Q: Dears, I have a tenancy contract for 6 years in Dubai. The agreement gives an option to renew every year but it does not talk about early cancellation or any penalty payments. I have finished 5 years and I want to cancel now. In this case, should I pay any penalty payment imposed by the landlord or RERA if I cancel 1 year earlier? Kindly advise!

Q: Hi, I live and work in Dubai. I recently got married and want to bring my wife to Dubai on a spouse visa. For that, one of the essential conditions is to have a lease agreement with 1 year lease period. The nature of my job is such that I may have to relocate to another country anytime. Also, I have an open application for immigration to another country and I may get a PR within a few months or so. In either of the case, there is a possibility that I might have to terminate my tenancy contract before it officially ends. Please advise if it's possible & legally acceptable to have an early exit clause, something like "the tenant (or both the parties) may terminate the contract any time after three months of signing the contract by giving one month notice to the other party. No penalty shall be applicable in such case." Of course, this subjects to finding a landlord who would agree to such condition. But I find one, can the standard contracts be modified to add such clause? Thanks SJ

Q: Hi I am a tenant in Abu Dhabi. I have been staying in the same apartment, for the last 6 years. I had given 2 months notice to vacate the apartment in case the rent is not reduced. But the landlord did not reduce my rent. Unfortunately, I am not able to move to another apartment, within the notice period. So I asked him for an extension of 10 days, or for 4 months since I will be moving to Dubai within 4 months as my husband is working in Dubai. But he refused to give any extension. Now, what are my rights in case of early termination, he is telling that I am supposed to give him 2 months notice, and after completion of 2 months notice, I am liable to pay him another 2 months rent. Please advise what are my rights under this.

Q: Dear Lawyers, My family member has a case against his landlord and managing agent at RERA, which has been set for a hearing next month. He has vacated the property and given notice of cancellation, but the managing agents are ignoring him and refuse to provide the landlord's contact details. In the meantime, the managing agents indicated they will still bank the next rental cheque of AED 100k (for six months' rent). Is there anything that can be done to stop this? My brother isn't in a position to pay this money as he had to find other accommodation, but he doesn't want to face any legal issues if the cheque bounces.

Q: Dear Lawyers, Is it legal for a landlord to request a tenant vacate the apartment three months before the tenancy agreement's expiry, promise to return the remaining amount, and then refuse to pay, citing the need for renovation and painting work in the unit?

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.