Plans change — a new job, a move abroad, a bigger family. If you need to leave before your Dubai tenancy contract ends, here is how it usually works.
Your contract decides
A Dubai tenancy contract is normally for a fixed term (often one year). Whether you can leave early, and what it costs, depends mainly on what your contract and any addendum say. Read it before you decide.
Look for:
If there is no early termination clause, you will need to agree terms with the landlord.
How to leave early, step by step
1. Talk to the landlord early — explain your plans and ask what they will accept
2. Put the agreement in writing — the leaving date, any penalty, the refund of unused rent and the return of future cheques
3. Offer to help find a new tenant — some landlords will reduce the penalty if a new tenant moves in quickly
4. Get your cheques back — make sure any post-dated cheques for the period after you leave are returned or cancelled
5. Close DEWA and cooling accounts, return keys and do a joint inspection — see our [moving out checklist](/blog/moving-out-dubai-checklist)
Never just stop a cheque
Stopping or letting a rent cheque bounce can lead to a claim against you and other serious problems. Agree everything with the landlord first. Read [Dubai rent cheques explained](/blog/dubai-rent-cheques-explained).
If you cannot agree
Either side can take a dispute to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC). Keep your contract, messages and receipts as evidence.
Before your next contract
If you think you may need to leave early, ask for a clear early termination clause before you sign. Our free [addendum generator](/tools/addendum-generator) helps you put agreed extra terms in writing.