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
3761
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
2552
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
699
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
358
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
1123
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
169
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
101
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
66
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
21513
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
24430
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
7348
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
25222

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