Q: Hi, I was recently evicted by my landlord through a proper eviction notice of 12 months that was issued by a public notary. The notice stated that he intends to sell the property, but he moved in within one week of my moving out. I know that he did not re-rent the property to anyone for a higher rent, but since he evicted me for the wrong reason, stating that he wants to sell but then moving in himself, can I sue him? Will this case have a chance in RDC?

Q: Good morning, I've been renting a villa on an annual lease since 1st March 2021. In November 2021 (90 days' notice), the landlord informed me that he would be increasing the rent by just over 20%. This was above the RERA rental calculator but we talked and agreed on 10%. In November 2022, I received an email stating that he would be raising the rent by 33%. Nearly 50% in 2 years. We've talked again but cannot reach an agreement. The RERA calculator states no increase allowable. I have now been told that he will be selling the property and received a recorded delivery (12-month) notice of eviction dated November 25th, 2022. 1. Law 33, 2008 states that the 12-month notice should be given upon expiry of the lease. Should the contract be renewed for one more year from 1st March 2023 to 29th Feb 2024? 2. Should evidence be provided to corroborate the intention to sell the property? 3. What rights do I have to ensure that the property is indeed being sold and not re-let at the higher rent?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I have just found proof that my former landlord in Dubai rented out my old apartment at a much higher price to a new tenant the month after I moved out. I also have proof that he was “intending to sell” the apartment in a message. I signed a contract stating that I would move out at the end of the lease, which I did, based on his advice that he is selling the apartment. I received an official legal notice with “sale” as the reason for eviction four months after I signed the contract. I left on the date as per the contract in good faith that he would be selling the apartment. Please let me know if I have a case and can file for compensation.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.