Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allCan the landlord evict me if I don't accept rent increase against RERA Index?
3
Q: I currently live in a 3-BDR apartment with a renewable 1-yr lease term ending 24.9.22. The apartment is the penthouse of a hotel building, but it's an Ejari apartment and not a serviced hotel apartment, although owned by the same company.
The annual rent is AED 165k. The landlord company has asked for an increase of AED 20k to AED 185k starting with the new lease term of 25.9.22.
As this is below the average rent (AED 146k-179k) of similar 3-BDR apartments in Dubai Marina, the RERA rental index calculator stipulates no increase.
The owner thinks that this is not a normal 3-BDR apartment but a penthouse and as such the RERA index for a 3-BDR apartment is not applicable.
I would like to renew the lease but under the same conditions as today.
How should I proceed?
Can the owner simply deny the renewal under the existing conditions and ask me to vacate the apartment?
Thank You
Y.

Jun 6, 2022
365
Can the landlord force rent increase if it is not allowed by RERA Rent Index?
7
Q: Hello Madame.
My landlord sent me a notice to increase rent on the renewal of tenancy, 90 days in advance before the end of the contract.
However, no rent increase is permitted as per RERA Rental Index, as such, I refused the increase and asked him to renew the tenancy at the same rent as last year.
He refused and asked me to vacate upon tenancy completion which is on 14-Feb. Now, he is threatening to come to the house, and force me to vacate on 14-Feb.
What are my legal options?
I want to continue living in this house, and pay the same rent, as last year, as no increase is permitted as per RERA Rent Index.

Feb 10, 2022
2683
Is the landlord allowed to increase rent by 20% despite the rent freeze law?

1
Q: Hi,
My landlord is going to increase the apartment rent from the next renewal. They are increasing by almost 20%.
Is the 'three-year rent freeze' in Dubai for residential buildings applicable for this case?


Nov 2, 2021
1549
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
3932
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
13240
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
24288
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
24950

