Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
9 available 9 • View allPenalty payable in case of early termination of tenancy contract
9
Q: My tenancy contract specifies that "In the event of early termination, Tenant shall have to serve two-month written notice prior to the vacating date and to pay two months rent as a penalty to the landlord and the remaining balance to be refunded".
Based on that, please advise if during the two months notice I can stay in the property and paying those two months rent (which are effectively already paid) are the penalty or if after the two months notice an additional two months rent should be paid as a penalty?
Thank you

Jul 8, 2017
13011
Notice period for early termination of tenancy agreement
5
Q: Hi,
I am a tenant and my tenancy agreement ends in July 2019.
However, due to some reasons, I have to vacate the place and make an early exit from the contract. My contract doesn't say anything regarding pre-exit
However, the annexure says 2 months notice. Am I obliged to pay for 2 months as the landlord is being very rude and not replying to my emails/messages or calls?

Jan 9, 2019
4066
Early termination of a tenancy contract when the landlord is not responsive



2
Q: I want to early terminate my tenancy contract of one of my nurseries in JLT (retail unit) as the business is completely shut since March. I am unable to contact my landlord who is a Chinese national; he does not reply to email or call and may not be in Dubai.
The final cheque is due 01 May 2020, what should I do?




Apr 9, 2020
1465
Non-renewal of a rental contract because of disagreement and COVID-19
2
Q: Hi,
I hope everyone is staying safe. My rental contract is up for renewal 16 Apr 2020 and I wanted to know what my rights are in the current economic climate.
I have been negotiating with the landlord since the correct time (90 days) but have so far been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement that both sides are happy with.
Talks are still ongoing and I hope to find a resolution but I want to have a full understanding of what my rights are in the event no agreement can be reached.
If we do not renew, we also don't have the ability to view other homes or move due to coronavirus. Assuming no renewal is agreed by 16 Apr 2020, what happens?
Thanks!

Apr 4, 2020
1247
Terminating a tenancy contract by a tenant because of smoking neighbors
8
Q: Hi,
I have spent just 1 month here in my new apartment with my wife and my 6 months old baby. Our neighbor is smoking inside their flat and the smoke comes inside our flat. We have already complained about it to the management and the management keeps only warning them.
I have a baby who is at risk for smelling cigarette smoke and we've found out that the tenant has many complaints already. The management seems very soft to them. Are we allowed to break our tenancy since the management fails to control them?
I think they have a friend who is a senior manager of the building and that's why they keep on doing crazy things without eviction.
Can we terminate our contract for this reason since we have a baby?

Jan 27, 2020
2388
Can the tenant give a non-renewal notice and retract it at a later stage?
1
Q: Where does the law stand on a tenant giving a non-renewal notice and retracting it at a later stage?
Does the owner of the leasehold have the right to refuse and ask for vacating the apartment?
Can the owner ask for additional compensation and legal compensation for lack of compliance until such time that the apartment is vacated and cleared?

Feb 14, 2023
279
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
162
Can I cancel the tenancy agreement without paying a fee because I lost my employment?



1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
I have just renewed my tenancy agreement with my landlord for a new one-year contract. Both of us have signed the contract, and I have given the cheques, with the first one to be cashed on 22nd October 2024.
I have just learned that my employment contract will be terminated on 31st December.
Can I cancel the tenancy agreement and get my two cheques back without paying a fee since I am losing my employment?




Sep 30, 2024
484
Can I send a legal notice to the landlord if I don't have his Emirates ID?


0
Q: Hello,
I'm trying to send legal notice to the landlord but I don't have their Emirates ID and therefore cannot notarize the notice.
Is there any option to do it without Emirates ID?



Feb 7, 2025
79
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allMy Tenant Stopped Paying Rent & Became Unresponsive, What Should I Do? 6
An interview-format article covering the topic of defaulting on commercial lease in the UAE and related procedures. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. In this article, Ludmila discusses what one should do if the tenant becomes unresponsive.
Feb 11, 2020
14949
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allDecree 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
7335
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
25129
Law 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
24393

