Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
6 available 6 • View allIs the RERA index applicable to hotel apartments?


2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
A landlord looking to increase rent without following the RERA index. What are tenant’s rights?
My landlord notified me on time that he would like to increase the rent significantly. He claims that the RERA index is not applicable as it is a Hotel Apartment (the property type on the title deed is indeed “Hotel Apartment”).
However, I do have a valid Ejari. Does it mean that the RERA index is applicable?
Thank you!



Oct 2, 2023
377
Governing law of hotel apartments in Dubai
6
Q: Hi Madam,
An agency has taken my money for providing me with 6 months of accommodation in a hotel apartment.
They did not provide me with the accommodation and after a lot of efforts, I am able to get my partial money back.
But the agency is not refunding my remaining amount and they are not opening their office nor responding to my call (they have blocked my number and don't respond to any new number).
Can I file a case in the rental dispute centre and also claim compensation for all the trouble me and my family went through and the expenses incurred?
They took AED 2000 cash, a cheque of AED 12500 dated 2nd may (which they used) and another cheque of AED 12500.
After police called them, they returned my 2nd unused cheque and AED 7000 in cash. I have AED 7500 refund pending.
Kindly suggest.
Thanks,
S.

Jul 1, 2019
4245
Increasing the rent without referring to RERA rent calculator
3
Q: Dear sir/madam,
My current rent is 140k for 3 BHK. Now is the time for the first renewal.
My landlord has increased rent to 170k, whereas as per the RERA rent calculator, the rent of similar units in the areas is up to 110k.
Please advise if the increase is legal!

Nov 11, 2021
2416
Is the rental valuation certificate only valid for vacant properties?
1
Q: Hi,
Is the rental valuation certificate only valid for vacant properties?
My landlord says that RERA is not the standard and that the valuation certificate prevails.

Oct 29, 2023
125
Is settling with my guest for a refund cheaper than legal action to evict him?


1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I have a property registered with DTCM for short-term leasing, and now one of my guests refuses to leave and demands a refund for his stay.
What legal options are available to me to resolve this situation and remove him from the property, and how much time will it take to do so?
Would settling with him for a refund be cheaper than pursuing legal procedures?



Jun 12, 2024
62
Is the RERA rental index calculator applicable to hotel apartments?




1
Q: Dear All,
I currently have an annual rent contract with a hotel apartment in Al Barsha, Dubai. I have a separate Ejari and pay my unit's DEWA bills. My current yearly rent is the same as the rent advertised for new units in the same building.
However, my contract renewal is due in three months, and the building management has informed me that a 10% increase in rent will be applied if I wish to renew.
According to the RERA rental index calculator for the Al Barsha area, my current annual rent is already higher than the average rent, so no increase in rent is permissible.
The building management has stated that they don't fall under the RERA rental index because they're hotel apartments. I wish to verify whether they fall under RERA rent index guidelines or not. Please advise.
I am willing to open a rental dispute case and seek legal help, but I need to check if it will be valid.
Thank you!





Jul 29, 2024
82
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allWhat 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
3919
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allDecree No. (43) of 2013 Determining Rent Increases for Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai 9
This Decree determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.
Dec 18, 2013
13238
Law 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
24284
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
24938

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1578 1578 answers •
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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
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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
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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
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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
42
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
90
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
63

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538 538 answers •
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
127
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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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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
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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?
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Jul 11, 2024
1746
Shipping company holding goods due to floods, storage charges increasing. What now? 0
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Can you please advise on how to proceed?
May 14, 2024
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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.
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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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34 34 answers •
View allCan I evict my tenant in one year to change the tiles in the whole house? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
Can I ask my tenant to vacate the premises in one year starting immediately to change the tiles in the whole house?
The property has been rented since 2017 and needs a facelift. The current contract ends in February 2024, and we are looking to send a notice of rental increase before 90 days.
However, we are sure that we want to make some changes around the house. These are not structural changes, but much-needed changes.
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Also, if RERA agrees, should we then renew the contract for 9 months, since the one-year notice would end in 9 months from February 2024?
Oct 27, 2023
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Can I apply for a golden visa during my notice period after resigning? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I want to know if I can apply for a Golden Visa despite having resigned and currently serving a notice period.
Mar 6, 2024
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Lived in Dubai in 2009, couldn't pay credit card debts. Can I return now? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I was living in Dubai in 2009 and using some credit cards that I was unable to pay due to some problems.
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Feb 29, 2024
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Responsibility for supplier payments in an LLC company – manager or partners? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
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Ongoing labor case: Can I renew my tourist visa and exit before it expires? 0
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