Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allCan I cancel the property purchase for delay if I do not have an SPA?



0
Q: Hello,
I have paid 50% on a project that is 3/4 years delayed. I heard they haven’t even registered the property yet, I haven’t received SPA or OQOOD.
Can I cancel the contract and get a refund?
Any way to get a refund at all? Or even a 50% refund?
Thank you




Jul 15, 2022
322
Termination for defaulting on the payments of a purchased apartment and claim of refund

0
Q: Defaulting on property installments and refund from the developer
I have purchased a unit from a developer. According to them, the project handover was meant to be December 2019 but did not complete until mid-year 2020.
Due to the issue with the developer's payment platform from Nigeria being blocked by a firewall and some unexpected banking/financial regulations in Nigeria limiting the amount of foreign dollar transactions for the month, I can’t continue to pay the installments, due to which I have some penalty amount as well.
I received a letter from the land department (Oqood) requesting the termination of my unit.
My question is if my unit is terminated, will I get the refund of my monthly payments. On the document sent to me, It is stated that.
Paid amount: AED 154,260,000
Claimed amount: AED 189, 540,000
Thanks


Sep 8, 2021
477
Terminating an off-plan property agreement due to the delaying of SPA or Oqood issuance
2
Q: Hello,
I have purchased an off-plan apartment in Dubai last year. I paid the deposit, Oqood registration fees, and have been paying all installments on schedule toward’s the developer's Escrow Account.
However, the developer is delaying issuing SPA or Oqood till now with no valid reason. Even though, they had me sign the SPA from my side on the promise that they’ll sign it after me and attest it from DLD.
It’s been more than a year now, I’ve been asking for either SPA & Oqood or a refund of my money, yet the developer simply replies with “it’s under process”.
I would prefer now to just terminate the agreement and get a full refund of my payments. Is this possible?
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks!

Oct 12, 2020
1334
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allLaw No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 1
This Law establishes interim property register in which sale contracts, off-plan sales, and other off-plan legal dispositions of real property are registered prior to inclusion in the property register maintained by Dubai Land Department.
Aug 14, 2008
4853
Law No. (9) of 2009 Amending Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 2
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.
Apr 12, 2009
3140
Executive Council Resolution No. (6) of 2010 Approving the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 3
This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.
Feb 14, 2010
5155

Premium
Other answers by
A firm took payment but didn’t ship cargo or refund. Can we file a case? 0
Hello,
The matter is whether we can file a case against an Ajman-based firm for non-shipment of cargo against the payment made to them.
They haven’t delivered the cargo nor returned the amount.
Apr 17, 2025
56
Bought a used car with a tampered odometer. What legal steps can I take now? 0
Hello,
Two days ago, I bought a used car. But yesterday, I found out that there has been major tampering with the odometer.
I have all the necessary proof to provide. Where do I move forward from this?
Apr 17, 2025
51
Can I petition for immediate eviction due to tenant violations and refusal to vacate after notice? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I have a question regarding an immediate eviction petition to the Urgent Judge. The tenant did not return the apartment on 26 January 2025, despite a 12-month legal notice that ended on 25 January 2025.
The tenant rejected all gas and fire prevention maintenance for 12 months. Al-Fanar Gas submitted a report with the tenant's signature and refusal after the tenant broke the gas detector.
The apartment was sold, and the new owner gave the tenant 90 days' notice. The tenant refused to show the new owner the apartment and ran away, according to building management.
The tenant ignored the 12-month legal notice, did not return the apartment, broke the gas detector, and refused gas and fire detection system maintenance.
The deal will be voided if the new owner cannot enter the property promptly. Can I petition the Urgent Matters Judge for quick eviction based on the tenant's violations?
Jan 27, 2025
96
A contractor did waterproofing on my roof but water leaked and made damages. What can I do? 0
A contractor recently did waterproofing on my townhouse roof and confirmed a warranty of 5 years (on WhatsApp). The payment receipt and invoice are available.
In 4 months, water leaks from the roof damaged the false ceiling inside the house. When contacted, he avoids calls and delays by making some excuses.
Is there any way I can get my money back?
Dec 26, 2024
66
How can I exit a partnership linked to an expired license and accumulating fines? 1
Good Day!
I am a partner in a trading license with two other individuals. Both of them were managing the business together as a cash-based operation without a bank account, while I was working elsewhere as an employee.
Now, one of the partners has passed away, and his parents are in conflict with the remaining partner, claiming he owes them money. However, the surviving partner insists that no money is owed and that everything is settled.
The license has now expired and cannot be renewed because the deceased partner’s family is not cooperating, leading to fines due to the inability to renew it.
Additionally, the remaining partner continues to conduct the same business, occasionally purchasing items under the company name.
As I am a low-salaried individual and cannot afford court fees, is there a way to remove myself from this situation, or are there any authorities who can assist me in this matter?
I am willing to help and provide whatever is required as evidence in this case.
Please advise!
Dec 30, 2024
135

Premium
Other answers by
After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
Hello,
An investor has a residence visa valid until February 2027; however, he wishes to close the company before the current license expires in December 2025.
Can the investor still legally reside in the UAE until the residence visa expires?
Apr 29, 2025
17
My tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
42
My company has filed a case against a client for failure to pay and bounced cheque. How to follow up? 0
Hello.
My company has filed a case against a client for failure to pay and a bounced cheque. The client's company is registered as a virtual office in the Creative City Free Zone in Fujairah, so our case is filed there.
The client basically purchased some equipment from us, and his payment via bank transfer did not go through and was rejected. Then, when we deposited his security cheque after multiple attempts to contact and no answer, the cheque bounced.
The company is under his wife's name, and we have filed a case on the same.
The court has accepted our application, however, they have instructed the execution bureau to get the Emirates ID of this authorised signatory. The bureau is asking us to get it, and we have no way to do so, unfortunately.
Without the Emirates ID, the court cannot freeze the bank accounts or put a travel ban, etc.
What are our options here?
Apr 14, 2025
47
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
51
I secured a mortgage from the bank and the broker kept delaying until the MOU expired. What to do? 0
Hi,
I need some guidance regarding a property transaction that is not progressing as expected.
My broker initiated a manual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between me (the Buyer) and the Seller, with an expiry date of 01/02/2025. Within this period, I successfully arranged the bank mortgage, property evaluation, and NOC.
However, the broker started giving excuses, such as the seller being hospitalized. Later, the broker attempted to arrange a Power of Attorney (POA).
However, after that, they started ignoring my messages and calls. It now seems like they no longer intend to proceed with me, and the MOU has already expired.
Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory.
I’m feeling stuck and financially burdened.
Please advise
Apr 9, 2025
136

Premium
Other answers by
My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
Apr 30, 2025
17
How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
Given this situation, I would appreciate your guidance on how I can legally pursue the recovery of my remaining salary, considering the complications related to my visa status during the employment.
Apr 30, 2025
9
Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount? 0
Hello,
I already have a dispute order with MOHRE. Then my employer became willing to settle the case.
What should I do in case they do not follow through with the promised amount to pay?
Apr 29, 2025
37
What can my wife do if the company marked her as single and denied her maternity coverage? 0
Hello,
My wife's company renewed their insurance and registered my wife as single, so the maternity benefits are not covered, even though we were already married before she joined the company.
She is now 35 weeks pregnant. What should we do?
Apr 29, 2025
15
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