Q: Hi Team, I rented my property to a gentleman and the lease expired on 14th November 20. The tenant refuses to agree on the maintenance issues like broken tiles, door hinges and improper painting done by him. He asked me to sign that all are clear and refused to give the key. Finally, after 5 days he handed the keys over but did not agree on maintenance. Now he filed a case to claim his deposit. What is my right? What is my liability on the same? A. M. S.

Q: I am having an issue with my landlord regarding my security deposit. I was renting a flat in Dubai and the owner sold the flat to a new landlord. I stayed in the flat and entered into a new contract with the new landlord. Before the new landlord purchased the flat, there was a burst in the pipe of the building. It was not caused by me but by the building that caused damages to the flooring of the flat. When the new owner came to buy the flat, all the damages were already existing and he saw them. He simply bought the flat and I entered into a new contract with him. I left the apartment on August 1 and simply handed the keys to the security. He was not present. Two weeks later (August 15), he calls me requesting me to fix the damages in the apartment. Can you please help with some insight into my position? Thank you!

Q: Dear Sir or Madam, Good Afternoon. Two months ago, we have moved from an apartment, settled all the bills, and collected our security deposit back from the agency. However, the agency is sending us an email saying that the cooker is not working at all at the moment, and that was caused by us. During our stay, we did have an issue with the cooker, smoked started coming out, and at that time we informed the building management as they had to shutdown the power. The oven was fixed afterwards by the building management and was working properly. We didn't pay for anything. Please advise, can agency press charges against us, or do we need to pay for the new cooker, as that is what they are asking from us now? Appreciate your assistance with the matter, 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 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.

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.