Tenant Not Paying Rent in Dubai? Send Legal Notice Now

A Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent in Dubai is the first and most important step a landlord must take before taking any further action. For this notice to be valid and effective, it must comply with the laws and procedures specified in Dubai. Below, we detail a comprehensive guide on the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent.

What Is a Legal Notice For Non Payment of Rent?

It is a formal notice sent by a landlord to a tenant demanding payment of late rent. This notice is a necessary step before resorting to the courts or rental dispute resolution committees. Non-payment of rent is legal grounds for eviction, but the landlord must follow specific legal procedures before filing an eviction lawsuit by sending a legal notice for non-payment of rent. The first step in this process is sending the tenant a “legal notice for non-payment.”

Conditions for Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent

For a legal notice to a tenant for not paying rent to be valid and recognized, it must meet the following conditions:

Form: The notice must be in writing.
Duration: The legal notice for not paying rent must give the tenant at least 30 days to pay the rent due, unless the lease stipulates otherwise.
Method of Service: The legal notice for rent due must be properly notarized, usually by:
Notary Public: This is the most common way to ensure the legal notice is valid.
Registered Mail: This is another legally acceptable method.
Content: The notice must clearly include:
The name and details of the landlord and tenant.
Details of the rented property.
The amount of rent due and the due date.
The deadline given to the tenant to pay (30 days).
Warning that legal action will be taken if payment is not made within the specified deadline.

Here: Legal Notice Dubai Services in UAE

Dubai rent apartment not paid how to deal?

Dubai tenants not paying rent is one of the most common causes of rental disputes. The law clearly regulates this issue to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants. Here are the steps and procedures to follow in such cases:

1. Send a Legal Notice to the Tenant

The first and most important step is for the landlord to send a Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent demanding payment of late rent.
This Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent must be delivered by official means, such as a notary public or registered mail.
The notice must give the tenant at least 30 days to pay the outstanding amount.

2. File a lawsuit with the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre

If the tenant fails to respond to the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent and fails to pay the rent within the specified period (30 days), the landlord has the right to file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant.
The lawsuit is filed with the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre of the Dubai Land Department, which is the competent judicial authority to hear these cases.

3. Court Procedures and Ruling

After filing the lawsuit, the Center sets a date for a hearing.
The Center initially attempts to resolve the dispute amicably.
If no settlement is reached, the judge reviews the evidence presented and issues a ruling.
If the tenant is proven to have failed to pay rent, the judge issues an eviction order, requiring the tenant to pay the overdue rent and all court fees and expenses.

4. Enforcement of the Eviction Order

If an eviction order is issued and the tenant fails to comply, the landlord can apply for enforcement through the Enforcement Department.
The court sends a Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent to the tenant, setting a deadline for eviction.
If eviction is not paid, the enforcement officer can complete the eviction by force.

How much notice to give landlord Dubai?

According to Dubai’s tenancy laws, if a tenant is not paying rent or part of it, the landlord has the right to send a Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent.

The legal notice period that the landlord must give the tenant in this case is 30 days from the date of the payment notice.

If the tenant does not respond to this notice and does not pay within this period, the landlord has the right to take legal action and file an eviction case with the Dubai Rental Disputes Center.

Read more: How to send Legal Notice For Bounced Cheques in UAE 2025

What legal recourse do landlords have for unpaid rent in Dubai?

If you’re a property owner in Dubai and your tenant hasn’t paid the rent, here are the legal procedures available to you. Please note that these procedures must be carried out in accordance with local laws to avoid any legal issues. Therefore, the following lines explain the legal procedures available to property owners in the event of non-payment of rent in Dubai:

1. Legal Notice For Tenant Not Paying Rent

The first and most important step is to send a Legal Notice For Tenant Not Paying Rent demanding payment of the outstanding rent. This notice must give the tenant a specific deadline of 30 days to pay the amount. The notice must be in writing and sent by legal means such as registered mail or a notary public.

2. Rental Disputes Centre

If the tenant fails to pay the rent within the 30-day notice period, you can resort to the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) of the Dubai Land Department. This centre is the competent judicial authority to hear all rental disputes in the emirate.

Procedures for filing a claim at the Center:

Gathering Documents: You must prepare all required documents, including:

The original tenancy contract notarized through Ejari.
A copy of your passport and Emirates ID.
A copy of the tenant’s passport and ID.
A copy of the property title deed.
A copy of the official notice sent to the tenant (the 30-day notice).
Any other correspondence between you and the tenant (emails, text messages, etc.) proving non-payment.
Registering the claim: You can register the claim either at an authorized real estate service office or through the Center’s online portal.
Paying the Fees: A fee is charged for registering the claim, usually a percentage of the annual rent.
Reconciliation and Arbitration Session: The Center attempts to reconcile the parties to reach an amicable solution. If a settlement is not reached, the case is referred to the court for consideration.

