Q: Good Afternoon...... Can I write "Security Cheque" on the face of the Cheque? What legal protection does it give me from the landlord or from the bank? Will the bank honour the security cheque across the counter or when it presented in clearing?

Q: Dear Sir, We have paid an amount with Rent Dispute Committee (RDC) for a rent case, but supposedly there is the bounced cheque case still filed with police. Since we have paid based on the court order and paid in court, doesn't the cheque amount drop? Do we pay twice the same amount? Best regards

Q: What could be consequences if my rental cheque is returned? Do I have 2-3 months after the date of the cheque to arrange the necessary amount? What is the worst case scenario for me?

Q: Hello Mrs Khan I have a situation here, I have to take a flat on rent and the rent was agreed to be paid in 6 Instalments. So I made the first instalment in cash and rest with post-dated cheques along with a security deposit cheque. Now, the situation has arisen that the landlord has not signed the contract because of some court case on the building and I have not the received the flat as promised. Can I cancel my cheques with expecting any actions to be taken against me as I have not received the flat as agreed, and should I lodge a police complaint? Is there any other action that needs to be taken? Thanks Anuj

Q: Dear Mr Naser, My cheque returned due to insufficient funds. I received a text from my bank regarding bounced cheque and deposited funds to cover the amount and tried to reach my landlord, offered her cash delivery in an hour or bank transfer not to cause any inconvenience due to any delayed payment. She refused it. Next day, I received an email from her that she has proof from my bank that it bounced back due to insufficient funds (which is true) and wants to meet me with her lawyer and asks for AED 5,000 penalty. There's a clause added on my contract; "IN CASE OF ANY CHEQUE BOUNCE FOR ANY REASON, THE PENALTY WILL BE AED 5,000 PER CHEQUE & TENANCY CONTRACT WILL BE TERMINATED & SECURITY DEPOSIT WILL BE NON-REFUNDABLE". Is the added clause legal? Isn't it too harsh? I tried to find it on RERA or RDC but wasn't able to find info. I tried hard to pay them on the same day but they didn't accept. Looks like they are trying to benefit from the situation and making another AED 5k. Can you help me?

Q: Greetings, I have a rental case opened against me due to failed rent payments and bounced cheques with the flat since August 2021 based on failed business. I had received a court order and a fixed amount to pay the amount in 5 installments. After that, I lost my job. And after contacting a typing center on my rental dispute case, I learned I have a travel ban and an arrest warrant. Even though I had the intention to pay, I had gone to the management with half the amount earlier before the enforcement case was opened and they refused negotiation. Until now, I haven't been able to secure a job because I can't get a cancellation from my previous company and I don't have better means to pay the initial amount requested for the first installment. Please, what can I do to at least get my name off the system to find a new job? And how much out of AED 35,000 must I fulfill to lift the ban or arrest warrant while I settle the balance instrumentally? Thanks.

Q: I have three rental cases registered against me, the cases are rental disputes. Now I have to renew my work visa and a judgment has been passed as an arrest warrant. It all happened during Covid 19. I am getting stable now and I am doing a full-time job but it would take some time to pay off. What could be the best solution that allows me to stay at work and earn money to pay back? Looking forward to your best advice, thanks indeed.

In the UAE, cheque bounce is a very frequent problem faced by people during their span in the country. It is covered under the purview of Commercial Transactions Law, and legal implications/penalties can be financially severe and daunting for more “serious” offenses. Bounced cheque issues may arise in a variety of commercial transactions, including but not limited to, companies’ exchanges, bank loans, property rents or purchases, and individual transactions.

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.

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.

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.

This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.

The provisions of this Decree by Law amend the Federal Law No. (18) of 1993 by replacing Clause (4) of Article (379) as well as Articles (600), (617), (641), (642), (643), (644), and adding new articles numbered (635) Bis, (641) Bis (1), (641) Bis (2), (641) Bis (3), (641) Bis (4), (643) Bis (1), (643) Bis (2), (644) Bis (1) and (644) Bis (2). The Decree-Law also repeals Articles (401), (402) and (403) of the Federal Law No. (3) of 1987.