COVID-19: You can terminate your rental contract if you lose your job – Dubai Rental Dispute Centre

Judgement by rent dispute centre terms employment termination as ‘emergency circumstance'

Published: June 17, 2020 17:00 Huda Tabrez, Senior News Editor

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If you have lost your job, it is now possible to terminate your rental contract in Dubai. Image Credit: Stock image

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A recent judgement by Dubai's Rental Dispute Management Centre (RDC) confirmed that leases can be terminated in two cases. Image Credit: Stock image

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1. Force majeure or 2. 'Emergency circumstances' Image Credit: Stock image

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Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Stock image

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In the case before the rental dispute centre, the claimant was unable to complete the contract due to loss of job. Image Credit: Stock image

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The RDC ruled that the claimant's case came within 'emergency circumstances' Image Credit: Stock image

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It became impossible for the claimant to continue the lease, according the centre's judgement. Image Credit: Stock image

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What does it mean for the tenant? Image Credit: Stock image

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Earlier, tenants could not cite job loss as a reason to terminate a rental agreement. Image Credit: Stock image

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Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Stock image

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Wael El Tounsy, head of Real Estate Dispute Resolution at Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla, said that it would be best for the tenant to approach their landlord directly to inform them of the job loss and request for lease termination. Image Credit: Stock image

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Get your dues cleared, whether it is the water and electricity bill, or any other service charge and request for lease termination. Image Credit: Stock image

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Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Stock image

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Your landlord may agree to terminate the lease. If not, you can reach out to the rental dispute centre. Image Credit: Stock image

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Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Stock image

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Each case varies and the judgement, too, can depend on various factors. Image Credit: Stock image

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What can go against the tenant? If you have a good record as a tenant, paying your rent on time, the good record will work in your favour. Image Credit: Stock image

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Picture used for illustrative purposes only. Image Credit: Stock image

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But if you have a history of missing rent or other disputes with your landlord, these can go against you. Image Credit: Stock image

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How to file a rental dispute in Dubai. Image Credit: Stock image

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How to file a rental dispute in Abu Dhabi. Image Credit: Stock image

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How to file a rental dispute in Sharjah. Image Credit: Stock image

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How to file a rental dispute in Ajman. Image Credit: Stock image

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