Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
7 available 7 • View allCan the landlord request the tenant to pay the chiller in the middle of the contract?

2
Q: I live in Dubai Marina, and the landlord claimed that according to new Dubai Land regulations, the chiller now has to be paid by the person occupying the apartment.
Even though my contract says that the landlord should pay the chiller, they want to implement this mid-contract.
I understand that the terms upon renewal will be renegotiated, but on what grounds can they implement the change mid-contract?
Does a new DLD regulation precede a tenancy contract? Moreover, I am receiving a disconnection notice from the chiller company due to non-payment.
What can I do if this happens?
Please advise.


Mar 23, 2022
1664
The owner is asking for chiller charges for last 2 years. Should I pay?

3
Q: The owner is asking for chiller charges for the last 2 years, for an apartment that we have vacated 2 months ago.
The bills are in the owner's name, who has been settling them and is now requesting reimbursement contract mentioned a company for the chiller by the name '[----], which does not exist.
We did ask the building and agent for a chiller and were told that those are covered within the building. In the 2nd year, the term chiller was removed by the owner from the contract.
The invoices shared to claim the chiller charges are from a building management company that is issuing building management charges to the owner based on the area of the apartment and it has nothing to do with the consumption.
At end of the lease, the owner asked for settled copies of all other utility bills which were shared and there was no mention of chiller charges even then.
Accordingly, the owner paid back the security deposit. The owner has sent a legal notice to reimburse these paid invoices, along with the charges he incurred on the legal notice and lawyer.


Mar 29, 2023
511
Is the tenant responsible for the high electricity bills from a faulty chiller unit?
1
Q: Dear Sirs,
I am facing a serious issue with regards to the chiller unit of my flat. I stay in Ajman in a 2-bedroom flat in a tower owned by a real estate company and the flat owner is an expatriate.
My cooling bill from the real estate company is coming abnormally high even when we didn't use it during the winter the chiller charges keep on coming.
So when I contacted the real estate company they send a technician and checked and told me the issue is with the units installed inside the flat not outside and it's not their responsibility.
Then I contacted the flat owner who sent technicians and found some faulty components and replaced them.
Now I have incurred a total cooling bill of more than AED 8000 from the real estate company, which was just due to the faulty components of the AC parts installed inside the flat.
Am I liable to pay this amount?
Both the real estate company and the flat owner refused to take responsibility.
Kindly guide me on what options I have.
V. C. T.

Mar 17, 2022
328
How to renew my lease contract and remove the clause of annual real estate company fee?

3
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am in the process of renewing my lease contract and I requested the agent several times to remove the clause that says: "in the event of renewal of the contract, the tenant agrees to pay Real Estate company as admin fee of AED1000/-".
The agent hasn't removed it yet. My last contract expires today, my cheque was ready yesterday (12/03/2024), and I sent them the contract signed (10/03/2024) and made an X on that clause.
Now the agent is threatening me with legal actions saying I'm staying in the apartment illegally (today 1st day).
Can they threaten me?
Do they have any right to keep charging me their fees?
As I read online: "By UAE law, as well as Dubai Land Department regulations, agents are entitled to receive a fee when a tenancy contract is signed.
But there is no clause stating that agents hold the right to continue receiving that fee every time a tenant’s contract is renewed”.
Should I go to DLD and do the contract with their help?
Would appreciate any advice.


Mar 13, 2024
495
Apartment's chiller connected to my DEWA, despite being told it's chiller-free. What now?




1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I recently signed a rental contract based on the agent's confirmation that the apartment is chiller-free. While I had a WhatsApp conversation confirming this, it was not mentioned in the contract because the agent claimed it was not a standard practice.
However, I have now discovered that the chiller is connected to my DEWA. I agreed to rent the apartment for AED 66,500 instead of AED 60,000 because the agent assured me that there would be no additional cost for the chiller.
What options do I have now?





+2
Apr 29, 2024
186
Can I send a legal notice to the landlord if I don't have his Emirates ID?


0
Q: Hello,
I'm trying to send legal notice to the landlord but I don't have their Emirates ID and therefore cannot notarize the notice.
Is there any option to do it without Emirates ID?



Feb 7, 2025
79
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired?




0
Q: Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.





May 19, 2025
24
Legal blog
2 available 2 • 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
4012
Procedures 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
21489
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allDecree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
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.
Sep 18, 2013
7335
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
24393
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
25129

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