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
447
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
4291
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
2466
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
147
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
86
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
111
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
3989
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
13269
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
24346
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
25060

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Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
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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.
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