Q: The landlord is not returning the security deposit. I have vacated the apartment that I rent and satisfied all conditions as per the Tenancy Contract (painted the apartment, fixed and cleaned all -- this had been acknowledged in written by landlord's deputy, cancelled all utility services and Ejari and delivered the landlord cancellation forms). Upon returning the keys, the landlord's deputy said he would call me when the security deposit cheque is ready. He never called, my email requests are not answered, my calls are ignored since then. Now already 2 weeks. I do have proof of handing over the security deposit cheque (by the real estate agency that arranged the apartment rental), that it was cached by the landlord and a written acknowledgement that the apartment was handed over with no issues. What is the correct and most effort-time efficient way to make the landlord fulfill his obligations and return the security deposit to me? Thank you, V.

Q: Hi. My daughter had stayed at an apartment 807, Marina Diamond 2 in Dubai from 1st May 2017 to 31st July 2018 on the lease of Mr Alex Hejazi's US national apartment. The first contract was for one year and then extended for six months. The original contract had two months notice clause and renewed one with one month notice. He was given a month's notice as per the tenancy agreement on 25th June 2018 by mail and over the phone and vacated on 31st July 2018. Returned to India on 8th August 2018. The landlord is now not responding to mails or texts and has not returned any money. The dues are three months' rent and the security deposit total of AED 15600. Now, she is back in India and cannot travel to lodge a case in RDC. How do I get back my hard-earned money without travelling to Dubai?

Q: To whom this may concern, Recently, I have an issue with our agent when we left the property. We rented the property for two years and we gave the security deposit. We have moved out of the place because the agent increased the rent by more than the RERA calculation. Now, almost 1 month already had passed and we still have not received the security deposit. The agent gave us the invoice which includes; the A/C service of the apartment, and the supply and replacement of the water heater with pipes (plumbing work). All other costs are okay such as re-painting and replacing hinges. But the first two are unacceptable from my point of view. Are we allowed to submit a dispute with the landlord, if the agent will not give the security deposit back, should we file a complaint? Kindly need your expert advice! Thank you and regards,

Q: Upon vacating your apartment, can you sue your landlord for ongoing maintenance issues while you lived there? For 3 years I had ongoing maintenance issues which the building would not fix properly. Furthermore, they have now tried to deduct from my security deposit despite not fixing several issues that occurred in the past 3 years! Is there a timeframe for a maintenance claim? I would like to sue them for years of lack of maintenance which destroyed my experience while living there. Please advise. Thank you.

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.

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.

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.

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.