Q: Claiming the security deposit from the landlord held illegally My landlord is stating he will hold AED 1650 from my deposit for grouting for all the villa, and change of kitchen cupboard: AED 1200 for grouting and AED 450 for cupboards. However, when I first rented the villa, the kitchen cupboards were already damaged and the owner assured me back then that he is aware of the damage. And now he is claiming that I did damage it (I didn't take any photos back then of the damaged ones). As for the grouting, I didn't damage any grouting to be charged and I believe it is the owner responsibility to do it. The owner is insisting that he will charge me for the above regardless. How am I supposed to handle this legally? Can I refer to any legal clauses to not be charged with grouting?

Q: Dear Sir or Madam, Good Afternoon. Two months ago, we have moved from an apartment, settled all the bills, and collected our security deposit back from the agency. However, the agency is sending us an email saying that the cooker is not working at all at the moment, and that was caused by us. During our stay, we did have an issue with the cooker, smoked started coming out, and at that time we informed the building management as they had to shutdown the power. The oven was fixed afterwards by the building management and was working properly. We didn't pay for anything. Please advise, can agency press charges against us, or do we need to pay for the new cooker, as that is what they are asking from us now? Appreciate your assistance with the matter, Thank you, Andrea

Q: Hi Team, I rented my property to a gentleman and the lease expired on 14th November 20. The tenant refuses to agree on the maintenance issues like broken tiles, door hinges and improper painting done by him. He asked me to sign that all are clear and refused to give the key. Finally, after 5 days he handed the keys over but did not agree on maintenance. Now he filed a case to claim his deposit. What is my right? What is my liability on the same? A. M. S.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I left the flat with 2 months' prior notice and gave a DEWA clearance certificate to the building management. Now they are claiming compensation for a damaged door, amounting to AED 9000, and they have my deposit of AED 2000. They are asking me to settle the amount of AED 9000, otherwise they will take legal action against me. Am I bound to pay the extra amount? I have already left Dubai for India. Please advise me on what to do.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

The provisions of this law On Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (Law of Evidence) govern evidence in civil and commercial disputes in the UAE.

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.