Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
8 available 8 • View allCan the landlord force rent increase if it is not allowed by RERA Rent Index?
7
Q: Hello Madame.
My landlord sent me a notice to increase rent on the renewal of tenancy, 90 days in advance before the end of the contract.
However, no rent increase is permitted as per RERA Rental Index, as such, I refused the increase and asked him to renew the tenancy at the same rent as last year.
He refused and asked me to vacate upon tenancy completion which is on 14-Feb. Now, he is threatening to come to the house, and force me to vacate on 14-Feb.
What are my legal options?
I want to continue living in this house, and pay the same rent, as last year, as no increase is permitted as per RERA Rent Index.

Feb 10, 2022
2683
Is the notice for rent increase legal if served to the tenant 60 days before contract expiry?
8
Q: We received a letter (4 to 5 months before the contract ended) from the landlord showing the intention of rental increase as per the rental index along with admin charges.
The letter didn't state the actual amount that would be increased (it's a physical letter given to us by building security).
Now less than 60 days to the end of the contract we get a letter mentioning a 15% increase which is the max as per the index.
My question here is whether the rent increase is valid as the actual increase was conveyed post the 90 days period?
The second question, if we don't agree with the new rent, will my contract auto-renew as per old rent or new rent?

Jul 3, 2022
1227
A tenant refuses a legal rent increase according to RERA, what to do?


1
Q: Hello,
My tenant refused a legal rent increase according to RERA rental increase calculator and asked me to find a new tenant.
After a couple of weeks, he changed his mind and didn't want to move out and didn't accept the increase saying that it is now less than 90 days to the end of the contract and I didn't send him notice through a notary.
If I file a case at RDC, who pays for all the RDC fees and lawyer fees? Does he have to pay for RDC fees and my lawyer fees as I have to pay RDC fees first in order for the process to start?



May 23, 2021
2592
Can I refuse the rental increase if the landlord did not mention it in the notice?


2
Q: Hi,
I have been provided with a 90-day notice regarding my renewal but the amount was not mentioned (told over the phone that it will be 1000 more than the previous year).
However, when I tried to renew my contract, they told me that the rent has been increased by 4200 more than the previous year.
I have read somewhere that if I am not given a notice wherein the rental increase amount is not mentioned in a written document, I will be able to renew with the same contract as the previous year.
How should I file for that?



Apr 26, 2023
269
Can the landlord force me to pay rent increase if he sent the notice after the 90 days period?
1
Q: The landlord wants to increase the rent but didn't give me the 90 days notice.
He claims it is according to the RERA law, but I insisted that he didn't give me the notice, so he can't do that. I filed Offer and Deposit at RDC.
He is saying now that he refused the offer and deposit and I will have to pay for the increase if I want to renew the contract.
What should I do?

Jul 11, 2023
96
Can landlord change terms of lease renewal if it's less than a year?

1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
My lease expires at the end of October. However, my landlord served us a notice for eviction in February through the proper channels.
Our lease is now due to end in October, as that is when the contract expires. However, the landlord is now saying that if we want to renew until February, we must do so under updated terms and a rent increase.
Wouldn't this just be an extension of the same terms, and it is not for a full year?


Aug 5, 2023
151
How to deal with a broker who keeps trying to increase rent?


1
Q: Hi,
My broker has been trying to increase my rent beyond what is allowed by RERA for three years.
They make it difficult for me to file a complaint, but eventually, they always send an offer that is in line with RERA's calculator.
They know that we will eventually renew the contract at the RERA-approved rate, but they still keep doing this every year. They waste my time and energy with long, pointless negotiations.
What can I do to stop this? The owner is not an Emirati.
Thanks for the answers!



