Can a landlord enter the property in Abu Dhabi

Not without the tenant's agreement, except in a genuine emergency. The tenancy law protects the tenant's use of the property, so your lease and the tenant's consent decide. The safe approach is 24 to 48 hours' written notice, a stated reason and an agreed time.

When entry is generally accepted

• A real emergency such as a major leak, fire or structural risk.
• Scheduled maintenance, with notice and an agreed time.
• Viewings for a sale or a re-let near the end of the lease, with reasonable notice at agreed times.
• An annual inspection, if the contract includes an inspection clause.

When it is not

Entering without consent, arriving unannounced, bringing viewers without agreement, or monitoring the inside of the property. Repeated unauthorised entry can lead to a complaint and a dispute case.

How to do it properly

1. Check the lease for an access or inspection clause.
2. Give written notice stating the reason, the date and the time window, at least 24 to 48 hours ahead.
3. Offer two time options and agree one with the tenant.
4. Keep the notice and the reply, and write down who attended and what was found.

[Date]
To: [Tenant full name]
Property: [Unit, building, area]

Dear [Tenant name],

I would like to enter the property for [reason: routine inspection / repair of [item] / viewing]. I can attend on [option 1: date and time] or [option 2: date and time]. The visit should take about [duration].

Please confirm which time suits you by [date], or suggest another time within [number] days. If you prefer to be present, I will arrange for you to be there.

[Landlord name]  [Phone]  [Email]

How DOSH helps

DOSH can draft the entry notice with the date and reason you give, and keep the notice and your visit notes in the tenant's file.

Frequently asked questions