Q: Hello, We have signed an MOU in Dubai to purchase a property. The property is under 3 names (Mother, and her two sons, both minors). The MOU has been signed by the mother 3 times (as co-owner, and then as a legal guardian of her two kids). She then went to court to ask the judge for authorization to proceed with the sale for her kids. Should this have been done prior to signing the MOU? The case has been rejected by the judge since there was no specific clause/condition in the MOU for obtaining approval from the judge. Is the seller, at least the mother, liable for the penalty of not being able to complete the transfer due to her own actions as stipulated in the MOU (10%)? Thanks a lot.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I am interested in buying a property that is currently tenanted. The agent has insisted that the tenant will vacate the property in two months; however, the current owner has not served any notice to the tenant. Is there an agreement we can ask the tenant to sign before we agree to buy the property, such as an undertaking in front of a magistrate? Can we include this in the MoU so that if the property is not vacated by a certain date, the MoU stands nullified?

Q: Hello, I signed a contract Form F with the seller through an agent on 1st Aug 2023. He was supposed to finish the transfer on 16th October but he did not do the transfer. The property was 90% completed at the time of making the contract and he assured us that in one month he would finish the property. I sent him the legal notice on 16th Oct 2023 which is the last date of the MOU. After the date of expiry of the contract, he is demanding more money. We agreed verbally on the new price but still, he avoids making a new MOU. He puts all the clauses in his favor removing the main clause that if he backs out, there will be no penalty.

Q: Hello, I recently bought a property in Dubai with a "Vacant on Transfer" agreement, but the seller is still living in it after the transfer. What legal steps can I take to enforce eviction and claim compensation?

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

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.