Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allIs there a chance to waive the 3-month rent penalty for early termination due to migration?



1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I need to break my tenancy contract early as my migration has been approved, and I need to leave Dubai and move to that country soon.
I have informed them at least 82 days before the date I want to vacate the premises.
The contract states that I need to pay 3 months' rent as a penalty.
Is this legal or is it too much? Is there a chance to waive it?
Thank you in advance!
Jun 28, 2024
264
Can the landlord send a short notice for eviction to the tenant?
2
Q: Hi,
My current apartment lease ends on 19 Nov 2021, the owner emailed me yesterday that he wants to move in and asked us to vacate after our lease ends.
I told them that they should've sent me a 12-month advance notice via notary and I am not evicting the apartment.
Also, he did not send me a renewal agreement and we are now two weeks past the 3-month renewal deadline.
I want to know what are my options. Should I file a dispute and ask for renewal under the current agreement?
Sep 1, 2021
858
Can a tenant end a lease early, and what are the possible penalties?




1
Q: Hello,
Can a tenant terminate the lease early, and what are the potential penalties for doing so?
+2
Jan 16, 2025
477
Legal blog
3 available 3 • View allWhat You Should Know While Renting a Property in the UAE 5
An interview-format article covering the topic of residential retail properties pertaining to the liability for property maintenance and the repercussions of defaulting on rent payments in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.
Feb 24, 2020
4220
Procedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
The relationship between tenants and landlords is regulated in Dubai by Law No. 33 of 2008 Concerning the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai. The arising rental disputes are referred to Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (“RDSC”) created by Decree No. 26 of 2013 to reconcile between the parties and reach an amicable settlement or seek a final judgment issued and enforced by the RDSC.
Oct 20, 2018
21731
My Tenant Stopped Paying Rent & Became Unresponsive, What Should I Do? 6
An interview-format article covering the topic of defaulting on commercial lease in the UAE and related procedures. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. In this article, Ludmila discusses what one should do if the tenant becomes unresponsive.
Feb 11, 2020
15166
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allLaw No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 8
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.
Dec 1, 2008
25420
Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 13
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.
Nov 26, 2007
24602
Decree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
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.
Sep 18, 2013
7460

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Can my landlord file a case or charge me for cancellation after I vacated my flat in Sharjah? 0
Hi,
I have paid all my checks and did not renew my flat in Sharjah. I notified the watchman that we had vacated the flat and that it is open, with the key left inside for him to check.
Can they still file a case against me for not canceling it, as they are asking me to pay for the cancellation?
Oct 20, 2025
9
How can I file a defamation or cyber complaint for false comments posted on social media? 0
Hi,
I would like to consult about a defamation issue. Someone has posted false and damaging comments about me and my business on social media. I have screenshots as proof.
I would like to know the legal process for filing a cyber complaint or defamation case under UAE law.
Oct 16, 2025
33
Can I file a case against my landlord for refusing to return my security deposit? 0
Hello,
I need legal advice regarding my rented apartment.
The landlord is refusing to return my security deposit, claiming false damages. I have photos of the flat taken when I vacated it.
Can your legal team help me file a case or send a legal notice through the Rental Dispute Center?
Oct 16, 2025
34
How to respond to a non-compete legal notice from a former employer? 0
I received a legal notice from my ex-company. They claim I breached a non-compete and confidentiality undertaking by joining another company and demand that I:
• Terminate my new employment immediately,
• Stop working for any competitor for 12 months,
• Cease using or disclosing any confidential information, and
• Cease soliciting clients, partners, or staff.
I deny these allegations. I completed a full handover, have no company data, and resigned lawfully in July 2025. In fact, they never provided me with an employment visa, delayed my UAE contract by 12 months, and failed to pay me for overtime and holiday work despite repeated complaints to HR.
The workplace was toxic and harmed my mental health. Now, all of a sudden, they have started threatening me to leave the current company by sending me a legal notice.
Oct 3, 2025
61
Can I reject the rent increase (41%) & short notice (81 days) served by my landlord in RAK? 0
Dear Legal Community,
I am seeking advice regarding a residential tenancy contract renewal in Ras Al Khaimah.
Situation:
Property: Residential unit in Ras Al Khaimah.
Current Annual Rent: AED 27,000.
Contract Expiry: December 21st, 2025.
Landlord's Proposal: Increase to AED 38,000 (approx. 41% increase).
Notification Date: October 1st, 2025 (81 days before expiry).
My Questions:
Notice Period Validity: Is a notice of 81 days for a rent increase legally valid in Ras Al Khaimah, given the common requirement of 90 days' prior notice?
Rent Increase Legality: Is a 41% rent increase permissible under RAK rental laws and the RAK Municipality Rental Index, or are there caps/guidelines?
Tenant's Rights: What are my rights in this situation? Can I insist on renewing at the current rent (AED 27,000) due to the invalid notice?
Dispute Resolution: What is the process for escalating this to the Ras Al Khaimah Rent?
Oct 1, 2025
88

