Q: I left Dubai in 2009 after being made redundant and unfortunately had outstanding liabilities (credit card) for around AED 218,000. After being unable to successfully find a new job, I had to return to the UK (home country). I want to find out the current status of any travel ban or a police case against my name. Likewise, I want to reach an amicable arrangement to carry on repaying these obligations. Unfortunately, my old passport and residency visa from my time in Dubai was lost in 2012. I likewise, retain no credit card information from my accounts at the banks. Please, can anyone advise on the correct steps forward? Thank you kindly.

Q: Hi, I have a property in Dubai. The lease expired end of February 2020, however, the tenant has not renewed the lease and is not paying me any rent. Also, the Dubai Government said I cannot give an eviction notice to tenants in March and April due to COVID-19. It's almost 3 months and now she says she is not getting paid by her job and she is making excuses for payment or renewal. Can I approach Dubai court now and send her a notice for nonpayment and eviction? Please advise. Thank you so much

Q: I have a property in Dubai which I rented out to a holiday home company to operate on short/long term rentals. I have been provided quarterly cheques for 1 year and executed PoA in their favour to manage the property. The cheque bounced, and despite my repeated requests, they're not clearing the dues or replying to communications. They have also not executed Ejari nor providing me documents to do so. The utility connections are being operated in my name with outstanding dues there also. Subsequently, I served a legal notice to pay the outstanding and vacate and for the cancellation of the PoA via Notary Public on 5th Dec, but they refused to take delivery of the notices and the Aramex courier was returned to me. I also sent a copy of legal notices by email. In parallel, I filed a cheque bounce case with Dubai Police and awaiting action from them. Now, I am not sure what are my further legal options. How will I be ensured that the property is vacated and payment of rent and utilities will be made?

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 residential retail properties pertaining to the liability for property maintenance and the repercussions of defaulting on rent payments 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. 

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.