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,

Q: Can a tenant break the lease early and be refunded by the landlord if the rental property has been found to have mould in several places? And it is no longer just a maintenance issue but a health hazard. The property also houses a child below the age of one.

Q: I have a tenant with an expired contract. I agreed to have a new contract for this year but I did not sign with him yet. He was 35 days late to pay the first 50% of the rent. Our agreement with him that he pays maintenance, but he deducted AED 40,000 from the rent because he said he changed the door latch and main circuit barker. I objected and demanded my money for the full rent (he paid 8,000 and he deducted 40,000). I want my full payment.

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 Lawyers, Our company holds a property management license in Dubai, UAE. Recently, we entered into a management contract with the landlord of a certain building under our supervision. It has come to our attention that there are "partition" housing units within the building. We are aware that these partitions exist and have identified them as potential fire hazards. In the unfortunate event that a fire does break out, we seek clarification on the matter of responsibility. Specifically, we need to understand who would be held accountable and potentially face imprisonment under such circumstances. Will our company be held responsible along with the managers under the license? Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated to ensure we are fully compliant with local regulations and take appropriate actions to mitigate any risks.

An interview-format article covering the topic of residential retail properties pertaining to the liability for property maintenance and the repercussions of defaulting on rent payments in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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. 

The provisions of this law On Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (Law of Evidence) govern evidence in civil and commercial disputes in the UAE.