Q: Dear Lawyers, My tenancy contract contains a 1-year non-renewable term. I understand that even if this is written in the contract, it is not legally binding and they must still follow the proper procedure. If they don't make contact within the 90-day period, are we entitled to stay in the apartment because they missed the threshold?

Q: Hi, The real estate agency that leased me the apartment included: "Tenant confirmed that they will vacate the property after the end of the contract" under additional terms in my Ejari without consulting me. They wanted me to vacate last year or increase the rent way above the RERA recommended increase. Can I renew my tenancy contract as per RERA guidelines this year? I haven't received any DLD or other notice from my landlord.

س: سيدي/سيدتي، "هذا العقد غير قابل للتجديد". يرجى توضيح مدى قابلية تنفيذ هذا البند في عقد الإيجار إذا اضطررنا إلى التوقيع عليه كمستأجرين. علاوة على ذلك، نود أن نعرف ما إذا كان يمكن الطعن في هذا البند إذا تقدم المالك بطلب إخلاء إلى هيئة التنظيم العقاري.

Q: Dear Lawyers, Dubai Tenancy Question Addendum: 1. In case of not renewing the contract, the tenant shall inform the landlord 3 months prior. If the tenant fails to do so, they shall bear a penalty of 2 months' rent for not notifying the landlord. 2. Failure to execute the renewal (at the sole discretion of the landlord) shall result in the automatic termination of this agreement. 3. The landlord unequivocally objects to the tenant's continued occupation of the premises after the expiry of this agreement. An overstay fee shall apply from the day following the expiry of the term. The tenant’s continued occupation shall not result in the automatic renewal of this agreement. Questions: A. Does this addendum supersede the laws of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)? B. Does the contract automatically renew, or is it considered terminated as per the conditions of the addendum? C. How much should be paid to the landlord if the tenant vacates a week after the expiry of the contract?

Q: Hello, My landlord wants to introduce admin fees for renewing my apartment rental contract, which were not part of our original agreement or renewal in the past two years. I have informed him multiple times that I do not agree to pay this AED 750 admin fee. Can he force me to pay it? Can he evict me? What steps should I take next? Thanks!

مقال في صورة مقابلة يتناول موضوع العقارات السكنية المُباعة بالتجزئة فيما يتعلق بالمسؤولية عن صيانة الممتلكات العقارية وتداعيات التخلُّف عن سداد الإيجار في الإمارات العربية المتحدة. مقتبس من المدونة الصوتية القانونية للمحامية لودميلا يامالوفا، مؤسسة مشروع لوجيكال مع لايلو.

UAE Constitution was adopted in 1971 and contains basic rules of the political and constitutional organization of the State. The system of governance is monarchic with the exception that there is a federal head. Islam is the State religion and Islamic Sharia is the main source of legislation.

The provisions of this Law apply to real property leased out in the Emirate of Dubai, including vacant and agricultural lands, but excluding hotel establishments and real property provided by natural or legal persons as accommodation to their employees at no charge.

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. 

This Decree establishes a specialised judicial system to hear rent disputes and develops the procedure for determination of such disputes through an expeditious and simple process for the purpose of realising social and economic stability for all persons involved with the real property rental and other related sectors.