Aug 8, 2023
92
Can landlord increase rent without 90 days' notice?
2
Q: Hi,
Our agent has asked for a rental increase without giving us 90 days' notice. He has only given us one month's notice.
He is now threatening us that if we do not agree to the increase, he will ask for a Rental Valuation Certificate, and the increase will be much higher.
My question is, can he do this? RERA states that he needs to give us 90 days' notice.
I have looked at our contract, and even though it does not explicitly say that he needs to give us 90 days' notice, it does state that the increase will be according to RERA guidelines.
I would really appreciate your help with this matter, as we are feeling very stressed at the moment.

Sep 11, 2023
862
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allWhat You Should Know While Renting a Property in the UAE 5
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.
Feb 24, 2020
3931
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allDecree No. (43) of 2013 Determining Rent Increases for Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai 9
This Decree determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.
Dec 18, 2013
13240
Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 12
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.
Nov 26, 2007
24287
Law No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 8
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.
Dec 1, 2008
24944

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183 183 answers •
View allThe landlord refuses to wait for days beyond rental cheque due date. What to do? 0
Dear sir/madam,
My rental cheque is due tomorrow and unfortunately, I’m not able to honor it. I asked my landlord to wait a couple of days but he doesn’t want to wait and said that he is going to cash the cheque tomorrow.
Of course, the cheque will bounce, what would be the procedure then?
Do I have a certain amount of days before eviction to pay the rent?
Sep 25, 2022
478
What happens when the property is sold mid-lease? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
Does the existing tenancy contract between the tenant and the previous owner remain in force even after the new landlord has purchased the property in the middle of an ongoing lease?
And when should a new tenancy contract be made?
Should it be made immediately after the property has been sold, or at the end of the ongoing tenancy contract signed between the previous owner of the property and the tenant?
Also, does a new contract have to be in place for the tenant to exchange the cheques, or does the existing tenancy contract with the previous owner remain valid for the purpose of exchanging the cheques?
Apr 5, 2023
768
Evicting an employee from school accommodation while a labor case is pending 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I was wrongfully terminated by my school under Article 44 on March 20th, 2023. I have a case in the labor courts, and the first hearing is on April 4th, 2023.
However, my employer is asking me to vacate the school accommodation. I asked the Ministry of Labor and the courts, and they informed me that the school cannot evict me until the case is resolved.
Is this information correct?
I am currently unemployed and have nowhere else to go until I find another job.
Apr 3, 2023
127
If I have a travel ban in KSA, can I travel to the UAE on a work visa? 0
Hi,
May you and your family be blessed.
I'm extremely tense and need your kind feedback on the following issue.
If I have a travel ban in KSA, can I travel to the UAE on a work visa?
I have been visiting Dubai on a tourist visa without any problems.
The ban was imposed because I had to leave KSA suddenly and could not return after an exit-entry, and I was unable to pay back my car EMI and credit card payment totaling 30k SAR, which I intend to pay off gradually now.
When I left KSA, they only had my fingerprints at the time. I also understand that while coming for a visit to Dubai, only a retinal scan is done.
On the other hand, when obtaining a work visa, UAE takes and registers fingerprints as well. Could this lead to any issues for me?
I have finally obtained a better-paying job after a long time and can finally save up to pay off my debts. The case registered for which the travel ban is imposed is only for SAR 16000.
As of now, I cannot afford to hire a lawyer to check in UAE.
Thank you for your help!
Mar 29, 2023
1881
Tenant's rights: Can my landlord evict me, raise my rent, and ban my pet? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
My landlord wants to evict me from the property where I reside. They have not provided a court order for eviction within the past 12 months.
Additionally, they are requesting a 40% increase in rent and are insisting on a 6-month fixed-term renewal, despite the RERA index indicating no such increase.
Furthermore, they have included an unreasonable clause that prohibits pets, even though I have lived on the property with a pet for over three years.
What options do I have if I do not agree to these demands?
Mar 16, 2023
448

