- Step1: Know the law
- Step 2: Check your contract
- Step 3: Negotiate with your landlord
- Step 4: Look for replacement
- Step 5: Seek Legal Advice
Go back to your tenancy contract and check for any exit clauses
As part of our series on knowing your rights as a tenant, propertyfinder.ae offers you everything you need to know about early termination of tenancy contract in Abu Dhabi before the expiry date.
What do you do if you suddenly decide to move or leave the country, but your tenancy contract doesn’t expire anytime soon? Do you just lose the money you have paid for your property? Or is there a way to get it back? Follow the following steps for a smoother exit:
Steps For Early Termination of Tenancy Contract in Abu Dhabi
For Abu Dhabi tenancy law early termination, tenants must provide written notice to their landlord with a valid reason. If the landlord agrees, a penalty fee or security deposit may be required. Failure to follow proper procedures can result in legal consequences. Below, you will find steps to follow for in the case of breaking tenancy contract in Abu Dhabi:
Step1: Know the law
Law 26. of 2007 by RERA, regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants does not provide an article for early contract termination but rather governs the relationship between the two parties as long as the contract is valid. So if you want to terminate your contract early, don’t depend on filing a case with RERA, especially if you don’t have a specific clause in your contract.
On the other hand, Abu Dhabi Rent Law No. 4 of 2010 governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in Abu Dhabi. According to this law, a tenant can terminate their tenancy contract early if they give the landlord 60 days’ written notice. However, the tenant may also be required to pay a penalty to the landlord, which is usually equal to one month’s rent. The amount of the penalty for early termination of tenancy agreement will be specified in the tenancy contract.
Step 2: Check your contract
Now that you know where the law stands from your decision, you can go back to your tenancy contract and check for any exit clauses or penalties mentioned for breaking the contract. Unfortunately, unless you have included an exit clause in your contract, the landlord is not obligated by law to let you off easily. Your next step would be to talk to your landlord and hope the two of you could reach an agreement.
Step 3: Negotiate with your landlord
You’re highly advised to approach your landlord and count on his good nature. Explain the situation to him and try to negotiate an exit deal which suits both parties. This depends on your agreed terms of the tenancy contract. In that case, you have two options; you could either pay the penalty or offer to find him a substitute before you leave, in which case he wouldn’t be at a loss.
Step 4: Look for replacement
Some landlords might pardon early contract termination if you take it upon yourself to find a new tenant before you leave. If your landlord is willing to negotiate, you could offer to find him a replacement, and only if you’re unable to find one in time, you then pay the two months’ penalty rent.
Step 5: Seek Legal Advice
If you are facing difficulties negotiating with your landlord or you are not sure what your rights are, it is important to seek legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand the law and your rights, and they can represent you in negotiations with the landlord or the Rent Committee.
For more tips and advice on dealing with landlords and knowing your tenancy rights, visit our Guides section.
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The information presented above is not legal advice, we encourage readers to seek legal consultation when needed.
