Q: Hi. I am staying at Jumeirah Lake Towers, and it is one of the overcrowded flats. After the rule came from DMCC, we cannot stay in an overcrowded flat. However, my landlord is not ready to refund my deposit now, and every month comes and takes the advance rent from us. We are in a trap and not able to leave the flat. Please guide me how can I highlight it to the DMCC, and what would be the impact on us in that case? He is asking us to leave the deposit and leave. Although I have given him notice of 20 days he is not to consider that, and asking to give one month notice starting from the 1st of every month

Q: Hi Lawyers, I badly need some help with regards to my tenancy contract in Sharjah. Basically, I am staying in my current apartment for almost a year now (I just renewed last June 2017 for my 2nd year contract). However, recently there was a new tenant who moved into the same floor with us (just a few units away from my unit). To cut the story short their kids are making noise on our floor. I have reported the issue to the building management which they took action, however, after few months the kids are starting to make noises again which really are affecting our privacy. Now, I have finally decided to cancel my contract with the company and I was hoping I can do it in a legal way. Will I get a penalty for doing this? Also, will I be able to take back my post dated check with them? I was thinking maybe moving to a new unit (1 bedroom) in the same building or whatever the company can offer. Thank you in advance.

Q: Sir, I have released 7 post dated cheques for house renting on January 12. January 15 is the date of the 1st cheque which is valued 9k. But on January 15, my bank froze my account because my company terminated me. So I told them to not withdraw the cheque coz I got no money in it and I'm cancelling that property. When I asked them I need to collect my cheque, they told me I cannot. Not unless I pay them 9000. Do they have the right to do this? I am in a deep problem as they filed a case against me regarding this. So, I want to know. Thank you.

س: أهلاً، لقد انتهك المستأجر شروط العقد منذ البداية عن طريق: أ) عدم نقل وصلة مرافق باسمه مما يتسبب في دفعنا الرسوم، ب) الاحتفاظ بحيوان أليف يتعارض مع قواعد المكان. لقد تلقينا بشكل متكرر شكاوى من الجيران وإدارة المبنى بخصوص الإزعاج الذي سببه حيوانه الأليف. لقد أصدرنا للمستأجر العديد من التحذيرات ولكن دون جدوى. في نهاية العقد لمدة عام، تفاوضنا ووافق المستأجر على الإخلاء بعد 3 أشهر (وقع عقدًا لمدة 3 أشهر). الآن بعد انتهاء فترة الثلاثة أشهر، لم يتم الإخلاء ونحن لسنا على استعداد لتجديد العقد نظرًا للضيق الذي سببه لنا وللجيران من خلال مخالفته لشروط العقد. وما هو الحل القانوني للإخلاء؟ نحن ندرك أن الخطوة الأولى هي إرسال إشعار قانوني مدته 30 يومًا، ولكن ماذا بعد ذلك؟ وأيضًا، كيف يمكن استرداد إيجار مدة الإقامة الزائدة لأن الوديعة لن تكون كافية حتى لتغطية نفقات المرافق؟ مقرنا ليس في دبي.

Q: Hi, I am a landlord and my tenant will not pay overcrowding charges. His contract is about to finish in a few weeks. PFCF keeps reminding me of the fine, and the tenant keeps advising that he’s not willing to pay it. What can I do? Surely these charges need to be paid by the tenant. Regards,

Provisions of this Law supersede articles (2), (3), (4), (9), (13), (14), (15), (25), (26), (29), and (36) of Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai.