Q: Dear, Last year, 28th September 2017 to be exact, we rented 1 BHK Flat in Bur Dubai. The flat is old and since we required it on an urgent basis, we took the flat with unfixed things. We as the tenant fixed whatever is needed (bathroom door, kitchen cabinets, bathroom ceiling...etc.). We decided not to renew the contract due to the maintenance issues we had encountered. Now, the real state agent is asking us to pay the maintenance which quoted me for AED3500/- (kitchen and toilet ceiling change, full flat ceiling change, light change, switch change, kitchen exhaust fan change, all cleaning, shower pipe change, cabinet hinges repair, all materials and labours). Do we really need to pay for this maintenance? Please advice. Highly appreciate your immediate answer. Thanks & regards,

Q: I have been in an apartment for more than 7 years. I asked the landlord to paint the apartment, he says that he needs a two-year contract from me to do the painting. Is painting included in the maintenance?

Q: I live in a 4 bedroom apartment in Deira/Dubai. 3 out of the 4 bedrooms have sewage leakage problem somewhere in the ceiling and the smell is horrible. The landlord refuses to fix the problem even though my tenancy contract clearly states that he must fix on his expense. To make the story short, After filing for a case against him at the RDC, It all went down to the police station where he refused to sign a paper that states his willingness to fix. Next, a Dubai Municipality official visited the apartment and submitted a report to the Land Department confirming that the apartment smells very bad. All meanwhile I refused to pay any rent to pressure this landlord to fix. So now 4 months have passed and the accumulated rent has built up to above AED 100,000. The landlord has filed a case to claim the rental amount. What to do? And how can he file a case against me at the RDC without the RDC asking him to fix the apartment first?! Can I refuse to pay this landlord? I think it is unfair to pay!

Q: Good day, I would like to ask regarding the tenant rights. Our air conditioning broke down and the landlord is insisting that we are the one who should buy a new compressor which is not on the leasing contract that I signed. Are we really liable for the repair cost of that AC or the landlord? Thanks for the help!

Q: Dear sir/madam, For a property purchased for AED 757,000/- the developer has sent a notice prior to handover and has claimed: 1) AED 10,000 /- (as admin fee); though the initial representation was utilities + admin will be AED 5000/- 2) AED 33,000 /- (as utility charges); unable to understand what this is for and no supporting documentation provided. Can a developer make a claim of arbitrary charges? How is the purchaser protected by law? How can we force the developer to correct this to only legitimate fees/charges? Thank you in advance!

Q:   Dear Sir/Madam,       We vacated our 1 BHK apartment after a year. Recently, we received an email from the management regarding maintenance charges of AED 5812. The details show pictures of almost everything in the house that are not damaged.       They have mentioned that they need to replace everything with new items, including the toilet paper handle, shower cap, shower head, valve, soap handle, and so on.       When we asked the management why they needed to replace these items, they simply responded by saying that Dubai properties are expensive and they are very strict.       However, they could not provide a reason as to why these items needed to be replaced when they were not damaged. They only said that new items are given to new tenants, and the same would happen to the next tenant as well.       We have disputed these charges, but the management responded by saying that they do not have a dispute team and we are required to pay the full amount.       We had requested them to inform us during the inspection, but they failed to notify us and conducted the inspection without our knowledge.    

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I recently purchased a new apartment unit from a real estate developer, and the unit is brand new. The building's completion certificate and civil defense certificate were issued in September. The handing over and snagging was completed last November. However, after receiving the apartment, I noticed that the paint was peeling off due to moisture in the walls. Since the unit is still under a 1-year warranty, I have contacted the customer service of the developer to rectify the problem. Unfortunately, the maintenance team only painted the walls and did not address the underlying issue. The problem has persisted for six months and is only getting worse. I am wondering what steps I can take with the developer to get them to fix the problem. How can I file a complaint and receive real support from the developer? Should I consider appointing a lawyer and granting them power of attorney? Is it worth the cost? Please note that I am currently residing in KSA and do not have a residence permit in the UAE.

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.

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.

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.