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: Hi, I have an apartment in Dubai rented out to a tenant since Mar 2020. I have been a very supportive landlord in the COVID-19 situation, have collected monthly rents in cash instead of depositing the cheque even delayed the rent for a couple of months, and reduced the rent for July 2020. For the last rent cheque which is due next week Jan 10th 2021, the tenant has asked me not to put the cheque and still requesting for negotiation. The tenant lost his job in April but was successfully running his own business on an extended residency visa from his company. His visa is cancelled now and says that accounts are frozen, and not to put the cheque. When I asked for cash payment he said there is no money. Can I still choose to deposit the cheque and proceed legally? Or Should I give him a one month notice? Do I still need to wait for his green light to put the cheque? I feel the tenant is taking undue advantage of me being nice since it has happened every month since April. Please advise.

س: يطالبني المالك بإيجار عن فترة ما بعد إخلاء العقار بالرغم من أنني أبلغته بعدم الرغبة في التجديد ووافق مقابل غرامة تُستقطَع من التأمين لأنني أبلغته قبل أقل من ستين يوم من تاريخ نهاية العقد. منحني مهلة عشرة أيام لنقل الأثاث وسلمته العقار وقام بمعاينته واتفقنا على الاستقطاعات من مبلغ التأمين والتي كانت تساوي مبلغ التأمين كاملاً تقريبًا. أرسلت له براءة ذمة من المرافق وتم كل ذلك عن طريق محادثات إيميل وأبلغني أنني في انتظار شيك بباقي مبلغ التأمين، وكنت على علم أنه يعرض العقار للإيجار ولكنني فوجئت بدعوى ضدي بزعم أني لا أزال قاطنًا للعقار. يطالب بطردي وأجرة حتى تاريخ طردي.

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.

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 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.