Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allPainting and maintenance of a rented apartment in Dubai
1
Q: I have been in an apartment for more than 7 years. I asked the landlord to paint the apartment, he says that he needs a two-year contract from me to do the painting.
Is painting included in the maintenance?

Feb 19, 2020
2921
Is the tenant liable for paying maintenance charges before vacating the villa?
1
Q: I am unable to get the security deposit refund from the landlord.
I was told that they will deduct 4000 AED for painting charges for the villa and around 1300 AED for curtain removal. I stayed for 2.5 years.
The landlord has never told me that they will deduct such a huge amount for painting. The condition of the villa, from a painting perspective, looks fine except few holes on the wall for the hanging of painting/smart tv, etc.
Am I liable to pay for the painting? Is it a standard practice to paint the villa/apt before vacating the flat?
If yes, then can I arrange myself for painting.

Jun 3, 2021
1085
Holding the security deposit of the tenant to fix damages

5
Q: We have a tenant, it was clearly stated in the lease contract that she has to hand over the property in the same condition it has been handed over to her.
Now, she's leaving the apartment in the Palm (2BR). Imagine 16 busted bulbs, the guard rail of the fridge is broken lots of nail holes and the property is dirty.
She got it painted and cleaned and now she's claiming that she will report to RERA as she's not responsible for the painting and cleaning (so she wants a refund) and she's not going to replace those 16 bulbs and the guard rail in the fridge.
When we handed over the property, we gave her 14 days to snag it and we rectified all the issues. Is she entitled to all these claims she's telling us?
We are not giving back her deposit yet until she fixes the property. Do we have the legal right to demand these from her?
I know the lights are consumables and she's supposed to replace it as all the lights were working when she got the keys.
Thank you.


Oct 5, 2019
2740
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allProcedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
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.
Oct 20, 2018
21489
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allLaw 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
24394
Decree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
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.
Sep 18, 2013
7335
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
25129

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I 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?
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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.
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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
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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?
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Do I need to hire a lawyer if I found I have a marital case against me in the court? 1
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
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Request for legal guidance regarding employer harassment and premature asset retrieval demand (1) 0
Respected Law Team Members, I am writing to seek genuine legal advice and guidance for our friend regarding an ongoing issue with her employer.
On 23rd May 2025, she received a termination notice via WhatsApp from her sponsor, which clearly states that she is required to complete her handover by 20th June 2025.
Since receiving the notice, however, her sponsor has been repeatedly contacting her via WhatsApp and phone calls, pressuring her to immediately return the company laptop and office cabinet keys, despite the agreed-upon handover date.
In addition, she has been verbally accusing my friend and making threatening remarks, creating a hostile environment, and causing her emotional distress.
To clarify her legal position, she contacted MOHRE, who advised her to reshare the termination notice to the lady employer about the handover date (20th June 2025) as she outlined in the (Cont-1)
May 30, 2025
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As a UK citizen returning to Dubai after over a year, do I need to apply for an entry permit? 0
Hello,
I am a UK citizen. I arrive in Dubai on the 2nd of June. I think I need to apply for an entry permit, as I have been out of the country for more than 1 year.
Please, can you help?
Everyone I speak to doesn't know and gives different information.
May 29, 2025
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Can I get a new job and employment visa while under a false embezzlement case and travel ban? 0
Hello,
My previous employer filed a case against me for embezzlement and imposed a travel ban. I know for myself it was all a lie, but since the case is already filed and the police investigation is still ongoing, I need to find a job.
However, first, I am worried that my new employer will come to know I have an active case. Second, I am worried that I cannot get an employment visa.
Can someone help me?
May 29, 2025
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Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment? 0
Hello sir,
Is it obligatory to issue an invoice for my customer to process his down payment?
Our system doesn't allow us to issue an invoice unless the goods exist in our inventory. We also require this advance or down payment as confirmation of his order.
My customer is insisting on issuing him an invoice and says that this is required by UAE laws.
May 29, 2025
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How can my kids learn about their father's condition without contacting his family? 0
Good morning,
I have two kids. Their father is in critical care and is not able to communicate, and we have been divorced for more than seven years.
The other side of the family is not communicating with the kids about the father's whereabouts for them to visit him, and they have not been in touch with the kids for the past two weeks due to family issues that took place in court regarding guardianship of the kids.
How can I find a way for our kids to know what is going on with their father and his condition without reaching out to them, to avoid any further escalation?
My daughter has tried to call them, but there was no response.
Please advise!
May 29, 2025
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How can I remove a travel ban or avoid arrest if I left the UAE with an unpaid rent case? 0
In 2018, I was involved in a dispute concerning unpaid rent related to a property managed by [-----] under the jurisdiction of the Land Department. [----] proceeded with legal action, resulting in a civil case and the imposition of a travel ban.
A civil case had been reported in an Arabic-language newspaper. Not being fluent in Arabic, I missed the Land Department hearing, and the obvious outcome included an order for payment and a travel ban, but I had already left the country by that time.
questions:
Statute of Limitations: After how many years does such a civil case expire under UAE law, thereby allowing me to legally return to Dubai without facing arrest or enforcement actions?
International Travel: Am I currently at risk of arrest or extradition if I travel to non-GCC countries like India or Pakistan?
Forgive my brevity and rudeness due to 1000-character limits
May 29, 2025
25
How can my kids learn about their father's condition without contacting his family? 0
Good morning,
I have two kids. Their father is in critical care and is not able to communicate, and we have been divorced for more than seven years.
The other side of the family is not communicating with the kids about the father's whereabouts for them to visit him, and they have not been in touch with the kids for the past two weeks due to family issues that took place in court regarding guardianship of the kids.
How can I find a way for our kids to know what is going on with their father and his condition without reaching out to them, to avoid any further escalation?
My daughter has tried to call them, but there was no response.
Please advise!
May 29, 2025
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Can my husband take our 2-year-old daughter abroad without my consent? 0
Hello,
My husband has been threatening that he will take my 2-year-old daughter to Pakistan and leave her there with his family.
He has said this several times and has confirmed to my dad that he will be taking my daughter in the coming few weeks. We are both on his sponsorship.
What are my rights in the UAE? Can my husband travel with a minor without the mother's consent? How can I stop him from taking my daughter to Pakistan? Do I have any legal standing if I am under his sponsorship?
May 29, 2025
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Tenant demanding more than RDC verdict. Must I pay before the execution file is issued? 0
Good day,
I am a landlord, and my tenant filed a case with the RDC. The verdict was in his favor, and I am to pay the financial claim, which is the fees and expenses of the case.
The tenant asked for a specific amount, which is higher than the official receipt that the RDC provided. So, I have paid that exact amount directly to the tenant.
Naturally, the tenant asked for more. May I ask for guidance regarding the procedure?
It has not been 15 days since the verdict, so I have been told by the RDC that the case is not final, and I must wait for the execution file to determine the exact amount.
While I am happy to wait for that, my tenant has been threatening to open an execution file if I do not pay before the 15th day. She mentioned a travel ban as well. I feel lost and uncomfortable with the situation.
Please help me understand the procedure.
May 29, 2025
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UAE credit card was used fraudulently abroad. Bank and police won’t act. What can I do? 0
Hello,
I had a fraudulent and unauthorized transaction on my credit card, but the bank is saying no action can be taken as it happened outside the country.
We approached the police, but they are saying to proceed legally as it happened outside the country.
May 28, 2025
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