Q: Good day, I would like to ask regarding the tenant rights. Our air conditioning broke down and the landlord is insisting that we are the one who should buy a new compressor which is not on the leasing contract that I signed. Are we really liable for the repair cost of that AC or the landlord? Thanks for the help!

Q: I've been having issues with my building management regarding a supposed leak from my flat damaging another property. I've contacted Rera with the following: My building management is saying that there is a leak coming from my bathroom drain pipe which is damaging the below apartment. There is no leak inside my apartment. The only way to access the leak is to go through the below apartment's false ceiling as there is no possible way to access the drain pipe from my own apartment. My building contract also does not mention anywhere that I would be responsible for paying for this kind of damage. I would like clarification on who is responsible! Also, the time that the leak was reported the flat was unoccupied. Rera has replied that I am not responsible, however, the management company is still insisting. Any ideas?

Q: Hi Raluca, I'm facing a problem with my landlord and I hope you can assist me. While I was away on business (for 5 days), the water heater tank in my apartment broke (through no fault of mine) and caused leakage damage to my apartment and two apartments below mine. My landlord is saying that the cost of the damage caused (approx. AED 15,000) should be paid by me because I was absent from the apartment during the time of the leakage and thus responsible for it. As you can imagine, I am contesting this. The lease states that the landlord is responsible for maintenance repairs of over AED 500, except where they are caused by the tenant. If you could assist me, that would be much appreciated.

Q: Hello, I signed a tenancy contract to move into a new townhouse on November 17, 2023. The addendum stated that the house would be move-in ready with a deep cleaning and pest control before our move-in date. However, when we visited the property yesterday, none of the maintenance had been completed, and several issues were flagged, such as missing keys, incomplete bathroom hooks, a missing drain cover, and a missing outdoor faucet. It is clear that the property will not be move-in ready by February 17. We talked to the realtor to postpone the move-in date and return the old cheques so that we could write new ones. Unfortunately, the landlord had already deposited 2/3 of the cheques into the bank. Since there is a potential breach of the contract due to the property not being move-in ready by February 17, what are our rights? Can we cancel the contract? Can the cheques bounce so that the landlord does not receive the money? If the cheques bounce, will we be penalized?

Q: I am staying on the top floor of a building in Sharjah and experiencing the annoying and unbearable sound of AC outdoor units inside my room. I have requested many times from the real estate agent, but no action has been taken. What should I do?

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 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.

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.