3. Eviction and Enforcement Order

If the Center rules in your favor, it will issue a court order requiring the tenant to pay the late rent. This may also include an eviction order. If the tenant does not comply with the ruling, you can request the Center’s Enforcement Department to enforce the court order and vacate the property.

When is a Landlord Entitled to Serve an Eviction Notice to a tenant?

In Dubai, a landlord has the right to issue an eviction notice to a tenant in specific cases regulated by the Tenancy Law. The notice period varies depending on the reason for eviction. The following explains when a Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent may be sent in Dubai:

First: Eviction cases requiring a 12-month notice period:

The landlord must send the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent through a notary public or registered mail 12 months prior to the scheduled eviction date in the following cases:

Personal Use: If the landlord wishes to use the property for personal residence for themselves or a first-degree relative.
Sale of the Property: If the landlord intends to sell the property.
Demolition or Reconstruction of the Property: If the property needs to be demolished, reconstructed, or new buildings added.
Comprehensive Renovations and Maintenance: If the property’s condition requires comprehensive renovations or maintenance that cannot be performed while the tenant is present.

Second: Evictions that require a 30-day notice:

The landlord has the right to send a Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent, giving the tenant a 30-day grace period to rectify the situation in the following cases:

Non-payment of rent: If the tenant fails to pay the rent or any part thereof within 30 days of the date of the notice requiring payment.
Subletting: If the tenant sublets the property or any part thereof without the written consent of the landlord.
Illegal use of the property: If the tenant uses the property for purposes that are illegal or contrary to public order.
Serious damage to the property: If the tenant causes serious damage to the property intentionally or through negligence.
Use of the property for a purpose other than that agreed upon: Such as using a residential property for commercial purposes.
Breach of the terms of the contract: If the tenant breaches any of his obligations or the terms of the lease.

Here: Notarization Eviction notice Dubai

How to Draft a Legal Notice for Non Payment of Rent?

If you’re a property owner in Dubai facing a tenant not paying rent issue, the first step is to send a legal notice. This step is essential before taking any further legal action, such as filing an eviction lawsuit. There are two main ways to properly send a legal notice in Dubai:

1. Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent from a Notary Public

This Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent is the most formal and effective method. It is prepared and sent through a Dubai Notary Public, giving it significant legal force.
Basic Content of the Notice: The notice must include the tenant’s full name, passport or ID number, property address, the amount of overdue rent, and the number of days the tenant must pay (usually 30 days from the date of the notice).
Procedure: You can visit the Dubai Notary Public Department, or you can contact a lawyer to help you draft and submit the notice. You must have the tenancy agreement (Ejari) and all documents related to the tenant.

2. Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent by Registered Mail

You can also send a Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent by registered mail, but the Legal Notice to Tenant for Not Paying Rent must be clearly and legally worded. The main content of the notice must clearly state:

The date of the notice.
The name of the landlord and tenant.
Details of the rented property (address, unit number, building).
The amount of the overdue rent and details of the overdue period.
Request payment within 30 days of receiving the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent.
Indicate that in the event of non-payment, legal action will be taken to evict the property in accordance with Dubai Tenancy Law.

Read more: Sending Legal Notice For Non Payment of Salary UAE 2025

Advantages of POA&More in issuing legal notice for non payment of rent in the UAE

POA&More’s power of attorney dubai for Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent services in the UAE offer several advantages, most notably:

Legal Expertise: POA&More has extensive experience with UAE real estate laws, ensuring that the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent it issues fully complies with local legal requirements, such as the rental laws in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which often require 30 days’ written notice before taking legal action.
Accuracy and Efficiency: The company drafts the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent accurately and comprehensively, specifying the amount due, the due date, and the deadline for payment. This reduces the likelihood of the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent being deemed invalid or void, thus protecting the landlord’s rights.
Notarization and Certification: The company ensures that the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent is properly documented, including notarizing it with the relevant authorities (such as a notary public in the UAE) if required by law.
Comprehensiveness of Service: POA&More’s services are not limited to issuing a Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent. They can also advise on the next steps a landlord can take if a tenant does not respond, including filing a lawsuit.
Integrated Digital Platform: The company provides an integrated digital platform that facilitates the process of creating and sending a legal notice, saving landlords time and effort and making the process more efficient.
Cost Savings: Compared to traditional methods of sending legal notices, POA&More offers its services at competitive prices.

