Q: I informed the landlord via WhatsApp and emails that the apartment is vacated and I am ready to return the keys. There is no reply from the landlord. I returned the keys via RDC. The landlord demands the full rental amount now for not returning the keys earlier.

Q: I want to early terminate my tenancy contract of one of my nurseries in JLT (retail unit) as the business is completely shut since March. I am unable to contact my landlord who is a Chinese national; he does not reply to email or call and may not be in Dubai. The final cheque is due 01 May 2020, what should I do?

Q: I had a flat from Nakheel in International City, Dubai. I moved from the UAE because of some domestic reasons and left with one family until the contract ends, but they didn't hand over the key to Nakheel as promised. I even informed Nakheel about my situation by email and also sent them the final bill. Nakheel filed a case and won. I want to resolve this matter. Please advise the effective way and how you can help?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, Rental Dispute - The management agency in my current apartment building has issued a verbal notice via a telephone call to all residents (in January 2024), asking to vacate the premises by 25 February 2024 citing that they're planning a major renovation to the entire building. My contract had expired in June 2023. Despite multiple follow-ups (over email, I had told them I wanted to renew starting March 2023), they never responded to emails and delayed the renewal. I had come to know that there was an ongoing inheritance battle between the owner's family which may have been the cause of delay. Please advise on the below: 1. As I have not paid any rent since June 2023 as they never accepted the cheques, can they issue an eviction notice based on non-payment of rent? 2. Would I have any legal recourse to fight this notice? 3. What is the overall timeline/expense for such rental dispute cases to be resolved? 4. Are there any other legal actions that they can take against me?

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.