Q: We moved into a villa in August 2017 and we paid one cash cheque payment to the owner who is local, as he gave us a copy of his Emirates ID and contract. In December, our water was cut and was told by ADDC that the water has not been paid since August, which we all donated and paid for as we are about 7 tenants in the villa (Studio). On the 10th of this month, a legal notice came from the court showing First Gulf Properties that the landlord should appear in the court. He didn't show up to which. Yesterday, another same one was sent to him to appear today of which I doubt he did go because all his numbers are off. I need to know what's my right in this. NB: This property is in Abu Dhabi and I have a copy of the landlord's Emirates ID. I even took a picture of him and my husband with the agent, and a copy of the cheque I gave to him the day we signed the contract. Please advise me. Thank you very much as I wait for your swift advice.

Q: Hello Mrs Khan I have a situation here, I have to take a flat on rent and the rent was agreed to be paid in 6 Instalments. So I made the first instalment in cash and rest with post-dated cheques along with a security deposit cheque. Now, the situation has arisen that the landlord has not signed the contract because of some court case on the building and I have not the received the flat as promised. Can I cancel my cheques with expecting any actions to be taken against me as I have not received the flat as agreed, and should I lodge a police complaint? Is there any other action that needs to be taken? Thanks Anuj

Q: My landlord said he wants to increase the rent and I cited that the RERA Index does not allow them to do that. He came back saying we can proceed through a rental committee to get a rental valuation, and if we choose not to, then he will: (1) have one cheque instead of our original 3 cheques (2) have me pay for the chiller though in the contract it says it's the landlord's responsibility. Can he do that?

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.

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

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.