Q: Hi. I am staying at Jumeirah Lake Towers, and it is one of the overcrowded flats. After the rule came from DMCC, we cannot stay in an overcrowded flat. However, my landlord is not ready to refund my deposit now, and every month comes and takes the advance rent from us. We are in a trap and not able to leave the flat. Please guide me how can I highlight it to the DMCC, and what would be the impact on us in that case? He is asking us to leave the deposit and leave. Although I have given him notice of 20 days he is not to consider that, and asking to give one month notice starting from the 1st of every month

Q: Hi Lawyers, I badly need some help with regards to my tenancy contract in Sharjah. Basically, I am staying in my current apartment for almost a year now (I just renewed last June 2017 for my 2nd year contract). However, recently there was a new tenant who moved into the same floor with us (just a few units away from my unit). To cut the story short their kids are making noise on our floor. I have reported the issue to the building management which they took action, however, after few months the kids are starting to make noises again which really are affecting our privacy. Now, I have finally decided to cancel my contract with the company and I was hoping I can do it in a legal way. Will I get a penalty for doing this? Also, will I be able to take back my post dated check with them? I was thinking maybe moving to a new unit (1 bedroom) in the same building or whatever the company can offer. Thank you in advance.

Q: Sir, I have released 7 post dated cheques for house renting on January 12. January 15 is the date of the 1st cheque which is valued 9k. But on January 15, my bank froze my account because my company terminated me. So I told them to not withdraw the cheque coz I got no money in it and I'm cancelling that property. When I asked them I need to collect my cheque, they told me I cannot. Not unless I pay them 9000. Do they have the right to do this? I am in a deep problem as they filed a case against me regarding this. So, I want to know. Thank you.

Q: Hi, Our tenant has been violating the terms of the contract right from the beginning by: a) Not transferring one utility connection under his name causing us to continue incurring charges, b) Keeping a pet which is against community rules. We have repeatedly received complaints from neighbors and building management regarding the disturbance caused by his pet. We have issued the tenant numerous warnings but all in vain. At the end of one year contract, we negotiated and the tenant agreed to vacate after 3 months (signed 3 months contract). Now after the end of 3 months tenure, he is not vacating and we are not willing to renew the contract considering the distress he has caused us and the neighbors by going against the terms of the contract. What is the legal recourse to evict him? We understand that the first step is to send 30 days' legal notice but what beyond that? Also, how to recover the cost of over-stay as the deposit would not be sufficient to even cover the utility expenses? We are not based in Dubai.

Q: Hi, I am a landlord and my tenant will not pay overcrowding charges. His contract is about to finish in a few weeks. PFCF keeps reminding me of the fine, and the tenant keeps advising that he’s not willing to pay it. What can I do? Surely these charges need to be paid by the tenant. Regards,

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.