أسئلة وأجوبة
How to penalize a landlord for cutting off AC despite an RDC ruling in the tenant's favor?
Hello,
My Dubai landlord (Omani) switched off the AC cooling in my rented flat after demanding a rent increase of over 50%. Even after winning the case at RDC and renewing Ejari through the court, he still has not restarted the AC cooling.
I have sent emails and filed a police complaint, but it's getting hotter again, and the AC has been off since last October.
Please suggest how to penalize him as he disrespects UAE laws.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for bringing this serious matter to our attention!
Your situation is indeed concerning and requires immediate action. Based on the information provided, I would like to offer the following professional advice:
1. Urgent RDSC Complaint:
File an urgent complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC). Request a "Status Affirmation" order to address the severance of air conditioning services.
2. Legal Documentation:
Compile all relevant documents, including:
- Your renewed Ejari contract,
- The favorable RDC ruling,
- Records of all communication attempts with the landlord,
- Police complaint copy, and
- Any evidence of the AC disconnection duration
3. Follow-up Actions:
- Pursue your existing police complaint,
- Consider filing a separate case with the RDC specifically for the AC disconnection, and
- Seek legal counsel from a real estate attorney specializing in Dubai tenant rights
4. Legal Grounds:
Your landlord's actions violate Article 34 of Law No. 26 of 2007, which prohibits service disconnection or interference with property usage.
5. Potential Outcomes:
The landlord may face penalties including fines or imprisonment. You may be eligible for compensation for the inconvenience caused.
Please note that landlords are strictly prohibited from depriving tenants of essential services like air conditioning, regardless of any ongoing rent disputes.
Should you require any further assistance or clarification, please do not hesitate to ask. We recommend acting swiftly to resolve this issue, especially given the approaching warmer weather.
Yours sincerely,
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for your inquiry!
Given the landlord's refusal to restore the air conditioning despite the RDC ruling and Ejari renewal, you have a strong case for further legal action.
Recommended Actions:
- File a New Complaint with the RDC: Request penalties for non-compliance and demand immediate restoration of the cooling system.
- Report to RERA: RERA can intervene and impose penalties on the landlord for violating tenancy laws.
- Follow Up on Police Complaint: Ensure the authorities are investigating the case of withholding essential services.
- Seek Compensation: Consider pursuing compensation for inconvenience or additional costs incurred.
- Breach of Contract Claim: Explore legal action for breach of contract if the issue persists.
I recommend proceeding with a formal legal notice to the landlord and discussing options for urgent court intervention if necessary.
Please let me know how you wish to proceed.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
We have to proceed with the court. The court must issue an order requiring the landlord to restart the AC.
Try submitting the same request to the court. We will check the possibilities in detail.
Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.
Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for reaching out. Your landlord’s actions, cutting off AC cooling despite a court ruling in your favor, may constitute a legal violation under UAE tenancy laws.
Since you have already filed complaints with the authorities, further legal action might be necessary to enforce your rights and hold the landlord accountable.
To explore the best legal options available, we recommend booking a consultation with our legal team.
Best regards,
Hello,
File an Execution Request at the Rental Dispute Center. The execution judge can enforce the order, and if the landlord still refuses, penalties can be applied.
The tenant can file a complaint against the landlord for non-compliance with RDC’s decision. RERA can issue warnings, fines, or even suspend the landlord’s activities if they continue to violate UAE laws.
The tenant can file a civil case for damages due to the landlord’s actions (e.g., discomfort, extra expenses due to AC disconnection).
Since the landlord is intentionally violating the court order, a criminal complaint for obstructing a legal judgment could be an option.
In your case, it appears that the landlord illegally turned off the air conditioning system; a breach of the lease terms, and a violation of local UAE laws.
Since the case was resolved in your favor at the Rental Disputes Settlement Center and your lease was renewed pursuant to a court ruling, the landlord is obligated to provide all essential services to ensure the tenant's comfort.