Q: s there a practice of assured shorthold tenancy in Dubai and the UAE? And how is it governed? Can the landlord increase the rent or evict in this case whenever he wants? A: a hotel apartment is governed by DED as the main licensing authority and regulated by DTCM, Department of Tourism…

Dear Questioner, Thanks for writing to me. I assume, by shorthold tenancy, you mean properties leased for short periods of time, offering, weekly and monthly options for rent payments. These are largely for tourists and business professionals visiting the city, looking for a homely place to stay in after their busy days of sightseeing or working. Such spaces are known as hotel apartments and are governed by the following laws and regulations in the emirate of Dubai:- 1. Regulation No. (1) of 1998 Concerning Licensing and Classification of Hotels, Guest Houses, and Hotel Apartments and its amendments. 2. By-law No. 1 of 1998 ‘Concerning Licensing and Classification of Hotels, Guest Houses and Furnished Apartments’. As per the above, a hotel apartment is governed by DED as the main licensing authority and regulated by DTCM, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Rental agreements and related concerns are governed by the same law. Hope the above explanation is satisfactory. Regards, Rajasree Ravivarma

Shorthold tenancy at in Dubai and its governing law

Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

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Short term lease in Dubai

Q: There are many of private apartments in Dubai advertised as holiday homes for short-term rent. As far as I know, there is a special regulation of such leasing in Dubai, requiring a permission from the government authorities.How can I be sure, that booking of an apartment for a short stay, let's say through Airbnb, is legal? What documents should I ask from the landlord to be on a safe side?

May 24, 2016

3093

Governing law of hotel apartments in Dubai

Q: Hi Madam, An agency has taken my money for providing me with 6 months of accommodation in a hotel apartment. They did not provide me with the accommodation and after a lot of efforts, I am able to get my partial money back. But the agency is not refunding my remaining amount and they are not opening their office nor responding to my call (they have blocked my number and don't respond to any new number). Can I file a case in the rental dispute centre and also claim compensation for all the trouble me and my family went through and the expenses incurred? They took AED 2000 cash, a cheque of AED 12500 dated 2nd may (which they used) and another cheque of AED 12500. After police called them, they returned my 2nd unused cheque and AED 7000 in cash. I have AED 7500 refund pending. Kindly suggest. Thanks, S.

Jul 1, 2019

4264

Privity of contract in renting through brokerage agencies

Q: I have rented a hotel apartment from an agency who has a contract with a hotel apartment in the UAE. I hold an annual contract with the agency and I have paid the annual rent in advance. The hotel apartment has issued a check-in form by confirming my stay with this particular hotel apartment for 1 year. The hotel apartment also gave me a letter (family visa purpose) stating that I am one of their guests who is going to stay for 1 year. Now, there is some dispute with the agency and the hotel apartment and the agency are not reachable at all, and the hotel apartment tries to evacuate me. 1) Will the hotel apartment be able to evacuate me by law? 2) The agency still holds one cheque from me, can I stop it?

Jan 21, 2019

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Laws & Regulations

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Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

Dec 15, 1985

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Rajasree Ravivarma