Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
8 available 8 • View allEarly termination of a lease without a proper tenancy agreement
3
Q: Hi,
A security deposit of AED 3,500 was paid to the landlord when I moved in and rental payment for each month was monthly. I moved out for personal reasons 4.5 months later and all rental payments were made for my time there.
At the time of viewing the room, it is being claimed that the landlord stated the minimum term was 6 months, which was never put in writing or was it ever confirmed I would lose my deposit even when I gave my 30 days notice. There is no contract or correspondence to confirm any of this.
The landlord lives in the property and is refusing to return any of my deposit. She is ignoring me now by blocking my number. I even offered her just over AED1,000 as a pro rata settlement as a goodwill gesture, but that is when she blocked me after she read it. I refused her 50/50 offer.
If filing a complaint can cost AED 2.5k-3k where do I stand it seems like a pointless exercise, I don't think RERA will look at it? Do I go to the police? I'd prefer to avoid this option.
Thanks

Nov 9, 2017
3733
Can landlord retain the rent in case of early tenancy termination by the tenant?

9
Q: Good day,
I have given a cheque amounting to the full rent value for 1 year as per my landlord's requirement. I just renewed my contract for the 2nd time, however, I am requesting for an early termination due to the transfer of my work location.
But the landlord says I cannot refund the remaining rent amount even after 2-months notice which is about 7 months and the amount is more or less AED29,000+.


Jul 6, 2017
2504
Early termination of tenancy contract and claiming compensation from tenant
0
Q: I have a tenant in JBR for many years who is paying rent in 2 payments.
The 2nd payment was due 1/3/18 but he delayed it and has now sent me the payment for only 4 months, as he wants to leave at end of June as per the clause below.
The contract states:
6. If the tenant would like to terminate the tenancy agreement prior to the contract end date, three months written notice must be given by the tenant and the tenant will be required to pay the equivalent of one month's rent as compensation to the landlord with all remaining rent returned to the tenant.
7. If clause 6 is invoked, the tenant will be refunded his/her remaining rent (excluding the one-month penalty) and the security deposit depending on a move-out inspection report of the property.
My point is that he should have paid the full 6 months rent installments on the 1st of March and he would have received a refund of only 1 month after moving out.
Do I have any grounds to take action against him?

Mar 25, 2018
648
Rights of the tenant in case of early exit from rent
1
Q: Hi,
I've rented an apartment in Dubai from 01.02.21 - 31.01.22. I've paid in advance as well as a deposit of 5%. Then, due to a job-related change, we agreed I can move out early on 07.10.21.
I've handed over the apartment, but now the landlord doesn't want to refund me the rent for the remaining 4 months or deposit paid (total value of AED 45,000).
I've chased him since move-out. Then he reached out asking me to pay service charges that the developer has charged him (for this he sent me to account details to HIS own account with the developer - in his account are outstanding charges that go back to 2019).
I told him I'll pay the services charges pro-rata if he pays me what he owes me. As I didn't hear back, I sent a legal notice.
Now he sent me an email detailing 20 items of fees he expects me to pay (many are made up such as 5 lost keys with a cost of 500 each, and huge renovation charges, etc.).
Please get back to me via email.
Thanks,
A. K.

Nov 1, 2021
315
How to claim back rental cheques and security deposit after early exit from tenancy?
2
Q: Salam,
I have terminated my tenancy contract early on.
On the 4th month, I notified the landlord through his agent that I got released from duty and need to terminate the contract. I gave 2 months' notice (via email). I received verbal confirmation that I can vacate.
I received Clearance Certificate and handed the place over on time and in good condition. The only thing, I didn't pull out the balance cheques from the landlord.
1. The landlord didn't return the security deposit.
2. To my surprise, the landlord cashed the 3rd cheque.
3. The landlord still has the 4th cheque.
Being new in the UAE, what am I supposed to do?
How can I collect my money and stop the 4th cheque from being cashed out?

Mar 22, 2022
1050
Is there a chance to waive the 3-month rent penalty for early termination due to migration?



1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I need to break my tenancy contract early as my migration has been approved, and I need to leave Dubai and move to that country soon.
I have informed them at least 82 days before the date I want to vacate the premises.
The contract states that I need to pay 3 months' rent as a penalty.
Is this legal or is it too much? Is there a chance to waive it?
Thank you in advance!




Jun 28, 2024
125
How to stop the managing agent from banking the rental cheque after vacating the property?



1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
My family member has a case against his landlord and managing agent at RERA, which has been set for a hearing next month.
He has vacated the property and given notice of cancellation, but the managing agents are ignoring him and refuse to provide the landlord's contact details.
In the meantime, the managing agents indicated they will still bank the next rental cheque of AED 100k (for six months' rent). Is there anything that can be done to stop this?
My brother isn't in a position to pay this money as he had to find other accommodation, but he doesn't want to face any legal issues if the cheque bounces.




Aug 9, 2024
74
Can a landlord break a lease early, promise a refund, and then withhold payment for renovations?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
Is it legal for a landlord to request a tenant vacate the apartment three months before the tenancy agreement's expiry, promise to return the remaining amount, and then refuse to pay, citing the need for renovation and painting work in the unit?