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How can I recover my refund from a visa service company that failed to process my work permit? 0
Hello,
I have been trying to get my refund from an immigration visa service company for months now. The company promised a refund for a Europe work permit application that they never completed.
Despite multiple follow-ups, I have not yet received my money back. I have all the receipts, emails, and WhatsApp messages as proof. The amount is less than AED 5,000; however, it is a big deal to me.
Please advise!
Oct 20, 2025
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Can my landlord file a case or charge me for cancellation after I vacated my flat in Sharjah? 0
Hi,
I have paid all my checks and did not renew my flat in Sharjah. I notified the watchman that we had vacated the flat and that it is open, with the key left inside for him to check.
Can they still file a case against me for not canceling it, as they are asking me to pay for the cancellation?
Oct 20, 2025
9
How do I set up a consultancy company, including licensing, registration, and document drafting? 0
Hello,
I’m planning to start a consultancy company in Dubai and would like to understand the process, required licenses, and the differences between mainland and free zone setups.
Can your firm assist with the full legal registration and the drafting of company documents?
Oct 16, 2025
34
How can I file a defamation or cyber complaint for false comments posted on social media? 0
Hi,
I would like to consult about a defamation issue. Someone has posted false and damaging comments about me and my business on social media. I have screenshots as proof.
I would like to know the legal process for filing a cyber complaint or defamation case under UAE law.
Oct 16, 2025
33
Do I need a UAE freelancer permit to work with US clients and receive payments in the UAE? 0
I work as a Director of Project Management in a company in DMCC. During my free time, I have tried providing Project Management Consultation to clients in the USA as a freelancer on UpWork (an Online Freelancing platform) and have seen good traction. I want to pursue this further during my free time. I am currently holding a UAE Golden Visa.
1. I would like to know if I am required to hold a freelancer permit in the UAE if I only serve clients in the USA? I don't have or plan to have any clients in the UAE or in GCC.
2. My clients in the USA have been paying me via UpWork so far, but I would like to receive this money directly via wire transfer to my UAE bank account or through online payment portals. Is this legal to do so?
3. I hold an NOC from my current employer to work on freelance projects during my free time.
Can you please clarify the above questions?
Jazakallah, Thank you!
Oct 14, 2025
40

