Q: Dear all, Do you have a model of eviction letter for non-payment of rent? How to notify the tenant?

Q: Hello, I'm an owner of an apartment in Dubai and my tenant is not paying rent. I have submitted the legal notice with the notary public and it's already due, until now, the tenant is saying that he will pay. I have one problem, the tenant is a male and I think he is out of the country, but all negotiations are with his wife and the cheque is given by his company. How can I evict them from my property? Please help.

Q: I have rented a hotel apartment from an agency who has a contract with a hotel apartment in the UAE. I hold an annual contract with the agency and I have paid the annual rent in advance. The hotel apartment has issued a check-in form by confirming my stay with this particular hotel apartment for 1 year. The hotel apartment also gave me a letter (family visa purpose) stating that I am one of their guests who is going to stay for 1 year. Now, there is some dispute with the agency and the hotel apartment and the agency are not reachable at all, and the hotel apartment tries to evacuate me. 1) Will the hotel apartment be able to evacuate me by law? 2) The agency still holds one cheque from me, can I stop it?

س: كان لدي شيكات مرتجعة للشركة المالكة للعقار وتم تسويتها ودفع المبلغ المُستحقّ والتنازل عن البلاغ وسافرت. فوجئت بإيميل من الشركة المالكة بالمطالبة بدفع مبلغ ٢٠٠٠٠ قيمة مستحقات متأخرة مع أنني لم أجدد العقد وفصلت الكهرباء عند انتهاء العقد وأرسلت صورة بذلك. ١. هل أُمنع من دخول البلاد عند العودة؟ ٢. ما الوضع القانوني بالنسبة للمطالبات؟

س: السلام عليكم، هل يعتبر البريد المُسجَّل حسب المادة 25 كافِ للإنذار بالإخلاء؟ وهل يكفي تسليم الرسالة إلى أي شخص في مكان عمل المستأجِر؛ مثلاً الاستقبال؟ أم أن المستأجر يجب أن يوقع بنفسه على الاستلام؟

س: السلام عليكم، أسكن خارج الإمارات ولدي مستأجر لا يدفع الإيجار منذ 5 أشهر. ما طريقة التعامل معه؟ وهل يمكن عمل وكالة للمحامي من خارج الإمارات؟ وكيف؟

Q: Hi, I received a notification from Dubai courts regarding non-payment of rent on 26/01/2024. It stated that all pending rent must be paid, and the property must be vacated within 30 days. All rent has now been paid up until the tenancy contract end date on 04/03/2025. Do I still need to vacate the property? The landlord is suggesting I renew the contract but is requesting a 25% increase in the annual rent. Can anyone advise if my only option is to vacate the premises or agree to the 25% increase? Thank you!

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 defaulting on commercial lease in the UAE and related procedures. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. In this article, Ludmila discusses what one should do if the tenant becomes unresponsive.

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.

In the UAE, the relationship between landlords and tenants in terms of their responsibilities is primarily governed by Federal Law No. 5/1985. This law covers commercial properties without addressing the part related to maintenance and duties. However, it is common for commercial tenants to assume responsibility for repairs and upkeep.

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.

The provisions of this Decree by Law amend the Federal Law No. (18) of 1993 by replacing Clause (4) of Article (379) as well as Articles (600), (617), (641), (642), (643), (644), and adding new articles numbered (635) Bis, (641) Bis (1), (641) Bis (2), (641) Bis (3), (641) Bis (4), (643) Bis (1), (643) Bis (2), (644) Bis (1) and (644) Bis (2). The Decree-Law also repeals Articles (401), (402) and (403) of the Federal Law No. (3) of 1987.