Q: Can the tenant get away with reducing the rent without the official consent of the landlord? We have not signed any original contracts, so the previous years' rental value is still valid, correct?

Q: My Real Estate agent has included annual gas consumption charges in the contract and forced us to pay, even though we don't have a connection. I don't use gas and don't need one (Using an Electric cooker and having food delivery service from outside). Let us know whether it is legal? And what options do we have?

Q: Dear Rajasree, I have an inquiry regarding my current new rent contract situation. I have a signed rental contract for a villa, with a move date of 1st of July. Upon inspecting the empty villa after the previous tenants vacated, we've informed the landlord of the broken door and window handles (which is a security hazard), many fixes of broken tiles, ceiling cracks, and paintwork to fix water-damaged spots. We have not received any response from the landlord, which would constitute a breach in the contract of clause 3 & clause 20 of the contract addendum. In the case of breaching contract terms before the move-in date stated on the contract (first of July) for the above-mentioned issues that include safety and security hazards, I would not be comfortable moving in with my family in such conditions. What would be my rights to cancel this contract? Would there be a penalty on the landlord for not honoring the contract terms? Thank you.

Q: Dear sir/madam, I am terminating my tenancy contract with my landlord. He gave me an eviction notice in May and since then he has refused to fix any major issues in the property saying that "I'm free to fix it at my own expense", forcing me out of the property. Given these conditions, am I on the obligation to pay the 2 months' penalty for early termination? It seems to me that he waited until the contract was renewed to give me an eviction and force me out.

Q: Hi, Good afternoon! I rented an apartment and paid the agreed amount, not knowing that the air conditioning is not working. I even requested a fan, but the landlord is giving me the silent treatment. Can I file a case against him?

Q: Hello, I have won a compensation case against my ex-landlord in Dubai because he re-rented the property after giving me notice that he was selling. I have two questions: 1. By issuing an execution/enforcement order, does that mean he won't be able to re-rent or sell any of his other properties until he pays the compensation? 2. Am I able to claim legal fees in addition to the court and expert fees? Thank you!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My tenant is not happy with the air conditioning performance. I have sent a contractor twice and now arranging for a third trip although the engineer says it is fixed. The tenant is now going to call his own maintenance company without my permission and claims he will pass me the bill. Is this allowed?

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 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.