Coronavirus: Dubai judge says tenants can end rent contract early if hit by financial hardship – The National

Coronavirus: Dubai judge says tenants can end rent contract early if hit by financial hardship – The National

The city's Rental Dispute Centre said it was dealing with hundreds of claims from residents and landlords

















Dubai's Rent Dispute Centre urged tenants and landlords to work together to get through disagreements. Paulo Vecina / The National







Dubai tenants can break their rental contact without financial penalty if they can prove they were affected by 'exceptional circumstances', a senior judge said.



The loss of a job or reduction of income may mean residents could move during a 12 month lease without losing two or three months' rent.



Judge Abdulqader Musa, director of the Rental Disputes Centre, said he was aware of the hardship some people had found themselves in due the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.



Tenants in disputes with their landlords can claim 'force majeure' as a legal defence to end a contract without penalty. The phrase relates to unexpected, external circumstances that do not allow a person to meet their obligations.









It is the responsibility of all respective parties to support one another, and being prepared to waive some of their rights





Judge Abdulqader Musa, Rental Disputes Centre, Dubai Land Department