Remraam tenants in Dubai were provided with compensation due to temporary eviction

Residents in the Remraam area of Dubai have received offers of rent reimbursement and resettlement allowance after being requested to temporarily vacate their residences due to remediation work, which is expected to take between 16 and 20 months.

Dubai Holding Community Management (DHCM), which manages the community, announced in a statement to Khaleej Times that the decision was a “preventative, long-term solution” following regular inspections.

Based on information gathered from a tenant in the building who spoke to Khaleej Times anonymously, the moving-out process will happen in phases starting July 1. “Some tenants have been instructed to move out for at least 16 months, while others have been requested to stay out of the premises for as long as 20 months.”

According to its press release, DHCM “is carrying out a comprehensive remediation programme across certain areas of the Remraam community to address necessary works needed to ensure the quality standards expected by the community.”

Residents were informed by the company that “there have been clear communication channels and support systems in place, including the creation of a compensation process, where necessary.”

“We have engaged with relevant parties to provide for an organised, compliant, and responsible rollout.”

Provided compensation

Based on the Frequently Asked Questions released to residents and seen by Khaleej Times, the compensation package will be offered at the following rate: duration of vacation in months multiplied by the average RERA index of that unit.

Furthermore, tenants will be given a relocation allowance ranging from Dh7,000 for a studio apartment to Dh16,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. As per the agreement, the payment will be made on or after the vacate date.

There have been some resident complaints regarding the continuation of service fees even during the construction work, since owners of one-bedroom apartments will still have to pay around Dh1,200 per month in addition to mortgage fees and possibly rent beyond the moving allowance.

Residents affected

According to one of the residents, S.K., he is supposed to vacate in July but finds himself at a disadvantage while searching for another place.

“My oldest child is supposed to start university,” he mentioned.

“However, he has to wait until August to know his marks because of the cancelled final exam in the UAE. He either chooses to take a gap year or apply to a few universities that have late cut-off dates. Hence, depending on the choice he makes — whether to take a gap year or go ahead with college applications — I would prefer to move into either a bigger or a smaller apartment, respectively.

“However, it is unfortunate that the move is taking place during a time when we already have several expenses to incur. I am satisfied with my compensation package, but concerned about the process.”

According to another occupant, M.M., he resides in an unaffected block of flats.

“Although I am happy that I won’t be displaced, I am equally anxious about the repercussions of heavy construction work,” said M.M.

“This is because I suffer from chronic dust allergy, which could lead to asthma attacks. Therefore, let’s see what happens.”

P.M. has been living in the area as a homeowner for more than eight years and explained that she was dissatisfied with what was happening.

“It’s a nuisance having to leave,” P.M. told us.

“However, according to the management, there are problems in the structure of the building, and the remediation is necessary to make the environment safer. Thus, we have to bear this inconvenience for a better future.”