Q: Hi, My current apartment lease ends on 19 Nov 2021, the owner emailed me yesterday that he wants to move in and asked us to vacate after our lease ends. I told them that they should've sent me a 12-month advance notice via notary and I am not evicting the apartment. Also, he did not send me a renewal agreement and we are now two weeks past the 3-month renewal deadline. I want to know what are my options. Should I file a dispute and ask for renewal under the current agreement?

Q: Hi, I received a call from the landlord that he wants to collect the last cheque for the last cheque period in cash. He claims that he left the country and closed his bank accounts. So I want to know what is the legal procedure? And if I decide to pay cash, what should I get in return in addition to the cheque? Also, do I have the right to reject or not? And what is the best advice, please? My sincere thanks!

Q: Hello everyone, I have been given a 12 months eviction notice through notary public by my landlord in March 2022, in Dubai, stating selling the property as a reason. If the new landlord has no intention to move in or refurbish the property and wants to continue renting the property, am I as an existing tenant given the first right to continue residing in the property? Is the new landlord allowed to hike up the rent as per market conditions? Or does the RERA rental index calculator still applies in this case? Thanks in advance!

Q: Hi, My tenant's new tenancy contract starts in two days. Do I need to serve him a 12 months notice if I don't wish to renew the tenancy contract any further beyond one year? Where can I get this eviction notice done in Dubai?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I recently purchased a property with a sitting tenant who has a tenancy contract expiring on 20/08/2023. The current rent is 35,000 AED per annum. If I wish to increase the rent, can I give the tenant a 90-day notice and increase the rent to (a) the free market rate, (b) the RERA index range, or (c) just the RERA prescribed percentage (5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%), based on the difference between the current rent and RERA index?

Q: Dear All, I'm in the process of purchasing a property in Dubai, which is currently rented. The rent expires on 29th Feb 2024. I'm hoping to serve a notice as soon as the property is transferred into our name. Assuming we complete a transfer on 30th October, can we issue a notice immediately with the intention that it will be vacated on 30th Oct 2024? Are there any options to evict the tenant earlier and move in ASAP? We are planning to live in the property, as this would be our main family home.

Q: Hello, I am buying a unit that is already rented out. The previous owner sent an eviction notice for sale to the tenant. I have some questions: 1. If the tenant is served an eviction notice of 12 months, do I still need to serve a notice after buying? 2. After the transaction, when the tenant leaves after 12 months, can I rent the apartment? I don't need to wait 2 years in this case. Is that right? Thanks in advance!

Q: Hello, I bought an apartment, but the previous landlord is refusing to vacate it. The contract clearly states that the landlord should hand over the apartment on the day of the transfer. Out of courtesy, I gave him three days to vacate so he could find a new place to stay, but the time has passed, and he is still refusing to vacate and hand it over. What should I do in this case?

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 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.

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. 

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.

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.