{
  "id": 19918733,
  "title": "UAE Property: 'Should I waive the penalty if my tenant can no longer afford the rent?'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/uae-property-should-i-waive-the-penalty-if-my-tenant-can-no-longer-19918733",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/money/2026/11/14/uae-property-should-i-waive-the-penalty-if-my-tenant-can-no-longer-afford-the-rent/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "There are two aspects to consider when deciding whether to waive the penalty for an unable-to-pay tenant: legal obligations and practicality. The contract specifies two months' rent as the penalty, but this does not absolve the tenant of their financial responsibility. However, enforcing the penalty might worsen an already difficult situation for the tenant, especially if the apartment will be vacant for an extended period.\n\nIf the property will remain empty for about six weeks, it would be reasonable to negotiate a reduced termination amount in exchange for allowing viewings, returning the apartment properly, settling utilities, and paying rent up to the agreed handover date. This approach ensures both parties feel the agreement is fair while minimizing financial loss.\n\nTo find out what you're paying for in terms of service charges, consult the DLD Service Charge Index, Mollak, or Dubai REST. If you notice poor maintenance, document the issues with dates, photos, emails, and previous complaints. Raise concerns with the management company first, and if necessary, submit a complaint through Dubai REST using the Real Estate Violations System. Investing in good building management is crucial for maintaining property value, tenant retention, and resale potential.",
  "summary": "Question: I own a one-bedroom apartment that I rent out. My tenant renewed only three months ago but has now lost his job and says he needs to leave the UAE . The tenancy contract says early termination requires two months' rent as a penalty. He has asked me to waive it because he has a family and says he genuinely cannot afford it. I'm sympathetic, but I'm also paying a mortgage and I'm worried…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}