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.

Q: I am currently renting a 3-bedroom apartment in Dubai Marina, with the rent of AED 200,000 per year paid in 4 cheques. The lease is a 2-year lease, which, as of 1st September 2017, has 1 year remaining. When I originally signed the lease, we were told by the landlord's son (who has POA), that sharers were ok. We were originally 3 friends. I lost my job at the beginning of this year, and therefore had some issues paying the rent cheque. This is now paid in full, and I will settle any penalties as per the contract. However, I would like to end the lease early. My landlord has now taken over negotiation, and his son (who has POA) is out of the picture. The landlord is saying that I am not allowed to share the apartment, however, to end the lease, I must pay termination fees of 2 months, which amounts to almost AED 35,000. I simply cannot stay in the apartment alone, and will end up in a situation where I cannot pay the rent again. Could you please provide some advice on this issue. Richard

Q: I have a studio in discovery gardens. I have taken it on 4 cheques. My 3rd cheque is from this month, mid of April until mid of July. I have been transferred to Amsterdam and need to report on duty from June. I have informed the real estate for early termination. They told me that beside this cheque, I need to pay 2 months rent plus 1000 penalty. Can you advise how much do I have to pay for early termination as per the law?

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.