I have been leasing an apartment, with the financial assistance of my employer, for a few years. The landlord has provided me with a lease each year that states termination on September 30. After negotiations to increase the rent, he responded by saying that he has now decided to sell the apartment and sent me an official notice of lease cancellation. All this was brought to the attention of my company's housing department in July itself. I have written confirmation from the landlord and my housing department that the lease ends on September 30. Then, I received a call from my company's housing department and was told that the landlord is demanding I move out earlier. I asked what this meant and was told that the lease in reference was between the landlord and my company, which refers to an earlier date in September – something I have not seen. I also pointed out that if the lease did end on the earlier date the rent could not be increased with such short notice. Can you tell me if there is such a practice that two different leases exist at the same time? Do you think I am within my rights as a tenant to demand that I can stay in the apartment until September 30? RC, Abu Dhabi
This is an unusual situation, but if you were given a copy of a lease that states the end date of September 30 from the landlord, then you will have accepted that in good faith, especially if that has always been the renewal date since you first moved in to the property. The vast majority of tenancy contracts are also for a period of 12 months. It is most irregular to have two different leases for the same property and it is my view that the one you were given is the one that would be accepted in law, especially if the date of September 30 has been the previous renewal date. In addition you say you have been given confirmation that the end date is September 30. If you have two different documents, from the landlord, stating an end date of September 30 and that was your renewal date then that date will apply.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice.
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