Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
7 available 7 • View allRenting a villa after failing to sell it, even after offering it to the previous tenant?


4
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a landlord and gave notice (through a Notary Public) to the tenant to vacate the villa for personal use or to sell it one year ago.
The tenant vacated the villa after one year as per the notice. I failed to sell the villa after trying to sell it through multiple agents for the past two months.
I re-offered my previous tenant the villa for rent for one more year as I failed to sell it, through email (7 days ago). However, I have not received any response to this email.
Please advise whether I can proceed with renting the villa to another tenant as I am incurring losses by paying EMI, maintenance, etc.
Please also advise if the previous tenant can still ask for compensation.
Thank you in advance!



Jun 12, 2023
310
Can the landlord rent a villa again after evicting the tenant and failing to sell it?


4
Q: I am a landlord and gave notice (Notary Public) to the tenant to vacate the villa for personal use or to sell 14 months back. Now the tenant has vacated the villa two months before after completing one year of the notice period.
There are three real estate agents working to sell the villa for the last two months but the price offered is less compared to my purchase price.
Please let me know if I can rent the villa again since I am not able to get a buyer for the villa and keeping the villa vacant for more than two months is a loss for me.
I have to pay monthly house loan EMI and it is becoming difficult to manage.



Jan 17, 2023
1701
Can landlords reconsider renting after issuing an evacuation notice?




4
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
In terms of sending notice to tenants to vacate an apartment, as a landlord, we need to send a 12-month notice with the reason being either:
- Wanting to move in ourselves (or our family members).
- Selling the unit
But what if, as landlords, after evacuation and a few days of evaluating the market or finding no customers to buy our property, we change our minds and want to rent the apartment again to someone else?
Is this against the law? What if, for any reason, the landlord changes his/her mind to sell the apartment after evacuation?
What do the regulations say?





+1
Dec 10, 2023
467
What can I do if the landlord evicted me and then rents the apartment for a higher price?




1
Q: The owner sent me an eviction letter a year ago and told me that he would not rent it again. I’ve asked multiple times if he was going to rent it and increase the price, but he said no.
I finally moved and after 3-4 weeks, I saw that he already put the apartment to rent with an increased fee. Is he allowed to do this?
From the beginning, I was praying to stay as the location was convenient for my work.





Apr 28, 2024
117
Can a tenant claim compensation if they leave early and I re-lease the apartment?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
My Dubai tenant's rental agreement is ending at the end of November 2024, and the completion of the 12-month legally served eviction notice (for reasons of personal use or sale) is at the end of March 2025.
The tenant still has 9 months until the eviction notice date. However, the tenant has sent a notice stating that as per the above-mentioned eviction notice, he wants to vacate the property by giving one month's notice, as per the tenancy agreement.
I don't have any problem with the tenant leaving as it is as per the tenancy agreement, but my question is, once the tenant leaves, can he still file a case and claim compensation if I lease the apartment to someone else within the next two years or not?
Thanks in advance!





+3
Jul 2, 2024
118
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
115
How is compensation calculated for evicting a tenant and renting to someone else?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
My former tenant filed a 200k compensation case against me because I did not move into the house and rented it to another tenant. There was only one hearing, and in the next, I received the judgment to pay 100k in compensation.
The breakdown states 40k as the rent difference for each year and 20k as moral damages. I am unable to understand how this amount was calculated, as the rent difference between my old rent and his new rent is 30k per year.
Also, why have I been asked to pay the rent difference for 2 years?





+2
Dec 10, 2024
141
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
21417
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
3982
Laws & Regulations
4 available 4 • 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
24341
Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.
Dec 15, 1985
148514
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
25049
Decree 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
7312

