Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
9 available 9 • View allA landlord rented out the apartment at a higher price after I moved out. What to do?



3
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.




Jun 9, 2023
517
What happens if the property is not sold after evicting the tenant?


8
Q: Hello,
I am a landlord in Dubai and I wish to send a 12-month legal eviction notice to my tenant for my intention to sell my property after the 12-month eviction notice.
My question is:
If after putting my property on the market for sale I don't manage to sell it and I decide to rent it out again, can my tenant take any legal action against me or ask for any compensation? Will they be entitled to that?



Nov 15, 2022
3016
Evicted for claiming property sale, but re-rented. Can I seek compensation?




5
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
My landlord evicted me on the basis that he was selling the property. I have recently discovered that he did not sell and re-rented the property three months after I moved out, with a rental increase of AED 75,000 per year above what I was paying.
It was very disruptive, and I was forced to move to a smaller property, incurring unnecessary costs as a result. This occurred approximately one year ago; however, I believe I have all the required evidence and supporting documentation.
My question: Am I able to raise a case against my former landlord and seek compensation? If yes, what costs do I incur? If I am successful, how is the compensation calculated?
How long does a case like this normally take? If successful, is the landlord legally obliged to payout
Thank you!





+2
Jan 30, 2024
237
Can we re-rent our villa after a gift deed transfer, and will the old tenant have any claim?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
My wife is the owner of a villa in Dubai, and in September 2023, she issued an eviction notice to the tenant on the grounds of self-use.
In August 2024, the tenant vacated after serving the notice, and the tenancy contract has ended. Now, our situation has changed, and we would like to re-rent the villa to a new tenant.
If my wife transfers the villa to my name via a gift deed, will I be able to rent the villa after the transfer of ownership is completed?
Can the old tenant still fight a case through the Rental Dispute Center if I am the new owner?





+1
Sep 3, 2024
291
Can a former tenant take legal action after re-leasing a property 9 months post-vacancy?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
I have a property in Dubai that I rented for 2 years. I gave the tenant a legal notice 1 year in advance to vacate, as I intended to move in.
However, the property remained vacant for 2 months, and due to personal issues, I was unable to move in, so I had to lease it to another tenant.
Can my previous tenant file a case against me after vacating the property, even though it has been more than 9 months since they left?





+9
Oct 29, 2024
104
The landlord served me an eviction notice for sale. Can I stay if I prove his intention is to increase rent?




1
Q: I have been renting an apartment in Dubai for 5 years. The landlord was not happy last 3 years as they were not able to raise rent more than the RERA calculator.
In 2023, they sent me an email, non-notarized, asking me to evict the property for the reason of personal use. I refused this as it did not go through court and the contract was renewed for another year.
This time, in 2024, they sent a court eviction notice with a reason for sale. It was sent 12 months before the end of the contract. In the period since the notice was sent, they did not try to sell the property or list it anywhere for sale.
My question is, can I dispute the notice based on the reason they do not show any intent to sell, and that I suspect they only want me out so they can re-rent it higher?





+8
Nov 6, 2024
119
Can I upgrade and gift an apartment to my husband after evicting a tenant?




1
Q: Hello,
I purchased a property last year that was already rented. I then issued the tenant an official notarized eviction notice of one year. The tenant has now vacated the apartment.
I plan to upgrade the apartment and gift it to my husband. Will the former tenant have any legal rights against me if I proceed?
The apartment was listed for sale, but we haven’t received a reasonable offer, so we decided to refurbish it.
Please advise.
Thanks!





+7
Nov 28, 2024
68
Can I re-rent to my evicted tenant at current market rates?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
Can I invite my evicted tenant with the current market rental rates, or am I legally obligated to offer the same rates as the previous tenancy?
I have a copy of the tenancy agreement for another apartment in my building, and the rates have increased by 15-20% since the eviction of my last tenant.
The reason mentioned for the eviction was that I would be keeping the apartment for myself.





+1
Dec 4, 2024
49
Can my wife rent out a property I’m gifting her after evicting the current tenant for sale?




2
Q: Hello,
I own a property that is currently tenanted, and an eviction notice has already been served to the tenant, citing that I plan to sell the property.
However, I am planning to gift this property to my wife. After the eviction notice expires, can my wife rent this property to a new tenant?