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249 249 answers •
View allAssistance with clearing a police case and lifting a travel ban in the UAE 0
Good day!
I have rental disputes and got a settlement plan 8 months ago.
But I did not pay the settlement because at the moment of applying for the settlement plan, I had a job offer and lost it because of the travel ban and the visa could not be processed.
I have another personal police case where I already paid an amount of 18,000 and the claim was 40,000 dirhams. Now that I did not continue paying, the plaintiff put the case again.
I have another offer letter now and I want to get a clearance certificate within 48 hrs, or else I might lose this job as well.
Kindly advise
Sep 7, 2022
316
I bought a new vehicle from the dealership with a hidden defect. What can I do? 0
I bought a new vehicle from the dealership [-----] and after 5 min of using the car, an alert popped up. Less than 24h later I informed the dealers of the issue.
After struggling with them about it, I finally brought the car to service at their company and they have confirmed the part needs to be fully changed.
I’m telling them I cannot accept a faulty car and demand either a refund or another vehicle. So far they’ve been less than cooperative.
Oct 5, 2022
242
How to know the judgment when the portal says "decided"? 0
Dear sir/madam,
There is a case against me in a commercial, full-jurisdiction court. Sorry if I'm getting this wrong. I have not participated in the case and on the advice of my UK lawyers, I have not been represented there in Dubai.
Upon checking the portal, it says a judgment was reached yesterday, but I can't see further details. So my questions are:
1) Do judgments happen behind closed doors or in front of the lawyers? (the plaintiffs have lawyers)
2) How long does it usually take for the verdict to be public and for me to see the outcome of the case?
The only thing it says online is the word "decided".
Oct 19, 2022
665
Getting deported from the UAE while the medical checkups are good. What to do? 0
Hi there,
I got deported from the UAE for failing medical but when I reached my country, I have done several medical checkups but everything is OK; HIV negative, no hepatitis B, etc.
I don't know if there was a mistake or a misfortune for me. I am wondering if they can allow me to come back to Dubai.
Sep 1, 2022
754
Is it mandatory to visit the CID in person to update my records? 0
Respected Advisors,
I have been involved in a few criminal cases since 2017, but all of them were cleared by this year. I have obtained release letters for all the cases from the public prosecution office through an online portal.
Recently, I also received my residence visa. After the visa process was completed, I applied for a PCC online. However, the request was rejected.
I contacted the 901 office, and they advised me to visit the CID. I arranged for a power of attorney to be granted along with all the necessary documents to update the system.
Twice I was told to come in person, but I am hesitant to do so because of my previous negative experience.
Could someone please advise me whether I must go in person or if the person holding the power of attorney can handle the process?
Thank you!
Nov 15, 2023
667

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538 538 answers •
View allI received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees. Does this include lawyer fees? 0
I have received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees.
However, RDC says that legal fees do not mean lawyer fees; they are RDC fees only.
Is this correct?
Feb 14, 2025
98
The public prosecution appealed a judgment to increase the fine I already paid. What do I do now? 0
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your time.
The public prosecution appealed my judgment (a fine that I satisfactorily cleared) and requested increasing the fine.
Can you please explain what happens during a criminal case appeal hearing for me as a defendant?
Will I be asked questions?
Is the hearing just for the Public Prosecution to present their appeal to the judge, and I do not need to give a response?
Thank you again for your time.
Feb 7, 2025
131
Can we give a salary certificate to a new hired employee before he starts to open a bank account? 0
Dear lawyers,
The new employee will start on June 1, 2025. However, he would like to open a new bank account in the UAE thus asking to provide the salary certificate mentioning his salary in AED and if possible not mentioning the start date.
Legally, can the company provide such a certificate?
Feb 4, 2025
114
I received a termination letter from my company for restructuring. Is this considered arbitrary dismissal? 0
I received a termination letter from my company on January 31st, 2025, with a one-month notice period, stating my last working day as February 28th, 2025.
The reason given for the termination is "considering the current business scenario, the company has considered measures to reorganize the business."
Could this be considered arbitrary dismissal?
Am I entitled to any compensation or benefits from the company as a result of this termination?
Feb 5, 2025
94
Do I need to hire a lawyer if I found I have a marital case against me in the court? 0
By checking in Al Adheed, I have found there is a marital matter case against me in Dubai Courts. There is a hearing date for next week and the time mentioned in the case status with a link for an online hearing.
However, I have not received any message from Dubai courts regarding this by mail or phone. I have all contact details updated with EID. In this case, what should I do?
I don’t know what the case is about.
Should I hire a lawyer or I can attend the hearing by myself?
Please do suggest options.
Feb 3, 2025
84