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718 718 answers •
View allIs it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract? 0
Hello,
Is it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract?
Mar 19, 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
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In EMARATAX, must two licenses for the same activity in different emirates register separately? 0
Hello,
In EMARATAX (The Federal Tax Authority), if someone has two licenses in different emirates for the same activity, does he need to register two taxable persons, or how should he proceed?
Mar 2, 2025
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Can a developer demand extra payment for a 30% size increase after handover? 0
Hello,
I purchased a one-bedroom off-plan unit in Dubai from a well-known developer under an SPA specifying an area of 801 sq. ft. I completed all payments as per the developer’s payment plan, and the unit was handed over to me without a Title Deed.
After taking possession, furnishing the unit, signing a tenancy contract, and making repeated follow-ups to obtain my Title Deed, the developer informed me, 45 days after handover, that the actual area was 1,041.41 sq. ft., a 30% increase from the original SPA terms.
To receive my Title Deed, they are now demanding payment for the increased size.
Key issues:
- Failure to notify me before handover about the 30% increase in area.
- The SPA allows for price adjustments for area variations but specifies that such adjustments must be reflected in the final installment, which I had already fully paid before handover.
- The developer has now filed a legal case through Dubai Courts, demanding payment.
I require legal advice based on RERA/DLD laws and the SPA.
Mar 12, 2025
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How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
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A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?
Mar 7, 2025
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1581 1581 answers •
View allCan a Pakistani expat register a second marriage in the UAE without disclosing the first? 0
Hello,
I want to know the UAE rules regarding second marriage for expats. I am a Pakistani national and already have a wife back in my home country.
Now, I want to do a second marriage in the UAE with a Moroccan girl. Can you please let me know the procedure involved?
Can I get my marriage registered in the UAE? Is it mandatory to disclose the first marriage? I am on an employment visa in Dubai.
Apr 7, 2025
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Missing business partner since 2003. What to do about his share in the LLC? 0
Hello,
I am a manager of an LLC company with 25% share. In February 2003, a partner joined the company with a 25% share.
After two months, he didn’t like the company and left. After two years, we did not know where he was. We just heard that he left to Tunisia before his visa expired.
What to do with his 25% share, please?
Apr 7, 2025
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I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work. What documents do I need to carry? 0
I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work.
During the travel to Dubai, do I need to show any accommodation proof, return ticket, or anything?
What documents do I need to carry?
Apr 14, 2025
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How to legally receive income from crypto trading without raising any concerns? 0
Hello,
Hope this message finds you well!
I am seeking legal advice regarding my financial situation as a forex trader living in the UAE under a sponsor work visa. Currently, I do not work for any company and earn my income primarily through cryptocurrency trading.
However, I would like to ensure that I can legally receive and withdraw approximately AED 15,000 per month into my UAE bank account without raising any suspicion from the bank.
My main concerns are:
I am a forex trader and earn money through cryptocurrency, which I then exchange into fiat currency (AED). How can I ensure that the process of depositing this income into my bank account is transparent and compliant with UAE laws to avoid any issues with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations?
Since I do not have a formal job or salary, how should I go about documenting or explaining my income to the bank to avoid any red flags regarding the source of my funds?
Are there any specific steps I need to take to ensure my deposits are compliant?
Apr 14, 2025
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How 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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157 157 answers •
View allكيف يمكن لشركة ذات مسؤولية محدودة أن تعلن إفلاسها؟ 0
كيف يمكن لشركة ذات مسؤولية محدودة أن تعلن إفلاسها؟
Feb 3, 2022
1719
I agreed with my landlord to increase the rent 10% I pay in cash. Should I insist on changing the contract? 0
I'm staying in JLT in a house with a rent of AED 140,000 per year. The lease starts on 1st Sep '23 and expires on 31st Aug '24.
The landlord sent me a legal notice from the Dubai Courts in mid-Sep '23, giving me 1-year notice to vacate the house as he plans to sell the house. The notice was received by me through email from the court.
He claims the email notice sent by the court is not valid till I receive it by courier via Aramex for my physical signature. Can you please confirm if this is true?
The landlord is now ready to let me stay in this house for two more years. He has proposed that we maintain the existing lease agreement and Ejari. However, I should pay him AED 14,000 in cash (10% increment).
We will sign a separate paper document wherein we will agree that I will further rent increase of 10% (10% on (140,000+14,000)) on 1st Sep'24 when my current lease expires.
Should I insist on making a fresh written contract with the higher rent (140,000+14,000=154,000)?
Nov 18, 2023
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Is it possible to terminate a labor contract before the end of the two-year term? 0
Hello.
I have been with my employer for 15 months, and my employment contract is for two years.
Is it possible to terminate the contract before the end of the two-year term?
Nov 24, 2023
122
I have signed Form F and got the mortgage but the seller is in breach. What to do? 0
Hi
I have signed the MOU Form F since July 2023 and we prepared all the papers and the loan from my end on 23/8/2023.
When I went to DLD for the transfer, the seller had registration issues and asked for some papers to be provided as the property is under the company not an individual.
