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: Hi. I am a tenant and gave notice to my landlord on 3rd July 2017. The contract was for 12 months starting March 2017 but had the following provisions: "The Parties agree that there may be instances where the Tenant shall need to terminate the lease early, and in accordance with current guidelines the Tenant will give a two-month notice and two-month rent penalty in the case of immediate vacation." The landlord did not come to the pre-agreed date of vacating the premises on the 7th of September because I refused to pay him the two-month penalty, although I had already given him over 2 months notice. He is saying I have to pay him the additional 2 months even though I read it as only payable if I vacated immediately.

Q: Dear Sir/Ma'am, I have rented a studio in Discovery Gardens, it was for 3 cheques and the tenancy contract started on Jan. 11, 2018. My first cheque was paid to cover the period until May 11, 2018. My issue is I am getting another job outside the UAE and I plan to vacate and terminate the contract on March 11, 2018. My question is, can I still get the remaining amount of 2 months or it can be used as a penalty for breaching the contract? Thanks, I will highly appreciate your opinion.

س: مرحبًا، عقد إيجار شقتي ينتهي في 25 نوفمبر. هل يمكنني عدم تجديد العقد لأنني أريد الانتقال إلى شقة أخرى؟ علمًا بأنني لم أبلغ الشركة المؤجِّرة. وماذا علي قانونيًا إذا لم أجدد العقد؟ و لكم جزيل الشكر!

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.

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.