Q: I want to move out after the completion of my tenancy contract. the building management requires NOC from the landlord before allowing me to move out. My landlord is refusing to give me NOC asking me to first disconnect DEWA. DEWA is in my name. Disconnection of DEWA is not possible before I move out as it is required while I move out. 1. What are my options to get NOC from the landlord? What happens if he continues to refuse to issue NOC? 2. Is it legally ok for building management to ask for NOC before allowing move out?

Q: Hi, The landlord gave me a notice one year ago saying that he wanted to sell the villa. I vacated the villa after that, and two months later, I found out that he had already rented it to someone else. Can I sue him? What can I get? Thank you!

Q: We were served a legal notice to evict our property as the landlord wanted to use the property for his personal use. This ended in 8 September. We shared an email 3 weeks before our eviction, stating that we did not want to move out and if we could stay, and we are only moving out to follow the law. The neighbors told us that agents have been hosting visits to the property. Today, the landlord has emailed me and said his circumstances have now changed and he has offered us the property back. I believe this is a tactic and he will be renting the property out soon. His reasons are due to circumstances that started for him in May, so our email 3 weeks before the eviction was more than enough time for him to raise this to us. In this case, should we decline to move back in (we have already moved and incurred huge costs and lifestyle changes to fit the new location), and the property is then rented out within 2 years, would we still be able to claim compensation?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My landlord evicted me on the basis that he was selling the property. I have recently discovered that he did not sell and re-rented the property three months after I moved out, with a rental increase of AED 75,000 per year above what I was paying. It was very disruptive, and I was forced to move to a smaller property, incurring unnecessary costs as a result. This occurred approximately one year ago; however, I believe I have all the required evidence and supporting documentation. My question: Am I able to raise a case against my former landlord and seek compensation? If yes, what costs do I incur? If I am successful, how is the compensation calculated? How long does a case like this normally take? If successful, is the landlord legally obliged to payout Thank you!

Q: I want to file a case against my previous landlord as I found out after a while (7 months) after I moved out that they evicted me to rent the apartment with a higher rent. I was checking the type of cases that I can open in RDC (Mediation, first instance, appeal, enforcement) and couldn't know which one to use, any advice? Also, is a screenshot from Bayut and the title deed enough as evidence? I verified the title deed on Dubai Land and the owner is still the same and just found out that the apartment was rented on Bayut with higher rent after I left.

Q: Dear Lawyers, I gave a legal notice to my tenant to vacate the property as I intended to use it for personal purposes. He vacated the property before one year on his own accord. Can I rent the property again, as my circumstances have changed and I no longer wish to use it for personal use?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I have received an eviction notice from my landlord to vacate the property for his personal use. Then, in August 2024, he communicated with me via WhatsApp and email that he wants to sell the property. I met with him to find a solution, and he said that if I raise the rent, he will let me stay and renew. However, the price he is asking for is not justified, and according to the RERA index, no rent increase should be applied. To resolve this issue, I offered a 10% increase, but he refused. Am I eligible for renewal at the same rate I am currently paying?

Q: Dear Lawyers, My former tenant filed a 200k compensation case against me because I did not move into the house and rented it to another tenant. There was only one hearing, and in the next, I received the judgment to pay 100k in compensation. The breakdown states 40k as the rent difference for each year and 20k as moral damages. I am unable to understand how this amount was calculated, as the rent difference between my old rent and his new rent is 30k per year. Also, why have I been asked to pay the rent difference for 2 years?

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.

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.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

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. 

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.