I live in Dubai. My tenancy contract expires in May next year. Can a landlord evict a tenant prior to the expiry of the tenancy contract? Does the landlord have the right to cut electricity and water supply? In my tenancy contract, it is mentioned that the landlord has the right to cut electricity in case a postdated rent cheque is returned by the bank a second time.
Article 25 of Law No. 33 of 2008 regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants of properties in Dubai states that a landlord can evict a tenant before the expiry of the tenancy contract in the following cases: If the tenant fails to pay rent value, or part thereof, within 30 days of landlord’s notification for payment; unless parties agreed otherwise; if the tenant subleases the property, or part thereof, without the landlord’s written approval and in such case eviction shall be applicable to the tenant and the subtenant, and the subtenant’s right to refer to the tenant for compensation shall be reserved; if the tenant uses or allows others to use the property for illegal or immoral activities; if the leased property is a commercial shop and the tenant left the same without occupation and without legal reason for 30 continuous days or 90 non-continuous days in one year, unless the parties agreed otherwise; if the tenant causes changes that endanger the safety of the property in a way that it cannot be restored to its original condition or if he causes damage to the property intentionally or due to his gross negligence to take proper precautions or if he allows others to cause such damage; if the tenant uses the property for purposes other than the purpose it was leased for or if he uses the property in a way that violates planning, building and land use regulations; if the property is in danger of collapse provided that the landlord must prove such condition by a technical report issued by Dubai Municipality or accredited by it; if the tenant fails to observe legal obligations or tenancy contract conditions within 30 days from the date of notification by landlord to abide by such obligations or conditions; and if development requirements in the emirate require demolition and reconstruction of the property in accordance with government authorities’ instructions.
The landlord is required to notify the tenant through the Notary Public or by registered mail. Finally, the landlord has no right for any reason to cut the electricity even if it is mentioned in the tenancy contract.
Drunk driver
A month ago, my friend caused a car accident while he was under the influence of alcohol. He jumped a red signal and damaged a public property and one car. The Public Prosecution referred the case to the Traffic Court which released him on bail after he spent more than a week in prison. A hearing has been scheduled in the case before the court concerned. What is the penalty in such cases as per the traffic law?
As per the traffic law, the penalty for such an action is a fine that is imposed by a traffic court. Moreover, the driver will get 23 black points and his vehicle will be impounded for 60 days.
— Questions answered by advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Shaiba Advocate and Legal Consultants.
