Moving Out Early in Dubai? Know Your Rental Rights

DUBAI: Planning to move out of your apartment before your rental contract ends?

Expats should check their tenancy agreement carefully before packing their bags because Dubai law generally does not allow either the tenant or landlord to simply end a valid lease on their own.

Dubai Land Department (DLD) says an active Ejari contract can be terminated during its term if both parties agree or when permitted under Dubai’s tenancy law.

Check Your Contract Before Moving Out

Dubai’s tenancy law does not set one standard early-termination notice period for every residential lease.

Instead, DLD says that if the tenancy agreement contains an early-termination provision, tenants should follow those terms.

If there is no such provision, leaving early becomes a matter for discussion and agreement between the landlord and tenant. Otherwise, both parties are expected to honour the contract.

DLD’s tenant guide also advises residents to check their contract for early-vacating conditions and possible penalty fees before terminating a lease.

Is Unused Rent Automatically Refunded?

Do not assume that leaving the property early automatically gives you the right to a refund for the unused months.

Dubai’s official tenancy law does not provide a general automatic refund of unused prepaid rent simply because a tenant decides to move out before the contract expires.

Any refund or financial settlement may therefore depend on the contract, an agreement with the landlord, or a decision in a rental dispute.

What About Your Security Deposit?

The rules are clearer for security deposits.

Article 20 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 allows landlords to collect a security deposit and requires them to return the deposit, or its remaining amount, when the tenancy ends.

DLD advises tenants to document the condition of the property when handing it back.

The Rental Disputes Center has also previously ordered a landlord to return a tenant’s deposit when there were no repair costs requiring deductions.

Shared Accommodation Has Another Important Rule

OFWs living in shared accommodation should also check whether their arrangement is an authorised sublease.

Under Article 24, a tenant generally cannot sublet a property or part of it to another person without the landlord’s written consent, unless the parties have agreed otherwise.

This means someone renting a bedspace or room should not automatically assume that the protections applying to a registered tenant also apply to their arrangement.

What to Do Before Leaving

Before moving out early, review your tenancy contract for notice requirements and penalties, discuss the termination in writing with your landlord, settle outstanding payments, document the property’s condition, and arrange the necessary Ejari cancellation.

DLD also recommends obtaining proof that the property was returned to the landlord. If a dispute cannot be resolved, tenants can approach Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center.