Q: I rented a villa in Dubai two years ago. Two months ago, the landlord asked for a 30% rent increase, which I refused. A month ago, he sent me a notice asking me to move out of the villa. Does the landlord have the right to evict the tenant for failing to raise the rent under the Dubai Rental Law? What should I do if the eviction is illegal?
A: Under Dubai Leasehold Law, the landlord has the right to ask for a rent increase 3 months (instead of 2 months) before the expiry of the lease, which means that he does not have the right to increase your rent for this year.
If both parties fail to agree on a new rent, the landlord cannot evict the tenant on his own, but will need to request a rent increase or initiate an eviction action with the Leasing Center.
A tribunal will determine the fair rent, including the percentage of the rent increase, based on the most current criteria.