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How to give your Dubai landlord notice when you move out

Your tenancy contract decides how much notice you give and what leaving early costs: Dubai law gives tenants no general right to leave early just by giving notice. Some contracts allow it, for example with 90 days’ notice and two months’ rent as a penalty. Give notice in writing and get every agreement confirmed in writing.

When: 3 months to 3 months before your flight
Time: 1 hour
Cost: Depends on your contract; some early-exit clauses charge two months’ rent

Official source: Dubai legislation portalAlso: Rental Disputes Centre

Have ready

Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
Landlord or agent contact

How to do it

Read your tenancy contract and addendum for an early-termination clause, notice period and penalty.
If your contract ends near your departure, tell the landlord in writing that you will not renew. The law sets no notice period for this, but many contracts do (often 60 or 90 days), so follow yours. If you stay past the end date and the landlord does not object, the lease renews.
If you leave early and your contract has an early-exit clause, send written notice the way the contract says. If it does not say, use email plus registered mail and keep the proof of delivery. Ask the landlord to confirm the penalty in writing.
If your contract has no early-exit clause, you need the landlord’s written agreement. Offering a replacement tenant can help; the landlord must accept that person in writing and sign a new contract with them.
If you paid with post-dated cheques, agree in writing which cheques will be returned and when.
Agree the move-out date, inspection and what is needed for the deposit refund.

Watch out

Without an early-exit clause, the landlord can refuse to refund rent you already paid.
Get every agreement in writing; WhatsApp messages are better than calls.
If you and the landlord cannot agree, the Rental Disputes Centre decides. Filing costs 3.5% of the annual rent, minimum AED 500, maximum AED 20,000, plus small fixed fees.

Copy-ready messagePaste it, fill the brackets, send

Subject: Notice to vacate – [building, unit] – Ejari [number]

Dear [landlord or agent name],

I am writing to give notice that I will vacate [building, unit] on [date].

[If your contract ends then:] I will not renew the tenancy contract that ends on [date].
[If you are leaving early:] In line with clause [number] of our tenancy contract, this is my [90]-day written notice of early termination. Please confirm in writing any early-termination charge.

Please confirm receipt, and let me know a date for the move-out inspection and what you need to refund the security deposit of AED [amount] to IBAN [your IBAN] in the name [your name].

Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Mobile]

Short on time?What to do if you’re starting late

Negotiate now: offer a replacement tenant, or a shorter notice for an agreed fee, and get the deal in writing.

Questions people ask

Can I break my lease early in Dubai?

Only if your contract allows it or your landlord agrees in writing. Some early-exit clauses ask for 90 days’ notice and two months’ rent. Without a clause, you can offer a replacement tenant, which the landlord must accept in writing. If you cannot agree, the Rental Disputes Centre decides.

Can my landlord keep rent I’ve already paid?

Without an early-exit clause, the landlord can refuse to refund it. Negotiate and get any deal in writing.

What happens to my post-dated rent cheques?

Agree in writing with your landlord which cheques will be returned.

Do I have to give notice if I just don’t renew?

The law sets no notice period for a tenant who does not renew, but many contracts ask for 60 or 90 days. Follow your contract and give the notice in writing.

Sources

Official: Dubai Law 26 of 2007 on landlords and tenants (Article 7) · Rental Disputes Centre: frequently asked questions

Also checked against: Gulf News: ending a Dubai rental contract early · Mondaq: early termination and Article 20 deposit refund

Outro is an independent guide, not a government service or legal advice. If an official page says something different, follow it and .