Q: I have a tenant living in my apartment. She has not paid me the rent for over 1 year. She pays small amounts into my account once in a while. The current outstanding is around AED 110,000. I want to evict her from my property. However, I don't have any cheques from her as she used to always pay the rent directly in my account. What can I do?

Q: Hi, We just received our eviction notice from our Landlord for next summer 2018. We, however, would prefer exiting earlier. In our current lease contract, we have the following clause: "The Parties agree that there may be instances where the tenant shall need to terminate the lease early. In this event, and in accordance with the current guidelines, the tenant must provide the landlord with a written 2 months of notice. The landlord agrees to refund any outstanding rental amount." Kindly can you confirm the below: This means that we still get to stay in the house for the 2 month notice period and there is no penalty charge. The date on the letter is the 1st day of the 2 month notice period (notice given 23.08.2017, out by 22.10.2017). Do we need the written notice to be notarized or does an emailed letter suffice? Thank you very much and best regards, S.W

Q: This is specifically related to Ras Al Khaimah. The tenant refuses to pay the rent, has not registered or renewed the expired tenancy, has bounced cheques issued for the annual maintenance charges and refuses to move out. What can be done, please?

Q: When can a landlord disconnect electricity and water supply?

Q: My contract is expiring at the end of this month. The Lessor of the property management has notified me to pay the pending amount of my rental dues by the 15th of July. Failing in which they will disconnect my utilities. I have delayed my payments but I have somehow covered my monthly rentals. I am still due to pay some amount to them. Previously when this situation occurred, they have disconnected my utilities. Can anyone suggest to me whether this is legal to disconnect utilities?

Q: I am living in a hotel apartment in Abu Dhabi. For the last 3 days, my flat does not have electricity and water. I have already paid them 6 months' rent on contract. Hotel management is saying that they have to deposit AED 300K to ADDC, then only electricity will resume. It's been three days since the electricity is there. Can someone point me in the right direction, where to complain and so that my flat electricity is back?

Q: Hello, My landlord disconnected the water and electricity for the 4th time this week because my signature didn't match the cheque. What I can I do? And he is threatening me now if I will not pay until tomorrow by cash he will change the locks and he will deport me.

Q: Good morning, I am writing to inquire about whether my landlord has the right to shut off my power line, which is under my name. They have done this to me several times, and I would like to know if this is legal. Thank you for your help!

س: السلام عليكم، أسكن في بيت إيجار بعقد من الباطن مع أسرتي. مشكلتي أن المؤجِّر قطع الكهرباء وأخذ المكيفات التي في الأسطح والآن لا توجد كهرباء ولا مكيفات ولا يوجد لدي عقد موثَّق. علمًا بأن آخر يوم من شهر 6 يكون الإيجار انتهى. أعطيت له سيارتي مقابل مبلغ الإيجار. ما الحل؟ وأين أستطيع تقديم شكوى؟ هل يحق له قطع الكهرباء وأخذ المكيفات معه؟

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. 

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.