Q: Hi, I bought a property off-plan last year. The developer went bankrupt and the project was recently cancelled by RERA. We were refunded the deposit we paid. The estate agent that we used to purchase the place took commission (brokerage fee) of 40 000 dhs. They are now refusing to refund us, even though the project is cancelled. We never received an SPA or the house. The contract between us and the agency states end date is until transfer, that never happened. Is this legal?

Q: Hi, We are quite new in this country; only a few months. We thought that it is a good opportunity to buy a property without seeking legal advice. Unfortunately, we have attempted to buy a property, but we have ended up having more problems. Currently, we have a dispute with the seller since we have asked our deposit back as the bank valuation came a lot less than the mutually agreed property value. We have also experienced some other issues that have broken our trust in the real estate agent so we simply want to call off and cancel our contract. In the contract, there is a section which sets a condition that if the valuation comes lower than a certain amount, this contract shall be cancelled and the deposit should be returned to us, but unfortunately, the amount is missing there. I was wondering if I still have a valid case to ask my deposit while there isn't a defined amount, but the condition itself is there?

Q: I paid an AED 8190 booking fee in February, but the agent then failed to provide the apartment or even a contract which was to be signed on the 15th of March. As per our agreement, I requested a refund. We had a back-and-forth, and then they gave me a cheque for the amount to be cashed on the 28th of March. On the 27th, they messaged me to say not to cash the cheque. I feel I am being scammed. What do I do?

Q: Hello, We signed a Form F to purchase an apartment, but later, we discovered that the real estate agent lied about the apartment's amenities. We were not allowed to view the apartment before signing because we were told it was rented out on a short-term basis, which we have proof was a lie. The apartment has many issues that were not disclosed to us. What are our chances of getting the contract canceled without penalty?

Q: Hi Raluca, We are trying to secure a shop in Al Satwa area, and the landlord's agent (not sure if RERA registered) is demanding key money. The rent is 65k, and the key money being demanded is 45k. If we sign the agreement with the key money included, can we then claim it back as an unlawful demand? We have tried to argue not to pay it, but the agent is saying all shops this landlord has are demanding it. Interestingly, the agent suggested I could pay 5k to him and 40k as key money, so it is clearly not a charge being laid down by the landlord/building owner. Thanks!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I am in the process of renewing my lease contract and I requested the agent several times to remove the clause that says: "in the event of renewal of the contract, the tenant agrees to pay Real Estate company as admin fee of AED1000/-". The agent hasn't removed it yet. My last contract expires today, my cheque was ready yesterday (12/03/2024), and I sent them the contract signed (10/03/2024) and made an X on that clause. Now the agent is threatening me with legal actions saying I'm staying in the apartment illegally (today 1st day). Can they threaten me? Do they have any right to keep charging me their fees? As I read online: "By UAE law, as well as Dubai Land Department regulations, agents are entitled to receive a fee when a tenancy contract is signed. But there is no clause stating that agents hold the right to continue receiving that fee every time a tenant’s contract is renewed”. Should I go to DLD and do the contract with their help? Would appreciate any advice.

Q: Dear Lawyers, Is it legal for the landlord to charge AED 1,000 for every renewal? It's not mentioned in the contract, but they have issued an addendum, which I struck out and signed the other terms in the addendum.

This Bylaw regulates the Real Estate Brokers Register in the Emirate of Dubai. No person may engage in real estate brokerage activities in Dubai unless he is licensed by the competent entities and entered in the register, which is maintained by Dubai Land Department.

The provisions of this Law supersede articles (2) and (11) of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.