Q: I was staying in a rented apartment in Sharjah. Even after 1 month, I am not able to get my refundable deposit, though I got clearance from SEWA. Please suggest if there is a way to file a case or a complaint.

Q: A landlord agent, after failing to live up to the terms of my monthly rentals agreement, including not making repairs, said I could vacate the property before the end of the lease if I want and he will return the deposit. After I moved out, he turn around stiff me with my deposit claiming that I broke the lease for moving out before lease expiration. What is my legal recourse?

Q: Hello Madam, I hope you're doing fine. I am unable to get a security deposit of AED 2000 from the landlord. The current real estate agent claims that the landlord has some legal dispute with the former real estate company and I can't get my refund. Can you kindly guide me on the above?

Q: I gave a 5% security deposit cheque to my building management. They told me this cheque will be returned to me when I am vacating the flat. But without prior notice, they deposited my cheque. I still have 2 months' time for my tenancy contract to expire. Please guide me, can they deposit my advance cheque without prior notice?

Q: Hello, I would like to ask if I am legally obliged to pay for damage to a unit I rented that I did not commit. My family rented a unit in Abu Dhabi for 3 years. After a week of moving in, I found damage in the toilet that was already patched and fixed. I reported it to the landlord through email to notify them that it is an existing issue. It was not discovered during the move-in inspection due to its inconspicuous location. The landlord did not address the issue back then so I thought that this matter is settled. I was surprised that after moving out, I was made to pay for the damage and the huge amount would be deducted from my security deposit. I told the landlord that this was already a reported and existing issue but they did not relent. This was not noticed by their inspection team during move-out and was not even included in the report I signed. I pointed this out later to the team so that they could address this before a new tenant moves in. Thank you so much.

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.

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.