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337 337 answers •
View allCan a debt agency access AECB reports without consent for a 15-year-old closed case? 0
Dear Respected Lawyers,
Subject: Request for Legal Advice Regarding Unlawful Practices by a Debt Collection Agency
I would greatly appreciate your advice and guidance regarding a troubling issue my colleague is facing with a collection agency.
The company has been contacting the employer, urging them to ask my colleague to get in touch with them regarding a supposed liability.
This claim is related to a 15-year-old closed dispute with a bank credit card, and the issue seems to stem from outdated and inaccurate information on the AECB report.
Our main concerns are as follows:
Unauthorized Access: The company is accessing her AECB report without her consent. She has never given permission for them to retrieve or view her personal financial information.
How is it possible for a third-party agency to openly access and track AECB reports, especially for a dispute that was resolved 15 years ago?
Apr 8, 2025
74
I was evicted from my apartment to be sold but it was gifted and rented at a higher price. What can I do? 0
I was evicted from my apartment after living there for five years. My landlord informed me a year in advance that the lease would not be renewed because he intended to sell the property.
Prior to this, he attempted to impose a rent increase that was not compliant with RERA regulations, which I refused to accept. He then served me with an official Dubai Court eviction notice, citing the need to take back the property for sale.
Five months after I moved out, I discovered the property was rented out at a much higher price. Upon further investigation, I found that the ownership was transferred as a "Gift" rather than a sale.
This makes it seem like the eviction was only to raise the rent rather than a genuine need to sell.
Do I have a valid case for wrongful eviction against my landlord?
Also, under Dubai law, does transferring ownership as a "Gift" hold the same legal grounds as selling in justifying eviction?
Dec 18, 2024
89
Can I file a case for cyberbullying or defamation after my ex-wife's abusive messages? 0
Hello,
My ex-wife has abused me in chat and called me the following: illiterate, beggar, and said that I don’t have [------].
She called me a bad parent and a bad son.
Can I file a cyberbullying, defamation, or abuse case against her? What are my options?
Jan 3, 2025
112
I invested money in a business but my partner is removing me out from partnership. Can I pursue legal action? 0
Hi
I'm an Irish citizen and a resident of the United Kingdom. I got investment fraud in Dubai. I invested money into a business with a Pakistani national guy in March 2024 via bank transfer into his business account.
Now he's giving back the money which I invested in business after 9 months. He's preparing a letter from a local lawyer to kick me out of the business. I do not have any other option than to take out at least my money.
But it's unfair to me that he used my money in business and took all the advantage.
Some people say to me that if you claim money or take legal action against him, it will take too much time and I need to travel to Dubai to appear in court because it is a civil matter. But I'm not a resident.
How can I follow the civil case there?
That's why my partner knows that I can not do anything and this case keeps running long time and in the end nothing happens. But I'm thinking that I will submit a complaint through my embassy and I also have a solicitor in the United Kingdom.
Dec 24, 2024
50
Seeking justice and compensation for wife's loss due to medical negligence during childbirth 0
Dear Lawyers,
My relative lost his wife during childbirth due to clear medical negligence, as stated in the report from the DHA medical committee.
He had to relocate to India due to the situation and is currently working there.
Please guide us on the steps to take for justice and compensation.
Dec 19, 2024
76

