Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
5 available 5 • View allCan the landlord refuse to renew the tenancy contract shortly before expiry?

4
Q: Hello,
Our landlord is trying to evict us from an apartment in Dubai because of a clause in our tenancy contract stating literally:
"This contract is non-renewable and valid only for one year."
This contract was signed on the 17th of February 2021 and our rent started on the 7th of February. Actually, the landlord refused to renew the contract on the first renewal because he is selling.
He never sent any notice and just sent us an email one month and a few days before the end of our first year and asked us to leave.
We refused to evict and tried to get him to sign an extension for a few months or one more year which he refused and ignored.
We filed an offer and deposit case and asked him if he accepts it or not. Only then, he accepted to sign the contract but added many clauses.
We signed because we needed the Ejari to unblock our access cards and we had visa renewals.
We are going to have an eviction case and I would like to know if we can challenge that clause and how you can help.


Jan 31, 2022
3057
Time frame for asking a tenant to vacate an apartment
1
Q: Hi,
I received a call from the landlord that he wants to sell the property and is not planning to renew our contract which will end on the last of the next February. He requested us to pay the last quarter cheque in cash.
Please tell me about my legal situation and the right advice in the following cases:
1- What is your advice regarding paying the last quarter into cash (as he said that he closed his bank accounts)?
2- Does he has a right to ask me to leave the apartment before 3 months?
3- Is it right that as per Dubai law, he cannot increase the rent unless we continue for 3 years?
Thanks in advance!

Dec 4, 2021
1249
Can the landlord send eviction notice to the tenanct in the middle of tenancy contract?
2
Q: I have been served an eviction notice to vacate my home rental within 12 months.The notice receive 2 months after I renewed my 12 months contract. Is this legal?
My understanding is that the eviction notice should be served upon expiry of contract and not after contract renewal.
Appreciate the advise as I wish to stay longer in the same property. What is the best approach?

Jul 21, 2022
233
I bought a property and served the tenant an eviction notice. Can I renew his contract only until notice expiry?

0
Q: Hi,
I bought a property in Dubai in November last year and post transfer, I gave the tenant a 1-year notice to vacate the property as I wanted to occupy it.
The current Ejari expires in May. I gave the tenant the option to renew until the end of the notice period i.e. up to next December, however, the tenant wants to renew for 1 more year.
I need to move in in December, what can I do in this situation?
Thanks


Apr 18, 2024
133
Is a new tenancy contract required if there are a few months left until the end of eviction notice?




2
Q: I was served an eviction notice in November 2023. The contract terminates in August 2024.
Do I need to sign a new contract for 3 months or will it automatically renew until November 2024?
Do I have to pay the agent again for this contract?





+1
May 21, 2024
198
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allProcedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
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.
Oct 20, 2018
21360
What You Should Know While Renting a Property in the UAE 5
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.
Feb 24, 2020
3927
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allLaw No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 12
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.
Nov 26, 2007
24285
Decree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
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.
Sep 18, 2013
7290
Law No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 8
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.
Dec 1, 2008
24939

