I have defaulted on my rent cheques twice in Dubai. How can I negotiate a settlement with my landlord?

You’re facing a rent default in Dubai totaling AED 43,000 (including penalties), with a hearing set for May 13 at the Land Department.

To resolve this, it's best to prepare a repayment proposal showing goodwill (you’ve already paid AED 6,000), attend the hearing, and try to settle through the Rental Dispute Settlement Center.

If you show intent to pay and cooperate, you can negotiate reduced penalties or a payment plan.

As for a travel ban, it’s not automatic at this stage but could be imposed later if a court judgment goes against you and you fail to comply.

Thank you.

Dear Client,

Thank you for outlining your situation. Please find below guidance on negotiating with your landlord and the potential risk of a travel ban at this stage:

1. Negotiating with Your Landlord

- Initiate Communication:

Proactively reach out to your landlord before your scheduled hearing. Clearly express your willingness to resolve the outstanding balance and your commitment to finding an amicable solution.

- Propose a Settlement Plan:

Prepare a written proposal detailing how much you can pay immediately and a realistic timeline for settling the remaining amount.

Supporting your proposal with documentation of your financial situation and evidence of payments already made (such as the AED 6,000) will strengthen your position.

- Mediation at the Hearing:

The Dubai Land Department’s Rental Dispute Center (RDC) encourages parties to reach settlements.

During the hearing, be transparent about your circumstances and present your proposed payment plan. The RDC mediator may assist in facilitating a mutually agreeable resolution.

- Maintain Documentation:

Bring all relevant documents to the hearing, including payment receipts, correspondence with your landlord, and any evidence of your financial hardship. This will demonstrate your good faith and proactive approach.

2. Possibility of a Travel Ban

- At the Current Stage:

At this point, before a final judgment or execution order, a travel ban is generally not imposed solely due to rental arrears or cheque defaults.

The RDC will first hear the case and attempt to mediate a settlement.

- After Judgment:

If a judgment is issued against you and the outstanding amount remains unpaid, your landlord may request enforcement measures, which can include a travel ban, asset freeze, or other actions to secure the debt.

- Preventive Action:

To minimize the risk of escalation, actively participate in the dispute resolution process and endeavor to reach a settlement or comply with any payment orders issued by the RDC.

Conclusion:

You are encouraged to engage constructively with your landlord and present a clear payment plan both before and during the RDC hearing.

While a travel ban is not typically imposed at this stage, it may become a risk if a judgment is issued and the debt remains unsettled.

Proactive communication and documented efforts to resolve the matter will support your case and may help avoid further legal consequences.

Should you require further assistance or legal representation, please let us know.

Kind regards,

Dear questioner

Generally in between the proceures there will be no travel ban however we need to know more details of the case to give the accurate answer, you can negotiate with the landlord for fair payment plans or reductions as well. If you need our assistance in negotiating then please share your whatsapp number.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your message and for providing the details of your situation.

Regarding your upcoming hearing with the Land Department on 13th May, here is our guidance:

1. Negotiation with Your Landlord

We recommend that you attempt to reach an amicable settlement with your landlord before the hearing. Since you have already paid AED 6,000 and have shown willingness to settle, you may propose:

A payment plan for the outstanding balance.

A request for a partial waiver of the fines and penalties, especially if you are able to pay a portion upfront.

If both parties agree, we can assist you in drafting a formal settlement agreement that can be submitted to the Rental Dispute Center.

2. Risk of Travel Ban

At this stage, a travel ban is not automatically imposed. However, please be aware:

The landlord may request a temporary travel ban if they believe there is a risk of you leaving the country without settling the dues.

If a judgment is issued and payment is not made, the landlord can request a travel ban through the Execution Court as part of enforcement.

To avoid this, we recommend appearing at the hearing, bringing proof of payment, and showing willingness to settle.

If you would like us to assist you during the hearing or with the negotiation process, please let us know. We are here to support you.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

According to UAE law, you can negotiate with your landlord for a payment plan or reach an amicable settlement before a final judgment is issued.

It is advisable to document any agreement in writing. If the dispute continues without resolution, the Rental Disputes Center may issue a judgment, and failure to comply with it could lead to a travel ban.

Initiate open and honest communication with your landlord or their representative. Explain your current financial difficulties and your commitment to resolving the outstanding debt.

Offer a realistic payment plan that you can manage. This could involve smaller, regular installments over a defined period.

Be prepared to provide evidence of your financial situation. The possibility of a travel ban will be imposed upon execution after a final judgment. Not in this stage.

If you need further clarification, you may ask.