+3
Dec 5, 2024
41
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allProcedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
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.
Oct 20, 2018
21363
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allLaw No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 12
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.
Nov 26, 2007
24290
Decree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
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.
Sep 18, 2013
7292
Law No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 8
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.
Dec 1, 2008
24955

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The landlord has not returned my security deposit worth AED 5000. I filed a case and have judicial announcements that the landlord should return deposit+expenses. But still no response.
The landlord is out of the UAE and his property is handled by the agent. Not sure how to get my money back while I followed all procedures, even filed an execution case but no response.
While I keep paying to follow up on the case, the property is rented out to the next tenant and earning money. I feel like this system is created like this on purpose.
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Is it possible for the employer to drop a case filed by employee in free zone? 0
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Mar 10, 2021
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Winding down an LLC company and the liability of the manager after absconding 0
Hi there Michael,
I am a 24% shareholder in an LLC wherein the other shareholders are our local partner with 51% shares and the partner who is listed as manager on the trade license with 25% shares.
The manager has absconded leaving behind unpaid VAT and other debts that are well over 30 days due (up to a year). No proceedings by creditors have been filed against the company and the MOA contains a general POA in favor of the Manager.
I would like to wind down the company without going through bankruptcy procedures. My understanding is that the listed manager of an LLC is personally liable for the Company's debts.
I need advice about the procedures required to wind down the company. I do not wish to go through bankruptcy procedures as the finances and management of the company were being handled by the manager. I am just the creative director of the LLC.
Please advise as soon as possible.
Jun 18, 2020
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Employee benefits in case of termination during probation 0
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My company terminated me under the probation period. What are my rights? Can the company give me the air ticket and salary?
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Hello,
If a person has a criminal case in the UAE, can he or she travel to any other GCC country on a work visa?
Apr 7, 2025
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Missing business partner since 2003. What to do about his share in the LLC? 0
Hello,
I am a manager of an LLC company with 25% share. In February 2003, a partner joined the company with a 25% share.
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Can a Pakistani expat register a second marriage in the UAE without disclosing the first? 0
Hello,
I want to know the UAE rules regarding second marriage for expats. I am a Pakistani national and already have a wife back in my home country.
Now, I want to do a second marriage in the UAE with a Moroccan girl. Can you please let me know the procedure involved?
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How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? 0
Hello,
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court?
And what's the probability of freezing my account or traffic file if I’m paying?
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Can an employer post an employee’s photo on social media without their consent? 0
Hello,
Can an employer post an employee's photo on social media, LinkedIn or Instagram, without the employee's consent?
Secondly, the employer is forcing the employee to update the company details in the employee's profile.
I believe LinkedIn and Instagram are personal profiles and one cannot be forced to update the details. This photo was taken in the office.
Apr 11, 2025
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View allContinuing work after the expiry of a limited contract without renewal 0
My limited contract has finished on 07 April and I'm still working and receiving my salary, however, my employer hasn't notified me yet about renewing the contract.
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Requirements of starting a platform for posting ads in Dubai 0
Greetings!
I will be running a website (blog-post + classified ads) from home, that provides services and posting ads, and it will accept membership in some countries that speak English.
I am located in Dubai. Since it requires a free subscription, I want to ask if I am obliged to register it as business anywhere to be legal, or if I do not register, I will be asked or arrested for running this website.
The website is under maintenance at the moment, it will be broadcasting after it is completed. Some points I am really concerned with:
1- Do I need a legal registration of the website as a business? If yes, can you help me find out how? If I register in one country - let's say UAE - will it be legal in other countries e.g UK, US?
2- GDPR is really critical point that we have to consider especially for websites that collect info from visitors if required. What are the major points that we have to focus on GDPR?
Kindly help me optimize my website to get rid of any unsuspected legal issue.
Regards
May 14, 2020
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Resignation during the unpaid leave period due to COVID-19 0
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Apr 27, 2020
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Is it legal to give a post dated cheque against the final settlement? 0
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The issue is I didn't plan to stay 1 more month as I should leave the country.
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2- If I have to stay, they have to pay my expenses (rent and bills) to stay one more month in the country?
Apr 27, 2020
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المقصود بحل الشركة ذات المسؤولية المحدودة وآلية ذلك 0
السلام عليكم،
ما المقصود بحل الشركة ذات المسؤولية المحدودة؟
وكيف يتم حلها؟
ومن له الحق أن يطالب بحل الشركة؟
Apr 28, 2020
5548

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Hi,
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Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory.
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What can I do with the contractor I paid to build my house and disappeared before completion? 0
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Transferred within the same UAE group. What happens to my benefits and allowances? 0
Hello,
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Apr 12, 2020
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Early termination of a tenancy contract when the landlord is not responsive 0
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Consequences of leaving the UAE without canceling the employment contract 0
I have been in Dubai 2 years ago. I left the country before the end of my contract with a hotel. I resigned after 4 months, they asked me to pay AED 5000 penalty.
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Apr 19, 2020
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Deducting housing allowance from end of service gratuity upon resignation 0
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