Abu Dhabi makes it easier for landlords to evict tenants

Landlords in Abu Dhabi will soon be able to evict tenants more easily under new rules issued by Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)

The changes mean landlords with lease contracts registered with Abu Dhabi Municipality will be able to approach the Enforcement Department directly to claim outstanding rent and reclaim their property.

Previously they would have to go through a legal process taking up to six months to evict a tenant.

ADJD under secretary Yousef Saeed Al Abri said the new rules would speed up dispute resolution and improve the emirate’s competitiveness for real estate investors.

It comes at a time when rents and sales prices in the capital are continuing to decline due to limited demand and new supply.

Read: UAE sees rents, sales prices decline across the country in Q3 – Asteco

“This initiative, the first of its kind in the region, and supports the efforts to create an attractive environment for real estate investment in Abu Dhabi by enhancing the confidence of real estate owners and tenants in an efficient litigation mechanism that ensures simplification of procedures and speedy settlement of disputes,” he said.

Landlords that apply for their tenant to be evicted will receive a decision in a minimum of two days and maximum of three weeks.

Tenants will then have 15 days to contest any payment order.

It is hoped the simplified system, which will come into force by the end of this week, will lead to a reduced number of rental disputes.

Authorities also believe it will encourage landlords and tenants to register contracts after the emirate made the step mandatory to receive legal rights in 2017.

Read: Abu Dhabi renters must attest contracts for legal protection

Property management firm Asteco said in a report released last month that Abu Dhabi villa and apartment rents declined 1 and 3 per cent respectively in the third quarter.

Apartment sales prices were down 1 per cent.