Q: Dear Sir, Please be informed that I contacted one of the real estate agents in Sep 2022 for a purchase of an apartment in Abu Dhabi. MOU signed with seller/agents in Oct 2022. The subject apartment was under lease and a tenant was staying there. I contacted my bank for a mortgage and the bank requested access permission for valuation. However, the agents informed me that the tenant is out of the country. And later once the tenant was back in the country, I requested agents for further permission. After multiple tries, the tenant provided the bank with access for valuation. I had no direct contact with the owner/seller. I paid the bank valuation fee. Once approval came from the bank, I informed the agent. I got a reply that the seller does not wish to proceed with the MOU. Then requested agents to return the agency commission fee, which I paid at the time of signing the MOU. Ever since I am behind the agency to return my amount. However, agents have not yet returned the amount to date. Appreciate your necessary legal advice. Thank you. Regards T.

Q: Hi, We are quite new in this country; only a few months. We thought that it is a good opportunity to buy a property without seeking legal advice. Unfortunately, we have attempted to buy a property, but we have ended up having more problems. Currently, we have a dispute with the seller since we have asked our deposit back as the bank valuation came a lot less than the mutually agreed property value. We have also experienced some other issues that have broken our trust in the real estate agent so we simply want to call off and cancel our contract. In the contract, there is a section which sets a condition that if the valuation comes lower than a certain amount, this contract shall be cancelled and the deposit should be returned to us, but unfortunately, the amount is missing there. I was wondering if I still have a valid case to ask my deposit while there isn't a defined amount, but the condition itself is there?

Q: I paid an AED 8190 booking fee in February, but the agent then failed to provide the apartment or even a contract which was to be signed on the 15th of March. As per our agreement, I requested a refund. We had a back-and-forth, and then they gave me a cheque for the amount to be cashed on the 28th of March. On the 27th, they messaged me to say not to cash the cheque. I feel I am being scammed. What do I do?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, Where can I raise a complaint against a real estate agent who was very slow in providing services, causing delays in the handover of my apartment and Tawtheeq process? Now, I am facing issues as utility bills have not been paid, and I cannot get connection despite my real estate agent assuring me that all bills were already settled.

Q: Hello, We recently moved into a new apartment on the first of this month. Upon arrival, we discovered that maintenance had not been completed, and the Tawtheeq had not been changed to our name. When we inquired with the agent, they explained that the previous tenant's contract did not end until the 8th of this month, and they had not terminated the contract. As a result, we are currently without power, water, and unable to register for AC. We are concerned about potential liability, as it seems we may have moved in illegally before the previous tenant's contract ended. What should we do in this situation, and are we liable for anything regarding our move-in? Our contract states it begins on the 31st of May, and we have paid all fees to the agent and owner.

Q: I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered. Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in. However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract. What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out? What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?

This Bylaw regulates the Real Estate Brokers Register in the Emirate of Dubai. No person may engage in real estate brokerage activities in Dubai unless he is licensed by the competent entities and entered in the register, which is maintained by Dubai Land Department.

The provisions of this Law supersede articles (2) and (11) of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.