It’s the tenant’s worst nightmare; your landlord sells the property and the new owner decides to bump up the rent or even evict you. But don’t worry, even though the apartment you’re renting has a new owner, you still have your rights as a tenant.
As part of Propertyfinder series on tenancy rights and regulations, we offer you some advice on what to do when if a new property owner tries to evict you if you don’t agree to the rent rise. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Firstly, even if the owner wants to sell the property, as long as your tenancy contract hasn’t expired, and you have not been given a 12-month notice, you are entitled to stay there. And if the property is sold with you still living there, the property will be marked with a sitting tenant.
Secondly, in case the property is sold and the new owner wishes to move into it, he will have to give you a 12-months eviction notice once the property is handed to them. This means that upon the expiration of your contract with the former owner, you continue to pay rent until the next owner hands you a new 12-months notice.
Thirdly, if the new landlord wishes to increase the rent, he must do so with accordance to the RERA index, and has to give you 90-days notice before increasing the rent.
Over all, the important thing is to save all correspondents between you and your landlord (old and new), and ask for all communication to be in written form. If either of the landlords tries to pressure you, try to resolve the issue with them and when that doesn’t work, file a case at the RDSC.
So now that you have a clearer understanding of your tenancy rights, are you ready to rent an apartment? Check out Propertyfinder.ae for the best listings in Dubai.
The information presented above is not legal advice, we encourage readers to seek legal consultation when needed.
