Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My tenancy contract is due for renewal on 30 November 2023. On 4 November 2023, my landlord inquired if we would agree to an increase in rent. We declined as it is our first year contract and he was exceeding the RERA index. He has now agreed to maintain the current rent. My question is that the terms of the tenancy contract specify three cheques, but he is now requesting only one cheque. Where do we stand as I cannot issue a single cheque for the full amount? We do not want the terms of the contract to be altered, and he has again failed to inform us in writing, only sending a WhatsApp message stating "Provide me with a cheque, and I will create a new contract." Please advise me! Thank you!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I purchased a property in December 2022 and served the eviction notice on January 9, 2023. The current tenancy agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2023. I want to modify the payment terms for the new contract, effective from July 1, 2023, to January 8, 2024 (the end of the eviction notice), changing from 12 checks to 1 for the six-month period. Additionally, I intend to increase the rent by 20% as I believe the existing tenant is paying 60% less than the current market rate. The tenant refuses to accept these changes and wishes to renew the lease with no alterations. Where do I stand in this situation? RERA provides varying information each time I seek clarity.

Q: Hi, My villa is rented since August 2018 for 155000 pa, payment was agreed upon by 2 cheques, and Ejari was registered in 2018. In August 2020 (COVID Time), I was outside the UAE and the tenant asked me to lower the rent to 142000 and offered to pay monthly rental payments by bank transfer. Due to the COVID situation, I accepted his offer by email and since then, the tenant pays rent monthly through bank transfers. In April 2022 (which is 90 days to renewal in August 2022), I sent him an email to rent review as the rental value for my villa increased. However, the tenant did not agree and kept saying there is no rent increase for my villa. We exchanged several emails. and no conclusion. Now in October 2022, I have obtained a rental valuation certificate from DLD which states the current rental value is 200000. I will appreciate your advice about how to proceed with the rental increase, and what is my legal position in this issue. The tenancy agreement and Ejari are officially not renewed for the last few years.

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.

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. 

This Decree determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.

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.