Since that time, we have kept renewing the MOU every month in the hope of finalizing but I am not seeing any progress.
So I am asking about legal action as I already got a bank mortgage and started paying as well but not seeing any progress from the seller.
So I need to ask the following:
1. If my MOU expired on 20.11.2023, can I file a complaint on 20 or after a couple of days like 23?
2. What will happen in terms of 10%? Will it be returned and what about the fees paid to the bank like mortgage fees, evaluation, and cancellation of loan? Will the EMI payment be compensated by the seller?
3. What is your advice?
Thanks
Nov 16, 2023
889
Dubai landlord served eviction notice to tenant but now wants to revoke it 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I own an apartment in Dubai and served the tenant a legal eviction notice through Dubai courts in March 2023. The reason for the eviction notice was that I was planning to move into the apartment.
However, my circumstances have changed, and the original tenancy contract end date is December 2023. The tenant has now requested a one-month extension of the contract until January 2024.
Can I revoke the eviction notice that I have already served?
Nov 13, 2023
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View allHow can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
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I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
I don't have time to submit my notice period registration. What should I do?
Please give me the best advice!
Apr 4, 2025
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During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? 0
Hello,
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? If not, can the employer deduct the sick leave from the employee’s end-of-service benefits?
Additionally, what is the legal basis for this? Specifically, which law or ministerial decision governs this matter?
Apr 4, 2025
134
Can I request reopening a civil case if the judgment was in my absence due to sending notices to the wrong address? 0
Lawyers misunderstood my question. Please read carefully and then guide me.
Case Type: Civil Case
Claim amount: 400,000
Paid: 65,000
Reason: Commercial agreement of supply
Emirate: Ajman
This case was registered in 2022. The judgment was in my absence, as notices were sent to the wrong address.
I was sent to jail. I made a down payment, bailed, and paid some more amount as installments. The total paid amount is AED 65000.
Now, again, an arrest warrant is issued as I did not pay the remaining 335,000 of the claim.
According to me, I had to pay only this amount because the executioner made a wrong claim, not as per the genuine claim.
So I want to reopen the case file.
I want the court to reinvestigate and start the case from scratch.
1) How can I make that request?
2) What documents are required?
3) Chances of reopening of case?
4) Cancellation of arrest warrant
Please guide me in detail, as I will do everything myself, as I cannot afford a lawyer right now.
Apr 4, 2025
72
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency and it was canceled two days before Eid. What to do? 0
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency two weeks before Eid. The travel agency confirmed the booking on payment.
One day before Eid, the agency reached out, saying they had an issue with the supplier/hotel and the booking would be cancelled.
They offered alternative hotels that didn’t match the original property. I suggested some properties, and they couldn’t arrange them, or they asked for further payment, so I didn’t book anything through them.
What are my rights to a refund and compensation, as I had to book other arrangements separately at a significantly higher cost due to the last-minute prices?
It also caused significant emotional distress, less than 24 hours before the holiday. To which authority can a complaint be made in case of an unsatisfactory outcome?
Both the agency and the hotel are in Dubai.
Apr 4, 2025
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If a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
A bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts due to nonpayment of a personal loan and credit card.
Is a travel ban automatically applied?
I looked on the Dubai Courts website, and it says the judge has issued a “reserved” order for my case.
Furthermore, when the bank emails, they threaten me with a travel ban. So I am assuming there is no travel ban issued (but I don’t know). I haven’t received any notice of a travel ban.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
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825 825 answers •
View allHow to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
Hello,
A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?
Mar 7, 2025
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Tenant damaged property, deposit insufficient; how to claim compensation? 0
Hello,
A tenant damaged the property I recently purchased upon their eviction, and the security deposit does not cover all of the damages.
I would like to know how I can take action against the tenant. Does any proof need to be submitted? If yes, what proofs are required since I bought an already tenanted property?
What is the timeframe and process to seek compensation for the damages?
Mar 7, 2025
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Is it legal for a landlord to cut DEWA before the rental court verdict? 0
Hello,
I was supposed to renew my rental contract in early February, but due to harassment and threats, we agreed in rental court that we would settle and move out.
Now, while awaiting the verdict, the landlord has gone ahead and canceled DEWA.
What can I do? Isn’t that illegal?
Mar 7, 2025
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Can a civil case delay my deportation after a criminal conviction? 0
Hello,
If I have a deportation due to a criminal case, and while serving time inside, a civil case is opened against me, does that stop my deportation?
Jan 27, 2025
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Can I keep my shop by paying rent in installments despite an eviction case against me? 0
Hi,
I have leased out a shop in Dubai, but due to huge financial losses and my husband's job loss, I can't afford to pay the rent. Meanwhile, my landlord has filed a case for eviction and payment of rent.
Right now, my condition is getting better as my husband has got a job and is ready to pay the rent in installments.
Can I pay in installments and hold the shop even if the judgment goes against me?
Jan 9, 2025
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