Q: My landlord/agency may be filing a case against me in court over a rental contract. I broke my contract as I lost my job. He has 2 cheques with him, however, I gave him 2 months' written notice on emergency grounds as I lost my job and visa. He insists that I should pay 1 or 2 months penalty fee. Please advise me further. Thank you for your time!

Q: Dear Sir/Ma'am, I have rented a studio in Discovery Gardens, it was for 3 cheques and the tenancy contract started on Jan. 11, 2018. My first cheque was paid to cover the period until May 11, 2018. My issue is I am getting another job outside the UAE and I plan to vacate and terminate the contract on March 11, 2018. My question is, can I still get the remaining amount of 2 months or it can be used as a penalty for breaching the contract? Thanks, I will highly appreciate your opinion.

Q: Hi I am a tenant in Abu Dhabi. I have been staying in the same apartment, for the last 6 years. I had given 2 months notice to vacate the apartment in case the rent is not reduced. But the landlord did not reduce my rent. Unfortunately, I am not able to move to another apartment, within the notice period. So I asked him for an extension of 10 days, or for 4 months since I will be moving to Dubai within 4 months as my husband is working in Dubai. But he refused to give any extension. Now, what are my rights in case of early termination, he is telling that I am supposed to give him 2 months notice, and after completion of 2 months notice, I am liable to pay him another 2 months rent. Please advise what are my rights under this.

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.

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.