Q: Hi, We are quite new in this country; only a few months. We thought that it is a good opportunity to buy a property without seeking legal advice. Unfortunately, we have attempted to buy a property, but we have ended up having more problems. Currently, we have a dispute with the seller since we have asked our deposit back as the bank valuation came a lot less than the mutually agreed property value. We have also experienced some other issues that have broken our trust in the real estate agent so we simply want to call off and cancel our contract. In the contract, there is a section which sets a condition that if the valuation comes lower than a certain amount, this contract shall be cancelled and the deposit should be returned to us, but unfortunately, the amount is missing there. I was wondering if I still have a valid case to ask my deposit while there isn't a defined amount, but the condition itself is there?

Q: I co-own an apartment in Hanover Square, Dubai but I am unable to obtain the keys for my apartment from the management company as they claim the 2nd owner is supposed to be present for key collection. Unfortunately, the second owner is in Pakistan and with the travel restrictions, he is not able to present himself. I tried getting online POA notarized but failed as I couldn't get a reply. I fail to understand! I am also one of the owners and we are not selling the property, we just want to have the keys so that we can utilize the apartment. We were promised that the keys would be given to us once we clear Dubai Land dept. dues but still are not able to take the keys. We have tried reaching the real estate agent, management company&developers, no replies from any one of those. Only the real estate claims that both owners should be present to get the key, otherwise, I need to keep waiting. Else, I need to bring a notarized POA. Any solution to this bizarre query? I am tired of moving back and forth from my resident city of Al-Ain.

Q: A real estate agency has signed an MOU stating that a 10% security deposit from the buyer and the seller will be kept in the real estate agency and will be released upon transferring the property. The transfer of the property was blocked due to the court order. According to my colleagues, the real estate agency is not a trustee and they are not allowed to have taken my security check in the first place, is this correct?

Q: Hi. I am in the process of buying a property in Dubai. The real estate broker is insisting on a security cheque issued in the name of the seller which is to be kept by the broker until the day of title deed transfer and to be returned back on the same day. I understand this is "standard practice" but is it a law?

Q: Dear Sir, Please be informed that I contacted one of the real estate agents in Sep 2022 for a purchase of an apartment in Abu Dhabi. MOU signed with seller/agents in Oct 2022. The subject apartment was under lease and a tenant was staying there. I contacted my bank for a mortgage and the bank requested access permission for valuation. However, the agents informed me that the tenant is out of the country. And later once the tenant was back in the country, I requested agents for further permission. After multiple tries, the tenant provided the bank with access for valuation. I had no direct contact with the owner/seller. I paid the bank valuation fee. Once approval came from the bank, I informed the agent. I got a reply that the seller does not wish to proceed with the MOU. Then requested agents to return the agency commission fee, which I paid at the time of signing the MOU. Ever since I am behind the agency to return my amount. However, agents have not yet returned the amount to date. Appreciate your necessary legal advice. Thank you. Regards T.

Q: Hello, We signed a Form F to purchase an apartment, but later, we discovered that the real estate agent lied about the apartment's amenities. We were not allowed to view the apartment before signing because we were told it was rented out on a short-term basis, which we have proof was a lie. The apartment has many issues that were not disclosed to us. What are our chances of getting the contract canceled without penalty?

This Bylaw regulates the Real Estate Brokers Register in the Emirate of Dubai. No person may engage in real estate brokerage activities in Dubai unless he is licensed by the competent entities and entered in the register, which is maintained by Dubai Land Department.

The provisions of this Law supersede articles (2) and (11) of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.

This Law establishes interim property register in which sale contracts, off-plan sales, and other off-plan legal dispositions of real property are registered prior to inclusion in the property register maintained by Dubai Land Department.

This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.