Owning a premium property in Downtown Dubai or Business Bay is a significant investment. Evicting a tenant in Business Bay can be overwhelming when a tenant stops paying rent Dubai. Acting on emotion or incorrect advice can lead to costly legal mistakes that delay the process by months and put your investment at risk.
In This Guide
The Big Question: Can I Legally Evict My Tenant?
The answer is yes, but ONLY if you follow the exact legal process. Any deviation can get your case thrown out of the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC).
This is where landlords make mistakes. You might think you’re in the right, but are you legally compliant?
Many landlords ask, “Is a WhatsApp message a legal notice in Dubai?” Before you send that message or think about changing the locks, you need to understand your legal rights and obligations under RERA.
This guide will walk you through the correct steps and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Video: How to Handle a Bounced Cheque From a Tenant in Business Bay?
Video Content Summary:
“Feeling stressed about a bounced cheque from your Business Bay tenant? You’re not alone. Here are the first three things you MUST do. Step 1: Do NOT panic. Step 2: Obtain the official return memo from your bank. This is a critical piece of evidence. Step 3: Do not accept partial cash payments without a written agreement, as this can complicate a future RDC case. Watch to understand why these steps are crucial for protecting your rights.”
Take Our 60-Second Quiz to Find Out What to Do When Tenant Stops Paying Rent Dubai
Answer these simple questions to see if you’re prepared for a rental dispute case or if you’re at risk of making a costly error.
RERA Rules Quiz
Test your knowledge before you act.
- If you answered all 3 correctly: Congratulations! You have a good basic understanding of your legal obligations. The next step is to ensure the process is executed flawlessly.
- If you answered 1-2 incorrectly: You are at high risk of making a mistake that could delay your case or even lead to a counter-claim. It is crucial you seek professional legal guidance before taking any further action.
Your tenant is 15 days late on rent. You have sent them multiple WhatsApp messages. Have you fulfilled the first legal requirement to start an eviction process?
WhatsApp messages are not legally sufficient for an eviction case. You must serve a formal 30-day legal notice Dubai via Notary Public or registered mail, giving the tenant 30 days to settle the payment.
Your tenant in Downtown Dubai has caused minor damage to the property (e.g., scuffed walls, broken cabinet handle). Can you evict them for this?
For minor issues, the correct procedure is to claim from the security deposit at the end of the tenancy. Eviction is reserved for more serious breaches.
To pressure a non-paying tenant in your Business Bay apartment, you've asked the building management to deny them access to the pool and gym. Is this legally permissible?
You cannot deny a tenant access to amenities or essential services like DEWA or air conditioning. This will severely damage your case at the RDC.
Timeline for Evicting a Tenant in Business Bay

- Day 1: Rent Due Date Missed.
- Day 2-5: Obtain Bounced Cheque Memo.
- Day 6: Serve Formal 30-Day Legal Notice via Notary Public.
- Day 37 (If rent is still unpaid): File an Eviction Case at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDC).
- Day 45-60: RDC Hearing & Judgment Issued.
- Post-Judgment: Enforcement of Eviction Order.
Don't Navigate This Alone. Protect Your Investment.
The eviction process in Dubai is precise. One wrong document or missed deadline can set you back months in lost rent and legal fees. For a premium property in Downtown Dubai or Business Bay, that financial loss is significant.
Our team specializes in rental disputes and eviction notices. We handle the entire process for you, ensuring every step is RERA-compliant, from serving the initial legal notice to representing you at the RDC.