fact that landlords completely ceased to maintain the building resulting in shortcircuits, fire, leakages, appearance of below standards.
HL
Dubai,UAE
This is a very encouraging stand on the side of the authorities. The news must be most welcome to any type of Tenant.This will prevent greedy landlords from continuing their exploitation at the expense of national goals envisged by the country leaders.
Madhi
Dubai,UAE
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