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My tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
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How can we recover a salary advance to a new employee if he fails to come to duty and uses alcohol? 0
As the HR manager of a company, I have issued a salary advance to the employee. Upon joining, he failed to go to duty and used alcohol daily in the camp.
I have a signed thumb-impression cash receipt. What options do I have to recover the AED 7000 advance paid to the employee?
Please help.
Regards,
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Can my sister file a claim for compensation after a criminal case for sexual harassment? 0
Hello,
My sister filed a criminal case against her employer (sexual harassment), and it is already with the Public Prosecutor.
Her employer refuses to compensate her at all. Can we file a civil claim? When should we do it?
Can we still file a civil claim after the judgment of the case?
Apr 25, 2025
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هل تقسم الأملاك بعد الطلاق بين الزوجين وفق القانون الإماراتي؟ 0
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Can I use my husband's case number to get information about his exit date? 0
Hello,
I have my husband's case number. Can I get information about his exit date using the case number?
Fujairah Jail.
Apr 16, 2025
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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
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Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
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Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
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After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
16
Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
24
Who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer? 0
Hello
I joined my new company on February 26, 2025. Upon joining the new company, I asked HR if it was free to join the company, and she said yes.
After working with them for 1 month, I experienced a salary delay, and I had to go to the office to ask why there was a delay in my salary.
That is when the HR told me she deducted my whole salary to recover the transfer fee.
Now my question is, who is supposed to pay for the transfer fee, the employee or the employer?
Apr 28, 2025
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Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce in Dubai? 0
Is it possible for a foreigner to get a divorce here in Dubai?
Apr 28, 2025
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After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
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Can I sell branded replica watches online, not in a physical store? 0
Hello,
Can I sell branded replica watches online, on Facebook Marketplace, etc.?
Not in a physical store, just online.
Apr 27, 2025
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My landlord increased my rent more than RERA Index and refused my offer and deposit. What to do? 0
Good morning,
My landlord notified me 90 days before my contract’s end of a 15% rent increase, raising it from AED 55,000 to AED 63,250. However, according to the RERA index, the maximum increase should be 5%. I tried to negotiate, but they refused.
On October 15, I made an offer and deposit of AED 57,250 (including the RERA-approved increase). The judge accepted it, but the landlord rejected it, claiming their other 1-bedroom units rent for AED 75,000.
My contract expired on October 31, 2024. Recently, the landlord emailed saying I’m now staying illegally and will be charged AED 100 per day for not signing a new contract.
Last week, I requested a new contract based on the RERA index, but they responded by refusing my offer and deposit, demanding full payment.
My question:
Should I be concerned, or should I let them pursue a case?
Or just wait and see?
Thank you for your assistance.
Nov 14, 2024
158
The landlord insists on increasing the rent more than RERA Index. What can I do? 0
Hi everyone,
I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice.
I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22.
The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area.
I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive.
To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond.
My question is: what should I do next?
Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now.
Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?
Nov 14, 2024
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Is it mandatory for a self-represented applicant to sign the memorandum of defense in a civil dispute? 1
Dear Lawyers,
Is it mandatory for a memorandum of defense to be signed by an applicant representing themselves without an attorney in a civil dispute in Dubai?
If not, what are the potential consequences of submitting a memorandum of defense without a signature?
Thank you!
Oct 14, 2024
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Can an innocent person's name be dropped during the investigation before court referral? 1
Hello Experts!
Kindly assist with the below:
In a penal case that is still at the investigation stage, if your statement was taken and they realized you are truly innocent, with your name included only by association, is there a chance that your name can be dropped before being referred to court?
Or does the fact that they took your statement mean you must appear in court?
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How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband? 1
Dear Lawyers,
How can a wife file for khula when she is financially dependent on her husband and has no funds to support it?
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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
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What can I do if my neighbors are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling? 0
I live in a townhouse with a shared wall with my neighbors. They are constantly doing construction work and constantly drilling on the shared wall.
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I am very stressed. What is the immediate solution, please?
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What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
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A pharmacy gave me the wrong set of medicine that was not prescribed by my doctor. Can I file a complaint? 0
A pharmacy gave me the wrong set of medicine that was not prescribed by my doctor.
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Can I submit a medical report for a surgery I did in my country so that the annual leave won't be affected? 0
I have undergone a surgical treatment in India and got a medical leave report from there for 15 days.
Can I submit the same medical leave report in the UAE so that the annual leave won't be affected?
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Apr 24, 2025
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I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
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Mar 19, 2025
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We won the case with the RDC to evict the tenant. What happens after waiting the cooling period? 0
We won the case with the RDC that the tenant has to evict the property. We are told there is a cooling period before they say the date he has to leave.
How long is the cooling period he can appeal and then what happens next if he appeals and if he doesn't?
He was served the one-year notice and then refused to leave, hence the case we raised with RDC and won.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2025
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Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly? 1
Hello,
Is it legally permissible for an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa with a job role in sales and marketing to primarily work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, while visiting the Fujairah-based company once a week?
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Does this arrangement comply with UAE labor laws?
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What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
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A local company in Dubai intends to acquire a 50% ownership stake in an auto repair business currently owned by an individual (100%).
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What is the fee for reviewing an SPA, and how much time will it take? 1
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