Q: Hi, I purchased an apartment and at that time, it was already occupied by a tenant. Since I bought it for me for personal use, as per the law, I gave 12 months-eviction notice by the notary public. His eviction date is the 30th of Jan 2023. He informed me a day back that he has finalized another apartment but can only move on 20th March 2023 as that apartment will be vacated on 20th March, and is asking for 1 month and 20 days extension. Now my questions are: 1. What is the legal way to extend the current contract for just 1 month and 20 days? 2. Should I sign a new contract for 1 month and 20 days? 3. Now the most important question is if I sign a short-term contract just for 1 month and 20 days, does it nullify the Dubai court's eviction notice?

Q: I have been renting a property since 11 May 2021 and the lease was due to expire on 10 May 2022. On 27 September 2021, I was served a notarised eviction notice by the landlord as he intends to sell the property. It is my right to remain on the property until 27 September 2022 which is one year from the receipt of the eviction notice. The landlord has given me a letter where he has no objection to me staying on the property until 27 September 2022, however, I would like to know whether I need to register this 4-month extension with Ejari. The landlord tells me that it is not possible, as Ejari is only applicable to contracts of 6 months or more. How am I protected in this case? Thank you

Q: My tenancy contract, drawn under the land department of Dubai, expires on 24th of November. I wish to extend it for 2 months. The landlord says we can only renew for a year but is open to options as long as they are legal. Is it true that I cannot make a new contract with my landlord for 2 months? If I am forced to make a new contract for a year, can I have the 'premature termination penalty' clause removed? (So I can give 2 months notice as soon as I enter into the contract and not have to pay a penalty).

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 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.

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 determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.