Q: Hi, I live and work in Dubai. I recently got married and want to bring my wife to Dubai on a spouse visa. For that, one of the essential conditions is to have a lease agreement with 1 year lease period. The nature of my job is such that I may have to relocate to another country anytime. Also, I have an open application for immigration to another country and I may get a PR within a few months or so. In either of the case, there is a possibility that I might have to terminate my tenancy contract before it officially ends. Please advise if it's possible & legally acceptable to have an early exit clause, something like "the tenant (or both the parties) may terminate the contract any time after three months of signing the contract by giving one month notice to the other party. No penalty shall be applicable in such case." Of course, this subjects to finding a landlord who would agree to such condition. But I find one, can the standard contracts be modified to add such clause? Thanks SJ

Q: Hi, I am a tenant and my tenancy agreement ends in July 2019. However, due to some reasons, I have to vacate the place and make an early exit from the contract. My contract doesn't say anything regarding pre-exit However, the annexure says 2 months notice. Am I obliged to pay for 2 months as the landlord is being very rude and not replying to my emails/messages or calls?

Q: Hi, My rental contract expires in December 2016, however, since I can't afford the rent I am giving my two months notice to vacate the place by September 2016 paying 2 months rent. However, the landlord tells me that I can't stay in the place during my notice period and I still have to pay rent for 2 months. Please advise.

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.

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.