POA&More simplifies the legal process for landlords and ensures they take the right and appropriate steps to recover their dues and protect their property in accordance with applicable UAE laws.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens if a tenant doesn’t pay rent in Dubai?

According to Dubai Tenancy Law, if a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord can take legal action to evict the property. Here are the typical steps:

Sending a Legal Notice For Tenant Not Paying Rent: The landlord must send a written Legal Notice For Tenant Not Paying Rent to the tenant demanding payment of the overdue rent. The law gives the tenant 30 days from the date of receiving this notice to pay the outstanding amount, unless the parties agree otherwise in the contract. This notice must be sent by a notary public or by registered mail to ensure its legitimacy.
Filing a Lawsuit: If the tenant fails to pay after the 30-day notice period has expired, the landlord has the right to file an eviction case with the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) of the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Court Hearing: After filing the lawsuit, the RDC will schedule a hearing. During this hearing, the judge will review the evidence presented by both parties.
Issuing an Eviction Judgment: If the judge determines that the tenant has not paid after the legal notice, they will issue an eviction judgment.
Enforcement of the judgment: If the tenant refuses to comply with the eviction judgment, the landlord may request enforcement of the judgment with the assistance of the relevant authorities.

How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in Dubai?

Based on Dubai’s tenancy laws, the length of time a landlord must give a Legal Notice For Tenant not Paying Rent to vacate the property varies depending on the reason for eviction. Therefore, the following lines explain the length of time a landlord must give a Legal Notice For Tenant not Paying Rent to vacate the property in Dubai:

1. Reasons for eviction at the end of the contract:

12 months: The landlord must give the tenant written notice at least 12 months prior to the expiration date of the tenancy contract in the following cases:

If the landlord wishes to use the property for their own residence or for a first-degree relative (such as parents, spouse, or children).
If the landlord wishes to sell the property.
If the landlord wishes to demolish the property or undertake major renovations that would prevent the tenant from using it.

2. Reasons for eviction during the contract term:

30 days: The landlord has the right to evict the tenant after giving the tenant a written 30-day notice of a “Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying” in the following cases:

If the tenant fails to pay the rent within 30 days of the landlord’s notice to pay.
If the tenant sublets the property without the landlord’s written consent.
If the tenant uses the property for illegal or unlawful purposes.
If the tenant causes significant damage to the property.
If the tenant breaches any of the terms of the lease.

What to Do If a Tenant Disputes a Legal Notice for Non Payment of Rent?

If a tenant objects to a Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent in Dubai, the legal procedures in place protect the rights of both the landlord and tenant. The steps a landlord should take are as follows:

1. Communicate with the tenant:

The first and most effective step is to attempt to communicate amicably with the tenant to understand the reason for non-payment. They may be experiencing temporary financial difficulties, in which case a repayment plan or payment schedule can be negotiated.

2. Serve the Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent:

If amicable communication fails, the landlord must serve a formal notice to the tenant demanding payment of the outstanding rent.
According to Dubai Tenancy Law, a landlord can evict a tenant if they fail to pay rent within 30 days of receiving the notice.
The Legal Notice for Tenant Not Paying Rent must be in writing and sent either by notary public or by registered mail.

3. Recourse to the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC):

If the legal notice period (30 days) has expired and the tenant has not paid, the landlord has the right to file a lawsuit with the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) of the Dubai Land Department.
The RDC is the competent judicial authority for hearing rental disputes.

4. Procedures for Filing a Lawsuit at the RDC:

Gathering Documents: The landlord must prepare all necessary documents to support their case, including:

The lease (Ejari) contract.
Proof of property ownership.
Copies of the landlord’s and tenant’s passports and ID cards.
A copy of the legal notice sent to the tenant.
Any evidence of non-payment (such as bounced checks, payment records, or correspondence).
Filing the Lawsuit: The landlord can file the lawsuit electronically via the RDC’s system or by visiting the RDC’s office.
Mediation: Before the case is heard, the RDC will attempt to reconcile the parties to reach an amicable solution. If a settlement is reached, it is documented in an agreement signed by both parties and approved by the judge.
Hearing: If mediation fails, a hearing is scheduled where each party presents their arguments and evidence.

5. Judgment and Enforcement:

After reviewing the case, the judge issues a judgment.
If the judgment is in favor of the landlord, it often includes an order to vacate the property and recover the rent due.
If the tenant fails to comply with the judgment, the landlord can initiate enforcement proceedings through the Center’s Enforcement Department to repossess the property and collect the amounts due.