Q: When there were more than 90 days, I sent an email to the tenant that I want to increase the rent which was higher than what was mentioned in the rental index. The tenant replied to me saying they don't want to renew the rental contract. Now when there is less than a month left in contract expiration, I got an email from them that the contract will renew at the same rate. Can the tenants change their minds even after giving notice to not renew the rental contract? Additionally, I got a rental appraisal certificate and it shows the rental is 13% more than the amount of current rental value. So can I increase rent to the amount mentioned in the certificate or I can increase only 5%?

Q: Hello, The tenant of my unit in Creek Harbour refused to accept the rent increase because I informed him 85 days before the end of the contract, not 90 days. Can I appeal in RDC or not? His rent is quite low and I am looking to take him out. Can I do this by anyhow at the end of his contract? And if no and it has to be 12 months' notice, then I apply for the "want to sell" reason. Can I rent it after that or do I have to sell it only? Thank you very much in advance!

Q: I bought a villa without viewing it on 30-12-2022. It was rented at AED 75,000/year (contract expiry 23-03-2022). The previous landlord served an eviction notice (Sale) in September 2021 to the tenant for 12 months. He also sent an email 90 days before the expiry of the tenancy agreement to the tenant informing him that "the rent increase will be as per RERA guidelines and by him or the new owner if he managed to sell the villa before March 23, 2022". Last week, the tenant sent an email requesting to renew the contract and then on WhatsApp chat he agreed to a rent renewal at AED 100,000. When I sent the tenancy contract to him on WhatsApp, his lawyer sent me a legal notice: 1. Forcing me to renew the contract with AED 75,000 and not as per the RERA increase which will be almost 95,000. The current market is AED 125,000 2. Not allowing me to inspect/view the villa and if I insist, then he will take legal action against me What should I do?

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.

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.

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.