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: Our shop rent already expired on 01 March 2020. We didn't renew the contract as we have requested the landlord on 18 April 2020 to reduce the rent, but he is not ready to reduce. At this COVID-19 situation, we cannot afford this rent of AED 85000 for 29 Sqr Mtr. We informed the landlord on 18 April 20 only for non-renewal. So legally, how can we get out of this shop?

Q: Hi, I have a 1-year rental agreement with 4 payments in a year in the form of PDC. I went on a normal 1-month vacation with a return ticket, but unfortunately, all flights were suspended and travel restriction applied due to Coronavirus. Now for the last 2-3 months, I am in my country and unable to join work but my landlord said I have to pay money from my country. How can I pay with no salary and I am stuck outside with no guarantee what will happen next? Out of 4 cheques, 3 easily cashed with no problem but he said pay half cheque amount in May and the remaining in next month.

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?

Q: Hello Sir! I rented an apartment in a villa in Abu Dhabi 4 months back and paid 4 months' rent in cash and have given three cheques for the remaining rent in advance (4-4 months) one cheque is a security cheque. We signed a contract for one year. Now because I got terminated from the job, I informed the landlord with one month's notice and evicted the house after 3 months leaving one month's of rent to him as discussed at the time of the contract. I lived only for 3 months. Now the landlord is not returning my cheques and demanding all the amount of the remaining year and threatening me for filing a case if he bounces my cheque. I negotiated and he asked me now in the last conversation to pay only for 3 months more and he will give me back my cheques, What should I do? I can't pay even for the 3 months since I have evicted the house as discussed. What are my legal rights in such a case and what's the worse I can expect if he bounces my cheques? Kindly advise. Thank you

Q: I lost my job and my tenancy is still valid for the next 9 months. I notified the landlord once more that I have to leave next month. Will he be eligible to deduct any amount?

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.

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.