A GUIDE TO SUB-LEASING LAWS IN DUBAI
Tenants sometimes prescribe to sub-lease their apartments, or villas in Dubai without understanding the framework of sub-leasing laws and therefore may be liable to pay a penalty.
Penalties on ending tenancy contracts early have given birth to sub-leasing. Dubai allows sub-leasing but the question that remains is “Should you?” Article 24/Law 26 of 2007 decrees that unless it states otherwise in the tenancy agreement, the tenant must gain written permission from the landlord before sub-leasing the property.
Article 8 states that the sub-tenancy must expire on the same date as the original tenancy contract. Article 25 states that failing to obtain written permission from a landlord prior to sub-leasing a property is grounds for eviction.
In some cases, the landlord may be against sub-leasing as they may have concerns regarding the integrity of the sub-tenant and the tenant themselves can still be liable for any damage caused to the property by the sub-tenant.
Alternately, if you can swing the penalty, you would be better off breaking the contract or ask the landlord if you can arrange for the transfer of the lease to a new tenant. It would be wise to ask the landlord for a contract that will permit sub-leasing before signing the contract. Also consider getting in touch with our professionals at Luxiador.com who will guide you through and help you take the right decision.
The sub leasing laws in Dubai rant sub-tenants the same rights in tenancy renewal and eviction as the original tenant.
