Q: Hello, I am the owner of an apartment in JVC. The building management company charged very high maintenance charges. They are asking to pay AED 22 PSF, not worth paying even AED 10 PSF if you see the building condition. Also, no one invited us while selecting this company. It was forcefully implemented on us by the property developer because this company belongs to the same owner of the property. Now I have received a notice from the Rental Dispute Center. What should we do? Please advise!

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.

Q: Dear, Last year, 28th September 2017 to be exact, we rented 1 BHK Flat in Bur Dubai. The flat is old and since we required it on an urgent basis, we took the flat with unfixed things. We as the tenant fixed whatever is needed (bathroom door, kitchen cabinets, bathroom ceiling...etc.). We decided not to renew the contract due to the maintenance issues we had encountered. Now, the real state agent is asking us to pay the maintenance which quoted me for AED3500/- (kitchen and toilet ceiling change, full flat ceiling change, light change, switch change, kitchen exhaust fan change, all cleaning, shower pipe change, cabinet hinges repair, all materials and labours). Do we really need to pay for this maintenance? Please advice. Highly appreciate your immediate answer. Thanks & regards,

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.