Q: Good day, I am an owner of a property in Dubai. I have rented my apartment to a vacation homes' company which in turn are sub-leasing it to their clients. The original agreed payment method was monthly for the first 3 months and afterward, 3 post-dated cheques, one of the cheques become due on 3rd November. When I tried to cash it, it was returned. I have then communicated with the tenant (company owner) who asked me to allow him to pay again monthly for 3 more months. The first installment to be due on 14 Nov by wire transfer, he did not pay on time and I had to call him many times and chase him until he finally agreed to provide 3 cheques for Nov, Dec, Jan. When I tried to cash the first cheque, it again got returned due to insufficient funds. My question is, how can I proceed further to evict them from my apartment? I have sent them an email notification that they are in breach of contract. I must mention that I am not a UAE resident at the moment and live outside the UAE. Appreciate any advice!

Q: Dear all, I am the landlord of an apartment in Dubai and I am currently not residing in the UAE. I have rented the place to a vacation homes company and payment was done monthly for the first three months and quarterly cheques thereafter. They paid the first 3 months but when I tried to cash their cheque for the second-quarter payment (was due Nov 3rd) it got rejected due to insufficient funds. The company owner asked me to help them and agree on monthly payments for 3 more months, I agreed. The first payment should have been done before 14th Nov by wire transfer, which did not happen and since then I have been chasing him for the payment. Finally, he provided 3 cheques for Nov, Dec and Jan, when I tried to cash the first cheque it got rejected. I have sent them an email notice for breach of contract today. I need advice, what can I do further, how can I serve them a legal notice for non-payment and proceed to ask for eviction? I am not in the UAE hence a POA must be made. Thanks in advance.

Q: Hi I am a Landlord; the tenant has not paid rent for 4 months and he is refusing to leave. The tenant says he was never given a contract nor Ejari and the tenant gave me a cheque which was not valid due to the account being closed. He was supposed to bring a new chequebook but never did. I opened a case regarding bounced cheque and a notice of eviction last month but the tenant never left the house. My question is, can I bring the case to the court even if I never issued an Ejari nor a legal contract? Kindly advise because I don’t know what to do at this point. Thanks in advance

Q: Dear Consultant, Good morning! I have a rented property in Dubai. In March 2024, when I went to visit my flat, I found a subtenant inside. He informed me that he rented from "my tenant" and is paying on a monthly basis. This occurred without my consent, and his cheques return unpaid. I have heard from my friend about many options to vacate my unit and sue the original tenant. I would appreciate your advice on the subject matter as a consultant. Many thanks!

Q: We appointed a service agent to manage holiday home services for our apartment in Dubai. The agent completed all legal formalities with Dubai Economy and Tourism and commenced operations. However, the agent defaulted on the AED 50,000 payment of the app., and their offices are now closed. We got the mobile numbers of the agent’s officials. We believe we can also make the following compensation claims: 1. for our opportunity cost. 2. for the mental distress we endured. 3. For administrative costs incurred while chasing the agent, preparing claims, filing a complaint to DET, and related activities. We complained to DET, but it was closed as DET found the agent's office was shut. DET advised us to pursue any suitable legal action. Accordingly, we have the questions on the following matters: 1. What are the appropriate steps to recover our legal entitlements? 2. What is the procedure for claiming the legal and associated costs from the defendant?

Q: Hi, A landlord has rented out his unit to a tenant and provided a DTCM NOC for subleasing (as mentioned in the additional terms of the tenancy contract). He no longer wishes to have the unit subleased, though he doesn't mind renewing the tenancy contract. Is the landlord able to object to the renewal by not providing the DTCM NOC?

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.

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.

With the introduction of the new procedures for obtaining a power of attorney (POA) remotely in the UAE, after it was mandatory to appear in person in front of the notary public as a global rule to ensure the identity and intention of the person requesting a POA, we put between your hands this brief guide for how you get it done.

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.