Does my lease end if my landlord sells the property in Dubai?

No. Under Dubai law, an existing tenancy contract transfers to the new owner. The new landlord must honour your current lease terms, including the rent amount, until the contract expires.

Can a new landlord increase my rent immediately after buying the property?

No. The new owner must honour your existing contract terms. Any rent increase can only happen at contract renewal and must follow the RERA Decree 43/2013 brackets. The new landlord must also give 90 days written notice.

Can my landlord evict me to sell the property?

Yes, sale is a valid eviction ground under Article 25(2) of Law 26/2007, but only when the contract ends and with at least 12 months written notice of the eviction date by notary public or registered mail. You cannot be evicted mid-contract for this reason, and the lease survives the sale (Article 28).

Landlord Selling Property in Dubai: Your Rights as a Tenant

Finding out your landlord is selling your home is unsettling. But Dubai law protects tenants in this situation: here is what you need to know.

Your Lease Survives the Sale

This is the most important rule: under Dubai tenancy law, your existing contract transfers to the new owner. The sale does not end your lease. The new landlord must:

Honour your current rent amount until contract expiry
Respect all existing contract terms
Follow normal renewal/eviction procedures at contract expiry

During the Sale Process

While your landlord is selling:

You do not have to allow viewings unless your contract specifically requires it
Your landlord cannot pressure you to leave early
Your security deposit obligation transfers to the new owner
Your Ejari will need to be updated with the new owner's details

If the New Owner Wants You Out

The new owner can only evict you by:

Waiting until your current contract expires
Giving 12 months notice of the eviction date by notary public or registered mail
Stating a valid legal reason under Article 25(2): demolition or reconstruction, renovation that cannot be done with you in occupation, personal use by the owner or a first-degree relative, or sale

They cannot simply ask you to leave because they bought the property.

Protecting Yourself

Ensure your Ejari is registered: this is your proof of tenancy
Keep copies of your original contract and all payment receipts
Scan your contract to understand your specific terms
If pressured, send a formal notice asserting your rights

Related Resources

Eviction Notice in Dubai: Know Your Rights
Can My Landlord Increase Rent in Dubai?
Complete Guide to Tenant Rights in Dubai
Ask Our AI Rights Assistant about property sales