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Can my employer charge me for visa costs and keep my passport when I resign? 0
Hello,
The company I’m working for is asking me to pay AED 4,000 for visa costs while I am trying to resign, even though I have completed one year.
Please let me know what I can do, as my passport is also with the company; they took it from me.
Oct 20, 2025
17
How can I recover my refund from a visa service company that failed to process my work permit? 0
Hello,
I have been trying to get my refund from an immigration visa service company for months now. The company promised a refund for a Europe work permit application that they never completed.
Despite multiple follow-ups, I have not yet received my money back. I have all the receipts, emails, and WhatsApp messages as proof. The amount is less than AED 5,000; however, it is a big deal to me.
Please advise!
Oct 20, 2025
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Can I legally stop working if my labour contract has expired and the company’s license is blocked? 0
Hello,
The company made a change of status for me, which expires on 7/10. My labour card expired on 23/9. I signed a 2-year contract, but they didn’t stamp the visa. The contract is now not showing in my UAE Pass app. In the MOHRE app, my 2-month contract expired on 24/9.
Can I leave work now since the contract has expired, and the visa wasn’t stamped, and the contract is not showing in the UAE Pass app, which means they didn’t even submit it?
I went to Tasheel, and they told me I can stop working as I have already filed a complaint with MOHRE for one week’s salary and Emirates ID fees.
I started on 25/7. The employer paid me only for August. When I asked for my July salary, he gave me a warning letter with a 20% salary deduction. He then complained against me to MOHRE, but MOHRE closed his complaint.
For my complaint, they asked me to keep working and wait for MOHRE’s final decision. What should I follow, as the Tasaheel agent told me the company’s license is blocked, and they will not process my contract, so he advised me to stop working and find another job?
Oct 6, 2025
67
Can my employer force me to leave the UAE after I resigned and requested visa cancellation? 0
My employer didn’t provide me with a visa, and I overstayed for four months. I gave him a resignation letter, and he said he would only cancel my visa if he sent me back to my country. I don’t want to go back, so I filed a complaint against him.
The Labour Office called both of us to discuss the complaint and gave me two options: either to continue working with the company or to request cancellation.
I chose cancellation, and they told me to give the cancellation request to my manager and work for a one-month notice period, which I did. Do you have any advice for me?
Oct 6, 2025
55
Can my landlord file a case or charge me for cancellation after I vacated my flat in Sharjah? 0
Hi,
I have paid all my checks and did not renew my flat in Sharjah. I notified the watchman that we had vacated the flat and that it is open, with the key left inside for him to check.
Can they still file a case against me for not canceling it, as they are asking me to pay for the cancellation?
Oct 20, 2025
9

Premium
Other answers by
Can my employer charge me for visa costs and keep my passport when I resign? 0
Hello,
The company I’m working for is asking me to pay AED 4,000 for visa costs while I am trying to resign, even though I have completed one year.
Please let me know what I can do, as my passport is also with the company; they took it from me.
Oct 20, 2025
17
How can I recover my refund from a visa service company that failed to process my work permit? 0
Hello,
I have been trying to get my refund from an immigration visa service company for months now. The company promised a refund for a Europe work permit application that they never completed.
Despite multiple follow-ups, I have not yet received my money back. I have all the receipts, emails, and WhatsApp messages as proof. The amount is less than AED 5,000; however, it is a big deal to me.
Please advise!
Oct 20, 2025
18
Can my landlord file a case or charge me for cancellation after I vacated my flat in Sharjah? 0
Hi,
I have paid all my checks and did not renew my flat in Sharjah. I notified the watchman that we had vacated the flat and that it is open, with the key left inside for him to check.
Can they still file a case against me for not canceling it, as they are asking me to pay for the cancellation?
Oct 20, 2025
9
How can we apply for new visas for new employees when there is an active court case? 0
Hello,
How can we apply for new visas for new employees when there is an active court case?
Thank you for your help!
Oct 17, 2025
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How can we prepare evidence and witnesses to defend a staff member accused of theft? 0
Hello,
One of my staff members, who has been working part-time as a cleaner for a tenant for five months, was accused of stealing jewellery worth AED 7,000.
The tenant filed a police complaint, and she was detained for 24 hours. Later, she learned that a criminal case had been filed by the tenant.
She insists she is innocent and missed her first opportunity to present a witness to the Public Prosecution. During her first hearing, the judge asked her to upload her statement and bring witnesses at the next hearing in a month.
Please advise what documents, evidence, and witnesses we can prepare for her defense.
Oct 17, 2025
15
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