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1544 1544 answers •
View allCan a person with a UAE criminal case travel to another GCC country on a work visa? 0
Hello,
If a person has a criminal case in the UAE, can he or she travel to any other GCC country on a work visa?
Apr 7, 2025
171
Missing business partner since 2003. What to do about his share in the LLC? 0
Hello,
I am a manager of an LLC company with 25% share. In February 2003, a partner joined the company with a 25% share.
After two months, he didn’t like the company and left. After two years, we did not know where he was. We just heard that he left to Tunisia before his visa expired.
What to do with his 25% share, please?
Apr 7, 2025
124
Can a Pakistani expat register a second marriage in the UAE without disclosing the first? 0
Hello,
I want to know the UAE rules regarding second marriage for expats. I am a Pakistani national and already have a wife back in my home country.
Now, I want to do a second marriage in the UAE with a Moroccan girl. Can you please let me know the procedure involved?
Can I get my marriage registered in the UAE? Is it mandatory to disclose the first marriage? I am on an employment visa in Dubai.
Apr 7, 2025
133
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? 0
Hello,
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court?
And what's the probability of freezing my account or traffic file if I’m paying?
Apr 11, 2025
77
Can an employer post an employee’s photo on social media without their consent? 0
Hello,
Can an employer post an employee's photo on social media, LinkedIn or Instagram, without the employee's consent?
Secondly, the employer is forcing the employee to update the company details in the employee's profile.
I believe LinkedIn and Instagram are personal profiles and one cannot be forced to update the details. This photo was taken in the office.
Apr 11, 2025
18

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3181 3181 answers •
View allHow can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
I don't have time to submit my notice period registration. What should I do?
Please give me the best advice!
Apr 4, 2025
84
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? 0
Hello,
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? If not, can the employer deduct the sick leave from the employee’s end-of-service benefits?
Additionally, what is the legal basis for this? Specifically, which law or ministerial decision governs this matter?
Apr 4, 2025
133
Can I request reopening a civil case if the judgment was in my absence due to sending notices to the wrong address? 0
Lawyers misunderstood my question. Please read carefully and then guide me.
Case Type: Civil Case
Claim amount: 400,000
Paid: 65,000
Reason: Commercial agreement of supply
Emirate: Ajman
This case was registered in 2022. The judgment was in my absence, as notices were sent to the wrong address.
I was sent to jail. I made a down payment, bailed, and paid some more amount as installments. The total paid amount is AED 65000.
Now, again, an arrest warrant is issued as I did not pay the remaining 335,000 of the claim.
According to me, I had to pay only this amount because the executioner made a wrong claim, not as per the genuine claim.
So I want to reopen the case file.
I want the court to reinvestigate and start the case from scratch.
1) How can I make that request?
2) What documents are required?
3) Chances of reopening of case?
4) Cancellation of arrest warrant
Please guide me in detail, as I will do everything myself, as I cannot afford a lawyer right now.
Apr 4, 2025
71
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency and it was canceled two days before Eid. What to do? 0
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency two weeks before Eid. The travel agency confirmed the booking on payment.
One day before Eid, the agency reached out, saying they had an issue with the supplier/hotel and the booking would be cancelled.
They offered alternative hotels that didn’t match the original property. I suggested some properties, and they couldn’t arrange them, or they asked for further payment, so I didn’t book anything through them.
What are my rights to a refund and compensation, as I had to book other arrangements separately at a significantly higher cost due to the last-minute prices?
It also caused significant emotional distress, less than 24 hours before the holiday. To which authority can a complaint be made in case of an unsatisfactory outcome?
Both the agency and the hotel are in Dubai.
Apr 4, 2025
63
If a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
A bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts due to nonpayment of a personal loan and credit card.
Is a travel ban automatically applied?
I looked on the Dubai Courts website, and it says the judge has issued a “reserved” order for my case.
Furthermore, when the bank emails, they threaten me with a travel ban. So I am assuming there is no travel ban issued (but I don’t know). I haven’t received any notice of a travel ban.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
143
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