Q: Hi Ma'am, An agency that doesn't have a license for doing leasing/ property rental business (I came to know this today) has taken my money for providing me 6 months accommodation in a hotel apartment. They did not provide me with the accommodation and after a lot of efforts, I was able to get my partial money back. But the agency is not refunding my remaining amount and they are not opening their office nor responding to my call (they have blocked my number and don't respond to any new number). Can I file a case in the rental dispute centre and also claim compensation for all the trouble me and my family went through and the expenses incurred? They took AED 2000 cash, a cheque of AED 12500 dated 2nd may (which they used) and another cheque of AED 12500. After the police called them, they returned my 2nd unused cheque and AED 7000 in cash. I have AED 7500 refund pending. Kindly suggest. Thanks, S.

Q: Hi, A security deposit of AED 3,500 was paid to the landlord when I moved in and rental payment for each month was monthly. I moved out for personal reasons 4.5 months later and all rental payments were made for my time there. At the time of viewing the room, it is being claimed that the landlord stated the minimum term was 6 months, which was never put in writing or was it ever confirmed I would lose my deposit even when I gave my 30 days notice. There is no contract or correspondence to confirm any of this. The landlord lives in the property and is refusing to return any of my deposit. She is ignoring me now by blocking my number. I even offered her just over AED1,000 as a pro rata settlement as a goodwill gesture, but that is when she blocked me after she read it. I refused her 50/50 offer. If filing a complaint can cost AED 2.5k-3k where do I stand it seems like a pointless exercise, I don't think RERA will look at it? Do I go to the police? I'd prefer to avoid this option. Thanks

Q: Hi, I hope everyone is staying safe. My rental contract is up for renewal 16 Apr 2020 and I wanted to know what my rights are in the current economic climate. I have been negotiating with the landlord since the correct time (90 days) but have so far been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement that both sides are happy with. Talks are still ongoing and I hope to find a resolution but I want to have a full understanding of what my rights are in the event no agreement can be reached. If we do not renew, we also don't have the ability to view other homes or move due to coronavirus. Assuming no renewal is agreed by 16 Apr 2020, what happens? Thanks!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My landlord’s appointed management company reached out to me regarding the renewal of the tenancy contract. The building’s management informed me (verbally) that the apartment is blocked in DLD as the owner has pending service charges. I confirmed and saw the apartment blocked in DLD. Should I give my cheques for the new contract before this issue is settled? Will I be able to register the renewed Ejari? What happens if I don’t give the cheques until the case is resolved? Is there any legal issue for me? I don’t want to risk paying money when the contract is not officially registered in DLD.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I am unable to renew my Ejari because my apartment is blocked in the system. The landlord has not been paying service charges to the developer for some time, which is the reason for the blockage. The landlord is in dispute with the developer and is unlikely to settle his dues anytime soon. Consequently, I cannot renew my Ejari until the landlord pays the service charges. Is it possible to renew my Ejari without the landlord settling his dues? Can the landlord increase my rent beyond the RERA rent increase cap, considering I do not have a renewed Ejari? Can the landlord evict me without prior notice? Please note that I had an Ejari from the previous year, but I cannot renew it this year.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I have just moved into a new apartment as a tenant. The tenancy agreement was signed by all parties (the landlord and me), and the cheques were signed and submitted (the first of four has been cashed). I have tried to get Ejari using the REST App, Dubai Land Department website, and in person at the kiosks, but they have been denied/blocked because of a legal case between the previous tenant and previous owner (I moved in the day the new owner purchased the property). The new owner wants to evict me and is saying I must leave. Without Ejari, I have not been able to register the tenancy agreement, and I cannot even get Dewa (it is currently under the name of the new landlord who is threatening to shut it off). The landlord says that because there is no Ejari, I have no rights and I must leave. Do I have to leave as the landlord is saying? Is there a course of action I can take?

Q: I had selected an apartment and paid the first cheque also. After paying, I came to know that Ejari is getting delayed because of a block on the property. How can I get the owner to return my money now?

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.