rugbymummy

New job in Oman starting September and just asked landlord (major property company in AD) about notice required to vacate early as no details on contract other than standard 2 months notice if not renewing the annual lease. The lease is up in mid November anyway but landlord has said that if we vacate before the end of the annual lease we have to pay a 2 month penalty in lieu of leaving early. We had thought we might have to give 3 months notice from now, so up to mid October, but if we have to pay a 2 month rent penalty it will take us up to mid November anyway so it's not worth it & we may as well tell them we're not renewing the lease and it will be left empty for 2 months! Rent is paid annually by current employer but obviously on leaving (new job, new employer and leaving amicably) the rent from then until the end of lease will be deducted from final pay. Does anyone know what the law is - surely penalties/notice required should be written in the contract that you sign when leasing a property?

mikewot

Don't know about AD but in Dubai (which has very well regulated rental laws, unlike AD which has almost zero), unless there is something written in the tenancy contract then it is normal (but not the law) to have a two month penalty. The LL could demand rent until the end of the contract, which you signed of your own free will.