Tenancy GuideJune 2026 · 5 min read

Tenancy Contract Cancellation Letter Dubai (Free Template + Process)

Last updated 21 June 2026

Cancelling a Dubai tenancy contract requires written notice. Verbal agreements don't hold up in disputes. Here's a free template letter you can adapt, plus the full cancellation process.

When you can cancel

At end of contract (no penalty — just give 90 days non-renewal notice)
Early termination per contract's Additional Terms clause (typically 60-90 days notice + 1-2 months rent penalty)
Mutual agreement at any time (no penalty if both parties agree)
Landlord breach (failure to maintain, illegal eviction attempts) — file at RERA Rental Dispute Centre

Free cancellation letter template

Use this as a starting point. Fill in the bracketed fields.

[Your full name]

[Your address]

[Your Emirates ID number]

[Your phone] / [Your email]

[Date]

To: [Landlord's full name]

[Landlord's address]

Subject: Notice to Terminate Tenancy Contract — [Building name, Unit number]

Dear [Landlord's name],

Reference: Tenancy Contract dated [contract start date], registered on Ejari under certificate number [Ejari number].

I am writing to formally provide notice to terminate the above tenancy contract for the property at [full property address], effective [termination date — at least 60-90 days from this letter date].

Per Section 6 (Additional Terms) of our contract / the standard Dubai tenancy law, I will [pay the agreed early-termination penalty of AED X / vacate at the end of the contract period on (date) with no penalty].

Please confirm receipt of this notice in writing and provide details of the security deposit refund process, expected refund date, and any final settlements.

I will hand over the property in clean condition on [vacate date] and arrange for a joint move-out inspection at a mutually convenient time.

Sincerely,

[Your name + signature]

How to deliver the letter

Email to landlord's registered email (read receipt enabled)
Registered mail (Emirates Post tracking) — keeps proof of delivery
WhatsApp screenshot acknowledgment (supplementary, not primary)
Hand-deliver with signed acknowledgment from landlord

Always keep a copy and proof of delivery — required if the case goes to the RERA Rental Dispute Centre.

After both parties agree to cancel

Settle all outstanding obligations

Pay any owed rent, agree on the penalty (if early termination), settle DEWA / chiller / internet bills.

Vacate the property

Move out by the agreed date. Do a documented move-out inspection with the landlord present. Photograph every room.

Cancel Ejari

Via Dubai REST app — Services → Ejari → Cancel Ejari Contract. Both parties typically need to confirm. Fee: AED 30.

Get deposit refund

Landlord must refund within 30 days, minus any legitimate damage deductions backed by receipts.

For the full early-termination process, see our process to end tenancy contract early guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice do I need to give to cancel a Dubai tenancy contract?+

60-90 days written notice is standard. Your contract's Additional Terms section specifies the exact period. For non-renewal at end of contract, the standard is 90 days.

Does the cancellation letter need to be in Arabic?+

No — English is acceptable. The contract itself is bilingual, but cancellation correspondence in English is fine for the parties' records.

Can I cancel the contract via email only?+

Email is acceptable but always send registered mail as well — creates verifiable proof of delivery if the matter ever goes to RERA.

What if the landlord doesn't accept the cancellation?+

They cannot legally force you to stay. But if you cancel without following the contract's notice + penalty terms, the landlord can claim the remaining rent at the RERA Rental Dispute Centre.

Who cancels the Ejari — landlord or tenant?+

Either party can initiate. Both typically confirm via Dubai REST app. Fee: AED 30. Usually done by the tenant, but landlord can do it if tenant has left.

Can I cancel via the Dubai REST app instead of a letter?+

The Dubai REST app is for Ejari cancellation, not contract termination notice. You still need to send the landlord a written cancellation letter as legal notice of your intent.