Q: Ex-landlord in Abu Dhabi Khalifa City isn't willing to return full payment that I paid as a security deposit. He claims that 1k will be deducted because I left the carpet and removed the lights whereas the lights were all mine and he communicated in a very ill-mannered way. Kindly assist me with this. Thank you

Q: I have vacated my flat in the first week of February. The old tenant made so many changes in the flat and the landlord knows about this one. They told me that they will not charge me. It was in 2016. Now, they refused to pay my security deposit back because they don't have any proof whether they deducted from the old tenant or not. What can I do? Please help.

Q: The landlord is not returning the security deposit. I have vacated the apartment that I rent and satisfied all conditions as per the Tenancy Contract (painted the apartment, fixed and cleaned all -- this had been acknowledged in written by landlord's deputy, cancelled all utility services and Ejari and delivered the landlord cancellation forms). Upon returning the keys, the landlord's deputy said he would call me when the security deposit cheque is ready. He never called, my email requests are not answered, my calls are ignored since then. Now already 2 weeks. I do have proof of handing over the security deposit cheque (by the real estate agency that arranged the apartment rental), that it was cached by the landlord and a written acknowledgement that the apartment was handed over with no issues. What is the correct and most effort-time efficient way to make the landlord fulfill his obligations and return the security deposit to me? Thank you, V.

Q: A landlord agent, after failing to live up to the terms of my monthly rentals agreement, including not making repairs, said I could vacate the property before the end of the lease if I want and he will return the deposit. After I moved out, he turn around stiff me with my deposit claiming that I broke the lease for moving out before lease expiration. What is my legal recourse?

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.