Abu Dhabi Law No. 20 of 2006, as amended, governs many tenancy disputes in the emirate. Article 11 provides payment periods tied to the contractual due date, generally 21 days for residential leases and 30 days for commercial, industrial, craft or professional leases unless otherwise agreed. Verify the lease category, actual due date and payment evidence.
Payment before determination and repeated delay
Under Article 23, non-payment within the applicable period can support an eviction claim. Payment of the due rent and the landlord's litigation costs before determination affects that ground. Repeated delay without an acceptable excuse may support eviction. Keep rent receipts, notices, proof of service and a schedule of any earlier late payments. Article 11 also provides a deposit route in certain cases, including refusal to accept rent.
Use the proper claim and enforcement route
Distinguish a claim for arrears and eviction from non-renewal at the end of the lease. Check the contractual notice provisions and the competent Abu Dhabi rental dispute procedure. If eviction is ordered, use formal enforcement procedures.
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Ali Saeed Al Shamsi, Advocate and Legal Consultant. +971 50 346 6632 · Contact via WhatsApp.