+1
Dec 6, 2024
86
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allProcedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
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.
Oct 20, 2018
21361
What 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 allLaw 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
24952
Decree 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

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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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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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View allHow can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
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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
136
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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Dec 27, 2022
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How to know the reason for rejecting the police clearance certificate? 0
In case of police clearance certificate rejection, do the police give a reason for rejection?
Apr 24, 2023
854
Can I cancel my house sale contract without extra fees after personal plans changed? 0
Dear Lawyers,
I signed a Form F with a buyer for the sale of my house as we were planning to leave the country. The contract was signed about a month ago, but the handover is not until August.
Due to personal circumstances changing, we are no longer leaving Dubai and would like to cancel Form F.
The Form F contract stipulates that we have to pay the buyer 10% of the purchase value. The real estate agent is now claiming that we also have to pay the buyer's real estate commission and the conveyancing fee.
Our understanding is that the 10% penalty is the only penalty. Which is correct, and what are the next steps to dispute this?
Also, is there any way to dispute the 10% itself under the law due to personal circumstances changing?
Jul 12, 2024
568
Can the landlord evict me from apartment for personal use if he lives in his own property? 0
The owner sent me a notice by email saying that he doesn't want to renew the contract for the purpose of personal use.
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Is it legal to evict me?
Thanks
Aug 31, 2023
336
How to know if an offer letter I received from a company in the UAE is legit? 0
I got an offer letter from Al-Haldin Gulf Construction & Petroleum LLC. Can you please advise about the company?
Mar 18, 2024
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Apr 14, 2025
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My company has filed a case against a client for failure to pay and bounced cheque. How to follow up? 0
Hello.
My company has filed a case against a client for failure to pay and a bounced cheque. The client's company is registered as a virtual office in the Creative City Free Zone in Fujairah, so our case is filed there.
The client basically purchased some equipment from us, and his payment via bank transfer did not go through and was rejected. Then, when we deposited his security cheque after multiple attempts to contact and no answer, the cheque bounced.
The company is under his wife's name, and we have filed a case on the same.
The court has accepted our application, however, they have instructed the execution bureau to get the Emirates ID of this authorised signatory. The bureau is asking us to get it, and we have no way to do so, unfortunately.
Without the Emirates ID, the court cannot freeze the bank accounts or put a travel ban, etc.
What are our options here?
Apr 14, 2025
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What’s the minimum time an employee must work for the employer who brought them to the UAE? 0
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What is the minimum duration an employee must work for the employer who brought them into the country before they can terminate the contract in the UAE?
Apr 14, 2025
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My friend’s storage burnt down in Dubai. What should he do? 0
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هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟ 0
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I have a civil case in Dubai. Will my visa processing be affected? 0
Hi,
I have a civil case in Dubai. Will this result in my visa being rejected? Will my visa processing be affected?
Mar 28, 2025
86
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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207 207 answers •
View allDo I have to pay the value of training to the company in case of terminating the contract? 0
Salam,
My company has filed a complaint against me in MOHRE related to training fees.
This is the clause mentioned in my contract:
"The Second Party shall be obliged to pay back the value of the training (which is estimated at an amount of 10000 AED) when they terminate the employment contract based on their own free will (within One Year) from the date of commencement of their contract, without prejudice to the First Party's legal or contractual obligations. (the amount agreed on for the value of the training period must be commensurate with the employment period of the employee)"
My question is:
1. I served 11 months in the company. Can they demand the full 10,000 or it should be less due to 11 months (as per the last line of the clause)?
2. I didn't even get training from the company. I learned normally by working on projects with seniors. No training session was conducted for me. Should I still have to pay?
My case is in MOHRE.
Thanks
Nov 13, 2024
230
Can I apply for Amnesty 2024 with a bounced cheque and credit card debt? 0
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Amnesty 2024 has just started, and I really want to apply for it, but I have a company bounced cheque and personal credit card debt.
Is there any solution to avail of the amnesty and legalize my status? If yes, what is the step-by-step procedure?
Thank you to those who can enlighten me on this question, and God bless us all!
Sep 2, 2024
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How can I resolve a travel ban with an expired passport and a bounced check case? 0
Hello,
I have a civil case for a bounced check and a travel ban. My passport has expired and can only be renewed in my home country.
Due to the travel ban, it is not possible to exit and renew the passport. With an expired passport, I can't work.
What are the options in this situation? Can my wife take this case and start paying in installments so that I can go to renew his passport and come back?
Thank you!
Jun 28, 2024
156
I have an unpaid credit card in the UAE and I will be traveling to Qatar. Will I be arrested? 0
I have an unpaid credit card of approximately AED 45000 in the UAE.
I will be traveling to Qatar due to work.
Will I be arrested in Qatar?
Jun 21, 2024
135
Requesting additional fees due to cheque postponement. What should I do? 0
Good day,
I requested the lessor to divide my upcoming cheque into two payments instead of the full amount on the 1st of December. I paid 50% on 1st December, and the second payment was scheduled for 30th December.
However, they considered it as a cheque postponement and asked for an additional fee.
Upon reviewing the contract, I found point number 8 states that a cheque postponement request will be subject to management approval, and it doesn't mention any extra fees—just approval.
Is this normal, and should I pay for it, or not?
Please help!
Dec 19, 2023
180
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