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View allI received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees. Does this include lawyer fees? 0
I have received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees.
However, RDC says that legal fees do not mean lawyer fees; they are RDC fees only.
Is this correct?
Feb 14, 2025
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The public prosecution appealed a judgment to increase the fine I already paid. What do I do now? 0
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your time.
The public prosecution appealed my judgment (a fine that I satisfactorily cleared) and requested increasing the fine.
Can you please explain what happens during a criminal case appeal hearing for me as a defendant?
Will I be asked questions?
Is the hearing just for the Public Prosecution to present their appeal to the judge, and I do not need to give a response?
Thank you again for your time.
Feb 7, 2025
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Can we give a salary certificate to a new hired employee before he starts to open a bank account? 0
Dear lawyers,
The new employee will start on June 1, 2025. However, he would like to open a new bank account in the UAE thus asking to provide the salary certificate mentioning his salary in AED and if possible not mentioning the start date.
Legally, can the company provide such a certificate?
Feb 4, 2025
111
I received a termination letter from my company for restructuring. Is this considered arbitrary dismissal? 0
I received a termination letter from my company on January 31st, 2025, with a one-month notice period, stating my last working day as February 28th, 2025.
The reason given for the termination is "considering the current business scenario, the company has considered measures to reorganize the business."
Could this be considered arbitrary dismissal?
Am I entitled to any compensation or benefits from the company as a result of this termination?
Feb 5, 2025
89
Do I need to hire a lawyer if I found I have a marital case against me in the court? 0
By checking in Al Adheed, I have found there is a marital matter case against me in Dubai Courts. There is a hearing date for next week and the time mentioned in the case status with a link for an online hearing.
However, I have not received any message from Dubai courts regarding this by mail or phone. I have all contact details updated with EID. In this case, what should I do?
I don’t know what the case is about.
Should I hire a lawyer or I can attend the hearing by myself?
Please do suggest options.
Feb 3, 2025
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View allMy friend’s storage burnt down in Dubai. What should he do? 0
Hello,
My friend has just come back from traveling to find his storage space burnt down in Dubai.
He is a photographer and musician with high-value items.
Everything has been burnt down. What does he do now?
Apr 11, 2025
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هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟ 0
هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر وتُغلق الدعوى نهائيًا بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟
Apr 11, 2025
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I have a civil case in Dubai. Will my visa processing be affected? 0
Hi,
I have a civil case in Dubai. Will this result in my visa being rejected? Will my visa processing be affected?
Mar 28, 2025
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Can the owner of a company escape if there is a cheque execution and travel ban on him? 0
I raised a cheque execution case against a company and its owner and won. There is a travel ban on him. I was receiving installments for three months and now he stopped paying.
The court after request summoned him. In total, he paid only 30% of the owed money. I found that his company license is expired and also in the month his visa will expire.
Does he have any option to avoid payment?
Please note he was deceived by showing no money in his bank account and no assets in his name but he is running multiple businesses.
Also a month ago, he tried to convince me to lift the travel ban but I refused to do so. But he submitted a guarantee and left UAE.
Now the status shows he is back in the UAE and the travel ban imposed again. But after that, he stopped payment.
Is there a 1% chance of him not paying me the remaining money?
Is there a way he can leave the country through the Amnesty program or any of this sort?
Mar 12, 2025
93
I lost the appeal filed by my landlord. What can I do if he illegally keeps my last cheque and deposit? 0
I got RDSC judgment in my favor awarding termination of my lease from May 2024 to May 2025. The landlord made an appeal and lied about my request for termination on 4 December.
My lawyer didn't give any response so the landlord won the appeal. Recently, the Landlord asked for the keys back and said I have overstayed since 4 Dec for not returning the key.
He said he could cash my last rent cheque and wouldn't return the deposit. I gave him my friend's address and said to pick up the key from there but to return my deposit and last rent cheque but he does not agree.
He wants to keep the deposit.
Mar 24, 2025
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35 35 answers •
View allIs party C bound by the JV agreement between parties A and B after subcontracting its work to them? 0
Dear Lawyers,
There is a JV agreement between Party A and Party B. An Addendum was made in which Party C was added and subcontracted all its work to both Party A and Party B, forming a wholly separate contract.
There is an arbitration clause in the JV agreement. Is Party C bound by that clause? DIAC.
Sep 23, 2024
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If an employee resigns, are they eligible for gratuity and annual leave? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
What happens if an employee resigns after 1 year and 4 months of service?
Are they eligible for gratuity and annual leave?
Jul 11, 2024
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Is it legal to resign after a recent visa renewal if I haven't been paid for months? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I've been working at our company for more than 8 years. Is it legal to resign if my visa was just renewed last March 2024?
My reason for resigning is that the owner hasn't given me a salary since March.
Jul 11, 2024
1747
Shipping company holding goods due to floods, storage charges increasing. What now? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
Seeking legal help for a dispute with a shipping company.
They are holding onto our goods because, during the Dubai floods, they were closed and refused delivery. We urgently need legal help to resolve this, as the storage charges are increasing each day.
