Q: Hello, I live in Dubai and have recently been sent on unpaid leave until further notice due to COVID-19. I am unable to pay my next rent cheque which is due in July. I would like to exit my tenancy contract early, it ends in March 2021. My contract states that I am liable and have to pay an early exit fee of the equivalent of 2 months rent if I decide to leave early. Can this be voided due to the current situation? And would I be able to leave without paying this? Does COVID-19 count as Force Majeure? If it does, would I also be able to get my deposit back? Thank you for any assistance you can offer. F.

Q: My company is suffering under the current challenging circumstances. It provides an important service in Dubai. However, due to a major decline in revenue, we are trying to negotiate with the landlord which is proving difficult and can lead to eviction. What are the options available to us? Relocating is not an option as a lot of investment has been taken place at the current location. Thanks!

Q: Is it possible to cancel a property rental contract before the designated move-in date that has been signed already? What are the rights of the landlord on my cheques that have been given to him already? Will I have to pay any fees even though I have not received the keys to the place yet, and I am also unable to move due to the COVID-19 lockdown?

Q: My company is in the business of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and we do sell protective garments for COVID-19. Due to COVID-19 opportunity, our company is doing fantastic business. We not only finished our Year 2020 budget but exceeded by 40%. We have 7 more months to go. However, my company came up with this lame excuse of "Corona Situation" and forcing to accept a 25% reduction in salary and other compensations/ commissions. As you see we are not at all affected by Corona but doing fantastic with this COVID-19 situation. Please guide how I can protect my rights and which authority can help me/ I should approach. Thanks, KK

Q: The contract of my apartment expires on June, 30th. At the same time, my employer did not extend the new contract with me. I am a Polish citizen (Europe) and because of COVID-19. I have no flights to Poland. Do I have the right to stay in my current flat for about two months longer free of charge or do I have to pay to the owner? If so, how much should I pay? If not, then how to do it? Regards,

Q: The situation is bad because of Corona-virus. I couldn't pay the rent. Two bank cheques have bonused. I asked the shop owner many times to give some relief but he refused. He has filed a case against me in RDC. I have been paying rent since December 2017. I could not continue paying due to the circumstances. What should I do now?

Q: Hi, I am a tenant living in the same apartment for the last 5 years. My tenancy contract is expiring in the month of May 2025. I want to renew my contract this time but only for 3 months until August. I communicated the same to my owner through the real estate who is handling the property. Initially, they said that it would be possible but the current market rent would apply. When I checked, I found they could not increase my rent as per the rental index and I told them this. After that, they said that they would not renew the contract for 3 months. If I want, I can renew for the entire year and then vacate when I want by paying the penalty of 2 months. In this scenario, I want to know if it is legally correct on their part to refuse to renew my contract for 3 months. Can you please guide me?

As the world is currently experiencing a major lockdown and suspension of almost all commercial and civil operations, the question arises in the novelty of Coronavirus outbreak on how serious it is to be dealt with as a Force Majeure.

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 article tries to explain the concept of Force Majeure and its application in residential tenancy contracts in the light of a recent RDC judgement.

An interview-format article covering the topic of rental disputes amidst COVID-19 in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.

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.