Legal gaps that let possessors take ownership of properties

Senior Associate and Litigator Hesham El Samra, of our Dubai Branch, was interviewed by CNN business Arabic, the interview discusses legal issues surrounding property ownership and possession in various countries, including recent incidents highlighting loopholes in possession laws.

In New York, for example, possessors gain tenant rights after 30 days of residence, prompting calls for legal amendments. New York State Senator Mario Mattera proposed laws to enable police to swiftly evict possessors upon landlord complaint. Possession laws exist globally, permitting ownership if uncontested, but some regions lack protections for property owners. Squatting can lead to social problems, prompting legal and preventive measures like formalizing agreements and regular property checks. Legal experts advise proactive steps like maintaining documentation and verifying tax payments to prevent ownership disputes. While possession laws can be exploited, they also serve legitimate purposes. In the UAE, possession rights are addressed in the Civil Transactions Law, allowing claims after a specified period. Proactive registration of ownership is recommended to avoid legal disputes. Despite challenges, legal remedies exist for those forcibly removed from property, including eviction lawsuits for compensation.

To access the full English translation of the interview, please click here.

To access the original Arabic article and interview video, please click here.