Q: Hello. I am a tenant in an apartment in Dubai (freehold), with the contract expiring in less than 90 days. The landlord says he is unable to renew the contract without specifying a reason. He has also not informed me through any official channel. I did some checks through DLD/RDC and found out that there is an active case on RDC and the property is listed as "property is blocked". The case status mentions that the sell transaction is blocked, and Ejari is also blocked (the landlord had been trying to sell for some time) when the case was opened. What are my options given that as a tenant I have no official knowledge of any of these and have every intention to renew my contract?

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: Hello, I have rented my warehouse in Al Qouz (Dubai) for 2 months ago, and my tenant still didn't do Ejari register and so many registers that are the responsibility of the tenant. I have reminded them so many times and I don't want to get a fine from the government. The reason I have sent you a message is that I really want to know if there's any chance that I can terminate my client contract. I have some client who is willing to take the place and pay me a better price. Can anyone advise me about this matter? Best regards,

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 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.

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. 

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.