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How can I remove a travel ban or avoid arrest if I left the UAE with an unpaid rent case? 0
In 2018, I was involved in a dispute concerning unpaid rent related to a property managed by [-----] under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. [----] proceeded with legal action, resulting in a civil case and the imposition of a travel ban.
A civil case had been reported in an Arabic-language newspaper. Not being fluent in Arabic, I missed the Land Department hearing, and the obvious outcome included an order for payment and a travel ban, but I had already left the country by that time.
questions:
Statute of Limitations: After how many years does such a civil case expire under UAE law, thereby allowing me to legally return to Dubai without facing arrest or enforcement actions?
International Travel: Am I currently at risk of arrest or extradition if I travel to non-GCC countries like India or Pakistan?
Forgive my brevity and rudeness due to 1000-character limits
May 29, 2025
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What is the responsibility of the employee in case of leaving before the end of the notice period? 0
What is the responsibility of the employee?
The employment contract is set to conclude on 31st May 2025. The employee initiated discussions regarding a salary increment approximately 30 days prior, during which the management engaged in meetings with the employee but ultimately decided to maintain the current salary.
The employee subsequently chose not to renew or continue the employment, this decision having been finalized in a meeting held on 20th May 2025.
How does the notice period apply in this context?
Specifically:
1) Would the grace period (30 days after the contract/visa ends) be considered as fulfilling the notice period requirement?
2) Is the employee entitled to request a different salary during this grace or notice period?
May 21, 2025
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Can my husband take our 2-year-old daughter abroad without my consent? 0
Hello,
My husband has been threatening that he will take my 2-year-old daughter to Pakistan and leave her there with his family.
He has said this several times and has confirmed to my dad that he will be taking my daughter in the coming few weeks. We are both on his sponsorship.
What are my rights in the UAE? Can my husband travel with a minor without the mother's consent? How can I stop him from taking my daughter to Pakistan? Do I have any legal standing if I am under his sponsorship?
May 29, 2025
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Tenant demanding more than RDC verdict. Must I pay before the execution file is issued? 0
Good day,
I am a landlord, and my tenant filed a case with the RDC. The verdict was in his favor, and I am to pay the financial claim, which is the fees and expenses of the case.
The tenant asked for a specific amount, which is higher than the official receipt that the RDC provided. So, I have paid that exact amount directly to the tenant.
Naturally, the tenant asked for more. May I ask for guidance regarding the procedure?
It has not been 15 days since the verdict, so I have been told by the RDC that the case is not final, and I must wait for the execution file to determine the exact amount.
While I am happy to wait for that, my tenant has been threatening to open an execution file if I do not pay before the 15th day. She mentioned a travel ban as well. I feel lost and uncomfortable with the situation.
Please help me understand the procedure.
May 29, 2025
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UAE credit card was used fraudulently abroad. Bank and police won’t act. What can I do? 0
Hello,
I had a fraudulent and unauthorized transaction on my credit card, but the bank is saying no action can be taken as it happened outside the country.
We approached the police, but they are saying to proceed legally as it happened outside the country.
May 28, 2025
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How to change the lease contract for an entity that changed from sole establishment to LLC? 1
Good morning.
Kindly help me out with the below query:
If a sole establishment is converted into an LLC, what would happen to the existing Lease Agreement with the Sole Establishment as the tenant?
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Aug 23, 2024
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Bank filed a civil case over a loan: Better to settle with the bank or in court? 1
Good day, Sir,
I have received a message from the Dubai Court stating that a bank has filed a civil case against me. The loan has been pending since February 2019.
I cleared the cheque bounce case earlier with a court fine in 2019. I am looking forward to a minimum settlement plan with the bank. The outstanding amount was around 70,000 AED, and now the message is for 115,000 AED.
What will be the best way for me to proceed: approaching the bank or dealing with it in court?
Best regards,
Jul 7, 2024
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Is it legal for my employer to withhold my salary until I leave the country or change status? 1
Hello,
I have given my notice, and my last day is July 24, but the employer is refusing to pay my salary; even the salary for June. Is this even legal?
He claims I'll get everything at once, which is after leaving the country or changing status.
Jul 2, 2024
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Demanding that an employee pay for visa charges a year after resigning 1
Dear Lawyers,
I worked at a bakeshop here in Dubai. I resigned exactly one year ago. Now they want me to pay for visa charges, as stated in the offer letter.
If I cannot pay for the charges, my employer will claim financial loss due to the damages, estimated to be at least 7,000 AED.
What should I do about this? My monthly salary is only 2,800 AED.
Jul 1, 2024
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Is an employee eligible for maternity leave in the first three months of pregnancy? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Is an employee eligible for maternity leave in the first three months of pregnancy?
If an employee takes sick leave in the first three months of pregnancy, can it be considered normal sick leave or maternity leave?
Jul 1, 2024
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Continuing work after the expiry of a limited contract without renewal 34
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.
In case he does not renew my contract, am I entitled to receive compensation for not being given an earlier notice for non-renewal?
May 27, 2020
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Requirements of starting a platform for posting ads in Dubai 8
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 2
I am a manager in a UAE company, I have served 2 years on an unlimited contract. I have been instructed I am on unpaid leave for a 3-month period in light of the current situation.
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Apr 27, 2020
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Is it legal to give a post dated cheque against the final settlement? 1
I should have my final settlement on May 9 as my last day of work will be May 2nd. The company offered me to pay me in 2 payments.
A bank transfer was made in the 1st week of May and the second 50% in the 1st week of June by giving me a post-dated cheque.
The issue is I didn't plan to stay 1 more month as I should leave the country.
1- Is this legal to offer this kind of payment? What can I do?
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 3
السلام عليكم،
ما المقصود بحل الشركة ذات المسؤولية المحدودة؟
وكيف يتم حلها؟
ومن له الحق أن يطالب بحل الشركة؟
Apr 28, 2020
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Hi,
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Transferred within the same UAE group. What happens to my benefits and allowances? 1
Hello,
I was an employee of a major group in the UAE. Now, they have transferred me to another entity within the same group in the UAE.
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