Q: Hi Lawyers, I badly need some help with regards to my tenancy contract in Sharjah. Basically, I am staying in my current apartment for almost a year now (I just renewed last June 2017 for my 2nd year contract). However, recently there was a new tenant who moved into the same floor with us (just a few units away from my unit). To cut the story short their kids are making noise on our floor. I have reported the issue to the building management which they took action, however, after few months the kids are starting to make noises again which really are affecting our privacy. Now, I have finally decided to cancel my contract with the company and I was hoping I can do it in a legal way. Will I get a penalty for doing this? Also, will I be able to take back my post dated check with them? I was thinking maybe moving to a new unit (1 bedroom) in the same building or whatever the company can offer. Thank you in advance.

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, It's been 3 months that I moved to this apartment. But the neighbours are noisy that I feel the ceiling will collapse. I complained to the security, to the real estate agency and I even called the police. Nothing changed! I asked the agency to change the flat for me or to fine the neighbours; they completely stopped replying to my calls or emails. What can I do? Please, I’m desperate.

Q: Hello, I recently purchased a villa at a resort compound in the UAE. The exhaust fumes smell from the compound restaurant reaching my backyard can be too much at times especially, in early mornings. This smell sometimes gets inside the villa. I will approach the compound management to find a solution, but if the feedback was negative, then do you know if I have a case? Thank you for your time!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My neighbors made a noise complaint against me. They recorded my voice without my consent and shared it with security. Is it legal to record voices without consent? Can I use this against them?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My neighbor in the building has been refurbishing the house for the past many days, and the noise level is very high. It seems like they have not considered soundproofing. What should I suggest they adhere to as per the law?

Q: I am staying on the top floor of a building in Sharjah and experiencing the annoying and unbearable sound of AC outdoor units inside my room. I have requested many times from the real estate agent, but no action has been taken. What should I do?

Q: Hello, We live in a development in Ras Al Khaimah, and under our apartment block, there is a loud swimming pool heater/chiller unit that runs 24/7, producing a rattling and humming noise that disturbs our peace. We can hardly use our balcony due to this noise. Other apartments face the same issue, but the community management refuses to take action. What legal recourse do we have? Can we serve the community management office with a legal notice?