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.

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: 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!

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?

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

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.

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.