Premises must be 15 years old to evict tenant and demolish it

A reader from Abu Dhabi asks: I rented a villa in Abu Dhabi a year ago from a real estate office for my family. I made improvements in the villa on the basis that I would live in it for three years at least. But I signed a contract for a year only, under the request of the real estate office who promised me that the rent will not be increased in three years, and that there will not be any problem during that period. However, a month ago, the owner of the office sent a message telling me that as per the owner's request, the villa will be demolished and rebuilt with a second floor. They have no desire for renewal, although the villa does not exceed 10 years maximum, as I was informed by one of the neighbours. Please advice what should I do, as it is very difficult to obtain another villa.

I would like to assure the questioner that the Rent Act in Abu Dhabi has faced such cases and has put conditions in case of demolition. These are:

1) The premises must be at least 15 years old.

2) The landlord shall obtain the necessary licences for the purpose.

The questioner may reject the landlord's request and send a message showing his desire for renewal as per law. If the landlord does not respond and does not renew the contract, the questioner shall file a complaint before the rent dispute committee.

Questions answered by Advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahar Advocates and Legal Consultants.