Q: I have come to Dubai for the rent of my apartment. I came to know that the real estate agent frauded and cheated me by using my expired POA in 2016. Now nobody is listening to me. Neither the tenant nor the real estate agent nor the builder. Where should I go now? The service charges are put on me and the rent is taken by the real estate agent. I have canceled the power of attorney but the builder is not cooperating to cancel Ejari. I am in a very difficult situation. I wish if there's anyone in Dubai to guide or help me. I am in severe depression.

Q: Sir, I wish to know about the general power of attorney in Dubai. I made a general power of attorney in my brother's name. He renewed it until 2016. Its court stamp expired in 2016. My brother used it to sell my flat in 2017 and afterwards, he gave the same to a real estate agent to get rent from 2016 - 2021. This general power of attorney, which had been once used in selling one flat and which the court's stamp expired in 2016, can it be used for getting rent without my knowledge although its date was 2016? In 2021, I came and cancelled it. But the rent real estate agent got through it, can this be recovered? If a general power of attorney can be used even without renewing, then why there is a law to renew it after every two years? The agent says, it remains usable and working until it is cancelled. No matter even if it is not renewed it can be used. I am worried if my brother makes a fake agreement with a person in backdate and write receiving of money on my behalf, what will I do? Any remedy also?

Q: Salam Dear Sir, My brother stole a power of attorney from 2012 and ran to Dubai to renew and use it illegally. I am in Pakistan, cannot come soon to Dubai. Please tell me how to cancel that power of attorney from Pakistan. I am in great tension and worried. Please help me. S.

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.

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 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.