I have been living in a residential complex where pets are allowed within the apartment. After over a year here, my landlord sent me a notice that he would not renew my tenancy contract as it has come to his attention that I own a pet and he does not allow pets in the apartment. This was not mentioned in my contract with the rental agency though. I feel like he wants me to leave because he wants to sell the property, but he is using my pet as an excuse. Can I be asked to leave on these grounds, without warning?

Pursuant to your queries, it is assumed that the apartment where you are residing is located in the emirate of Dubai. We further assume that there is no such restriction by the building owner's association to keep pets in the apartment.

You may inform the owner of the apartment that there is no restriction imposed by the building owner's association on keeping pets in the apartments. Further, you can inform the owner of the apartment that the tenancy contract has no mention of not allowing pets in an apartment and, therefore, it is your interpretation of the terms of the tenancy contract that there is prohibition of keeping pets. However, the owner of your apartment may come up with his interpretation by stating that tenancy contract does not mention that you can keep pets.

Your dog should not be a nuisance to other residents of the building and should not disturb the cleanliness and hygiene of the surroundings. You have not mentioned the breed of the dog residing in the apartment. Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 related to possession of dangerous animals does not allow the residents in the UAE to keep pet dogs like Pit bull, Boxer, Dobermann etc.

The owner of your apartment may serve you notice for one year to evict the apartment. This is in accordance with article 25(2) of law no. 33 of 2008 amending law no. 26 of 2007 regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai " ... For the purposes of paragraph (2) of this article, the landlord must notify the tenant of the eviction reasons twelve (12) months prior to the date set for eviction, provided that this notice is given through a notary public or registered post." You may consider approaching the Dubai Municipality and Rental Dispute Center in Dubai to take their view on this matter.

KNOW THE LAW

"Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 related to possession of dangerous animals does not allow the residents in the UAE to keep pet dogs like Pit bull, Boxer, Dobermann etc."

Ashish Mehta is the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates.

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