Q: I've been having issues with my building management regarding a supposed leak from my flat damaging another property. I've contacted Rera with the following: My building management is saying that there is a leak coming from my bathroom drain pipe which is damaging the below apartment. There is no leak inside my apartment. The only way to access the leak is to go through the below apartment's false ceiling as there is no possible way to access the drain pipe from my own apartment. My building contract also does not mention anywhere that I would be responsible for paying for this kind of damage. I would like clarification on who is responsible! Also, the time that the leak was reported the flat was unoccupied. Rera has replied that I am not responsible, however, the management company is still insisting. Any ideas?

Q: I have been renting an apartment for 1.5 years in Dubai. Recently, the kitchen ceiling leaked and the water has gone into the wooden cabinets and 3 of the cabinets have completely rotted from inside. All of our food in there is destroyed. Not only that, but the water from the leak mixed with the glue from the wooden cabinets and became brown and sticky. It is now all over the worktops and the floor and appliances in the kitchen. There are puddles of brown water on the floor. The entire kitchen is unusable. The main maintenance person first refused to visit the apartment to inspect the damage. He only came when we insisted and then told us we have to wait until next Thursday to get the work done. Meanwhile, we cannot use the kitchen, every day the water is spreading more and more and there are now flies everywhere (and the smell is terrible). Can I legally deduct the rent for the number of weeks we have been without a kitchen? I need to pay rent for the second half of the year in August.

Q: I have an apartment tenancy contract. It started only one month ago. My apartment owner is not doing maintenance work. My first water bill was a big amount. Finally, I found an internal water leaking problem. Every day my family faces a different problem. I need to cancel this for our safety. But they ask for 3 months' payment. Please help me

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I rented a unit through an agency leasing on behalf of the landlord, and I don’t have the landlord’s contact details. Two months ago, I noticed a leak in the unit and reported it to the agency via their portal. Despite this, I received no response. I also sent emails, and the only reply I received was that they are waiting for the landlord’s approval to fix the leak. Since then, the leak has spread throughout the walls, causing insect infestations despite my efforts to hire pest control. Can I sue for compensation for the following: 1. Pest control costs 2. Increased DEWA (utility) bills 3. Inconvenience and discomfort 4. Loss of use

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.

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 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 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.