Dubai landlord ordered to pay Dh700,000 compensation to tenant for unlawful eviction

Dubai: The Dubai Rental Disputes Center has issued a landmark judgment, ordering a landlord to pay Dh700,000 in compensation to a tenant after it was found that the landlord had manipulated legal procedures to wrongfully evict the tenant. The compensation amount is equal to three years of annual rent.

The case involved a European tenant who had fully paid the annual rent for the 2023-2024 lease period to the original property owner. However, after the villa was sold to a new landlord, the new owner falsely claimed the rent had not been paid and filed a legal case seeking the tenant’s eviction.

In a controversial move, the new landlord deliberately provided an incorrect email address for the tenant when initiating the legal proceedings. This prevented the tenant from receiving court notifications, and as a result, the tenant was unaware of the case and was issued a default judgment for eviction and rent arrears.

Enforcement

After the initial ruling, the landlord proceeded with enforcement actions, including changing the villa’s locks, removing all furniture, and even requesting the court to impose travel bans and financial restrictions on the tenant. Upon returning from his annual vacation, the tenant was shocked to find himself locked out of his own home, completely unaware of the legal case against him.

After discovering the legal actions taken against him, the tenant sought legal advice and was able to prove the landlord’s misconduct. Following a thorough investigation, the Rental Disputes Center overturned the eviction order and annulled all related enforcement actions.

Compensation

In addition to reclaiming his right to the property, the tenant filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages caused by the unlawful eviction. The Rental Disputes Center evaluated the tenant’s financial losses, legal expenses, hotel accommodation costs, and emotional distress.

Finally, the court ruled in favour of the tenant, ordering the landlord to pay Dh700,000 in damages and reinstating the tenant’s rights to the villa.

Avoid deceptive practices

Judge Abdul Qader Mousa Mohammed, Chairman of the Dubai Rental Disputes Center, reaffirmed the center’s commitment to protecting the rights of both landlords and tenants, ensuring stability in rental agreements, and preventing the misuse of legal procedures. He warned landlords against engaging in deceptive practices to unjustly evict tenants for financial gain, noting that such actions could lead to significant legal and financial repercussions.

Judge Mohammed also urged tenants to honour their rental payment obligations and take appropriate legal action if landlords refuse to accept payments. He also stressed on the importance of maintaining documented communication through official channels, as these records are essential in resolving disputes.