My Marina landlord wants me out in 60 days so they can sell the apartment. Do I have to go?

No. 60 days does not meet the 12-month minimum. Even for a valid reason like selling, the landlord must have served you a notarial notice 12 months ago. A 60-day demand is legally unenforceable — you can remain and file at the RDSC if pressured.

My landlord served a 12-month notice for personal use but has now listed the flat on Bayut. What do I do?

Preserve evidence of the Bayut listing (screenshots with dates). When you vacate, file a claim at the RDSC within 2 years for compensation — typically equivalent to one year's rent. The landlord's re-listing is strong evidence that the personal use reason was false.

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Dubai MarinaIllegal Eviction

Illegal Eviction in Dubai Marina

Illegal eviction in Dubai Marina often occurs when landlords want to cash in on rising property values — either by selling the unit, moving a family member in, or re-letting to a higher-paying tenant. None of these intentions give a landlord the right to evict without a 12-month notarial notice and full compliance with Article 25 of the Dubai Tenancy Law.

Typical rent range in Dubai Marina

AED 70,000–160,000/year (studio to 2BR)

What You Need to Know in Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina has experienced significant property value appreciation since 2020, leading some landlords to seek vacant possession so they can sell at peak prices. While 'owner intends to sell' is a valid eviction ground under Article 25(1)(a), the landlord must still serve a 12-month notarial notice — and many fail to meet this requirement.

A common tactic in Marina is pressure through informal communication — text messages, emails, or verbal demands asking the tenant to 'please vacate by next month.' These communications carry no legal weight. Only a formal notarial notice or registered mail counts as a valid eviction notice.

If a tenant is evicted on the ground of 'personal use by the owner' and the landlord subsequently re-lets the property within 2 years to another tenant, the original tenant has a right to compensation at the RDSC. This rule is intended to prevent landlords from falsely claiming personal use as a pretext for eviction.

RERA Rental Index — Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is classified as a Tier 1 premium area in the RERA Rental Index. Median rents for a 1-bedroom typically fall in the AED 85,000–120,000 band. Landlords in this area frequently attempt above-index increases citing 'market demand' — but the RERA Index caps are absolute and override any informal market comparison.

Common Issues in Dubai Marina

Landlords demanding vacant possession to sell the property without proper 12-month notice
WhatsApp messages used as 'eviction notices' — legally invalid
Landlords claiming personal use then immediately re-listing the unit
Pressure to vacate mid-contract with only a few weeks' notice
Landlords refusing to renew contract without giving a legally valid reason

What to Do

Check that any eviction notice was served by a notary public or registered mail (not WhatsApp/email)
Verify that the notice was given at least 12 months before the required move-out date
Confirm the stated reason is one of the five valid Article 25 grounds
File a case at the RDSC if the notice is defective — the RDSC can declare the eviction invalid
Keep a close watch on the property after vacating: if it is re-let within 2 years, you may claim compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

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