Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allLiability for the repair of water leakage from an upper apartment
1
Q: We were told that there was water leakage coming from our unit and the below unit has complained. There was no water leakage found in our unit during the inspection. The technician said his engineer will decide.
A week later, the FM engineer from Al Shirawi called my husband and threatened us to quickly proceed with rectification works and our unit is fully responsible for paying all the costs.
We have requested them in emails to justify that indicated in their 1-page report - hacking bedroom tiles, new bathroom floor and grouting work. They have not replied to justify why.
OA Menu has a RULE 6 clause 6.5 on a shared cost factor. Up till now, the OA Manager from SAGA Intl. kept on insisting that our unit is to pay all costs including any third party testings.
He also demanded me to furnish a copy of the POA to him as I am the one who replies to the emails. My husband is the owner and we are staying in the unit. Does the OA Manager have the right to ask for the POA and ignore the OA Menu on the shared cost clause?
Many thanks.

Feb 22, 2018
254
Fixing damages to an apartment caused by water leakage when the tenant was absent
2
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.

Mar 24, 2020
2203
How can I oblige the landlord and building management to do maintenance for leakage?

2
Q: What are my options to take legal action against my apartment building for not fixing the constant issues that I am facing in my bathroom?
For over 2 months now, I have been fighting with them to get more hot water and to stop leaks in my bathroom that are caused by a bad water heater.
The building management has not been able to fix these issues and is now telling me to find my own technician and pay for another water heater. I know this is illegal.
Please help!


Mar 5, 2023
493
AC malfunctions and mold issues. Can I take legal action for building flaws?


1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
After purchasing the apartment from the previous landlord and residing there for several months, I encountered persistent issues with the inadequate functioning of the AC unit.
Not only did it fail to cool effectively, but I also discovered mold growth, particularly in the closets and within the AC ducts.
Subsequently, I realized that a neighboring resident faced identical problems, leading me to suspect that the building developers may have compromised on quality and cut costs during construction, likely opting for subpar materials.
This situation has escalated into a significant health concern, as the release of mold particles into the air is adversely affecting my well-being, accompanied by a noxious odor.
Despite employing the services of two different AC unit duct cleaners, the problem persists, highlighting the severity of the building's construction flaws and the urgency for a comprehensive resolution.
What can I do in this case, and can I take legal action?



Jan 31, 2024
307
Can I sue for damages due to the landlord's maintenance negligence?




1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I rented a unit through an agency leasing on behalf of the landlord, and I don’t have the landlord’s contact details. Two months ago, I noticed a leak in the unit and reported it to the agency via their portal.
Despite this, I received no response. I also sent emails, and the only reply I received was that they are waiting for the landlord’s approval to fix the leak.
Since then, the leak has spread throughout the walls, causing insect infestations despite my efforts to hire pest control. Can I sue for compensation for the following:
1. Pest control costs
2. Increased DEWA (utility) bills
3. Inconvenience and discomfort
4. Loss of use





+2
Jun 4, 2024
251
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allOnline POA and Other Notary Public Services in the UAE 28
With the introduction of the new procedures for obtaining a power of attorney (POA) remotely in the UAE, after it was mandatory to appear in person in front of the notary public as a global rule to ensure the identity and intention of the person requesting a POA, we put between your hands this brief guide for how you get it done.
Jun 8, 2021
19315
Procedures 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
21496
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
24409
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
7343
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
25155

Premium
Other answers by
Can an international supplier still sue me in 2025 for unpaid stock delivered in 2019? 0
Hello,
I own and run a company. We received stock from an international supplier in 2019. However, we were unable to pay due to financial circumstances.
The supplier is now threatening to file a civil case in 2025.
Is there a limitation period within which they can still pursue this debt?
Jun 2, 2025
41
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
50
Are weekends before and after leave excluded from the annual leave balance? 0
Hello,
According to UAE labor law, is it correct that weekends before the start date and after the end date of annual leave are not counted?
Example: if the leave is applied from Monday to Friday, how many days should be deducted from the annual leave balance?
May 21, 2025
35
Is it possible to get out of jail on the same day the case is withdrawn? 0
Hello,
My husband is in jail and the case is still under investigation, but the complainant wants to settle and withdraw the case.
Is it possible for my husband to get out of jail on the same day the case is withdrawn?
May 22, 2025
47
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
26

Premium
Other answers by
How can victims file a group case for fraud, bounced cheques, and misuse of credit cards? 0
Hello,
I would like to ask for legal advice regarding a fraud case in Abu Dhabi involving multiple victims. The suspect issued bounced cheques, received AED with a promise to exchange it into IDR but failed to deliver, misused other people’s credit cards, and operated an unlicensed travel/tour business.
Many clients paid for Umrah or vacation packages that never happened. The total loss is significant, and many victims have evidence such as WhatsApp chats, bank transfers, and bounced cheques.
We believe this involves a breach of trust and embezzlement. We would like to know if we can file a group case, what legal steps to take, and the cost of legal representation.
Thank you!
Jun 3, 2025
29
Can we file a case against a customer who launched a campaign online against our business reputation? 0
Hello,
A customer based in Dubai booked a public experience online on the website of a reputable business based in Dubai.
The customer came to the business location, the team was ready to provide the experience as per her booking.
The customer started to shout loudly, claiming that she was expecting a private experience. She refused to do the experience and left. Then she started calling the Management claiming a refund.
The Management explained that as per the T&Cs, experiences booked online are public. The Management offered as a goodwill gesture to refund the customer after deducting the cost of preparations that were paid by the business to set up the experience. The customer refused.
The customer used her Instagram account and as an influencer + Google review to launch a campaign against the business reputation, inciting her audience/people not to use the business services. She used signs of alert/warnings.
Is there a law that punishes such public incitement in the UAE?
Jun 9, 2025
2
How can I refund the amount of online tickets in Dubai for fraudulant misrepresentation? 0
Last Friday, I was booking tickets for the Miracle Garden on some Dubai tickets website, and on the OTP page, it showed 225 to be paid on my phone. The otp was added automatically, and I couldn't read the message properly. It turns out 4,225 got deducted from my account.
I immediately called the bank, and they said they can't reverse the transaction, fill out the dispute resolution form, etc. Even tho the transaction was in process today, the transfer shows complete.
Is there a way to get it back?
I registered an online complaint with the Central Bank and cybersecurity. I really need the money with my rent coming up, please guide me.
Jun 3, 2025
26
What to do if someone impersonated an employee in the company I own and got mobile lines and phones? 0
Someone impersonated an employee in the company I have owned since 2012 and extracted 18 mobile lines in addition to several iPhones.
I was surprised that the company cut off our landline and mobile communications on the pretext that he was monitoring a debt of 167,000 dirhams.
This person was arrested, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to deportation. However, the telecommunications company is still demanding from my company and pursuing me because of this debt that we are not to blame for.
How can this matter be resolved?
Jun 3, 2025
24
How long does it take for a bounced cheque case to be closed after a settlement? 0
Hello,
I had a cheque bounce case filed against me in Dubai, but I’ve now settled it with the complainant. The case has been with the Public Prosecution, and I’ve already submitted the notarized settlement documents.
It’s been 5 days since submission, and when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance.
Does anyone here have experience with this process? How long did it take for your case to be closed after submitting the notarized withdrawal request? Should I expect it to be done in a few days, or could it take longer?
Thanks in advance!
Jun 4, 2025
65
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer