Q: I have to cancel my tenancy contract as I lost my job. I read in gulf news that tenants can cancel the contract without paying a penalty if they don't have income for it. My wife has a job, but the tenancy contract is on my name. Is it possible to cancel the contract without penalty? Should I approach the court to get a ruling in my favour?

Q: Hi, I live and work in Dubai. I recently got married and want to bring my wife to Dubai on a spouse visa. For that, one of the essential conditions is to have a lease agreement with 1 year lease period. The nature of my job is such that I may have to relocate to another country anytime. Also, I have an open application for immigration to another country and I may get a PR within a few months or so. In either of the case, there is a possibility that I might have to terminate my tenancy contract before it officially ends. Please advise if it's possible & legally acceptable to have an early exit clause, something like "the tenant (or both the parties) may terminate the contract any time after three months of signing the contract by giving one month notice to the other party. No penalty shall be applicable in such case." Of course, this subjects to finding a landlord who would agree to such condition. But I find one, can the standard contracts be modified to add such clause? Thanks SJ

Q: Salam, I have terminated my tenancy contract early on. On the 4th month, I notified the landlord through his agent that I got released from duty and need to terminate the contract. I gave 2 months' notice (via email). I received verbal confirmation that I can vacate. I received Clearance Certificate and handed the place over on time and in good condition. The only thing, I didn't pull out the balance cheques from the landlord. 1. The landlord didn't return the security deposit. 2. To my surprise, the landlord cashed the 3rd cheque. 3. The landlord still has the 4th cheque. Being new in the UAE, what am I supposed to do? How can I collect my money and stop the 4th cheque from being cashed out?

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. 

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.