Can you please advise on how to proceed?
May 14, 2024
134
My employer holds my passport and asks for visa expenses to cancel it. Should I pay? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am an expatriate in Dubai. I joined a company in Dubai, and my contract started in November 2023. It is a limited contract. Due to some issues with the management, they informed me that I would have to leave the company in March 2024, which I did.
Upon asking them to cancel my visa so I can return home, they said I have to pay around 5000 AED towards the visa expenses. I have asked them for the exact amount, but they haven’t provided it yet.
My passport is with them. I would like to check whether I have to pay the visa expense to them.
Since I am not aware of the formalities, I haven’t approached the Labour Department to get my passport back to leave. I fear they may cause more trouble if I initiate a complaint.
I would like to seek your valuable advice on how to proceed to claim my passport and exit UAE.
Please help!
May 8, 2024
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3180 3180 answers •
View allHow to file an online defamation case from the Philippines against someone in Dubai? 0
Hello,
I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai.
I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about.
I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services.
Thank you for your time!
Apr 11, 2025
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What does Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 mean with exempting supervisory roles from the provisions of the Labour Law? 0
Dear colleagues,
According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer.
Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"?
Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime?
Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible?
Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?
Apr 10, 2025
60
Can I request delaying my visa cancellation due to medical unfitness until I retake my medical test? 0
I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day.
They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now.
Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits?
I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April).
Can I ask them to hold the cancellation because I am pretty sure my reports will be revised?
Apr 10, 2025
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I have unpaid bank loan and credit cards in Dubai and got a job offer from Kuwait. Can I go there? 0
I have a bank loan in Dubai of AED 20000 and two credit cards from different banks (5000+5000), and the total is AED 30000.
The liability is in Dubai. I left Dubai 10 years ago. Now I have a job offer from Kuwait.
Can I go there?
Apr 10, 2025
91
نزاع بين شركاء مفوضين بالتوقيع على المعاملات البنكية للشركة بشأن شيك وتحويل أموال 0
زوج وزوجة، الزوجة مالكة لشركة بنسبة 50% ولديها شريك أجنبي يملك بنسبة 50%. الشريك مخول بالتوقيع في كافة المعاملات البنكية للشركة والزوجة كذلك لها ذات الصلاحية.
بعدها، غاب الشريك الأجنبي عن الشركة وسافر. ومازالت الشركة نشطة والعمال لايستلمون رواتبهم والشريك قام بتحويل جميع أموال الشركة إلى حسابه الخاص دون علم الشريك الآخر.
ثم تحصلت الزوجة الشريكة على شيك، فقام الشريك الأجنبي بفتح بلاغ خيانة أمانة واستلم زوجها الشيك.
فما هو الحل القانوني من ناحية جزائية وتجارية؟
Mar 27, 2025
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1578 1578 answers •
View allHow much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? 0
Hello,
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court?
And what's the probability of freezing my account or traffic file if I’m paying?
Apr 11, 2025
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Can I put a financial guarantee to remove a travel ban in a rental case at RDC? 0
I used to work as a manager in a company, and my name was removed by the Dubai court of execution.
Now, on the paid rent, I got a travel ban, which I objected to at RDC.
The RDC accepted and gave the next hearing date, as I will have all the court papers.
Is there any way to remove the travel ban, as the objections I made at the execution hearing are next month, almost one month?
Is there any way you can put the amount as a deposit, and once the objection case is over, you can take it back?
Apr 9, 2025
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How can you reach a settlement to avoid legal action by the bank if you lose job and can not repay your loan? 0
My brother lost his job in the UAE 8 months ago and has a debt of AED 170,000 to a bank.
He is finding it extremely difficult to make monthly loan payments to the bank, as he has been unable to find a job even after 8 months.
What options does he have to reduce/settle his bank debt without having restrictions on him, like a travel ban, etc?
Please help him find the best possible solution considering his current financial situation.
Apr 9, 2025
109
My husband and I are Canadian Muslims and he passed away in the UAE. How to open an inheritance case? 0
Hi there,
My husband and I are Muslims. My husband passed away recently.
We have a Canadian will, but I understand that it won’t be honored as I am named the sole beneficiary, and that does not align with Sharia laws in the UAE. He was not a UAE resident but had a small apartment with no Will in the UAE.
We have 3 children. I am planning to go to Dubai to start an inheritance case. I don’t know the exact order of events and what needs to be done first.
1) Do I initiate anything from overseas before making travel plans to Dubai, or do I start once I arrive in Dubai?
Mind you, we cannot afford to stay in Dubai for too long, as the kids have school.
2) Do I need a lawyer, or can this be done by myself?
3) I understand all foreign documents need to be authenticated before presenting them to the court. But I don’t know at what stage I would need these documents authenticated.
I would appreciate it if you could provide a breakdown of the steps, the forms that are needed, and where I can find them.
Thank you
Mar 27, 2025
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Can the employer ask me for visa expenses if I resign after completing the probation period? 0
I am working in a Dubai private company and I have completed six months of the probation period. Now, I have decided to resign due to a physical problem.
My MOHRE contract mentions one month's notice, and I am willing to serve the notice period, but the employer asks for visa expenses.
My passport was also retained by the employer. How can I cancel my visa by chance?
I filed a complaint at the labour court. How many days does it take to get a verdict?
Apr 7, 2025
160
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