Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allWe are late for rent in a hotel apartment. Is it legal to deposit a cheque for a higher value?


1
Q: We live in a hotel apartment in Bur Dubai which is closing down on March 31, 2023. We have always paid our rent on time.
However, we have dues of AED 22147.27 as of the date and they have an undated cheque of AED 28936 with them from us.
We promised them we will clear the dues between the 15th and 18th of this month, maximum by the 20th, and leave.
They are insisting on depositing the cheque by this evening even though for a higher amount and threatening further action.
Our questions:
1. Can they deposit a higher value cheque when the dues are much lesser?
2. What is the action open to them - can they evict us and if so, how soon?
3. We will clear the dues between the 15th and 18th, maximum by March 20, 2023, and they are not listening to the same. If we clear these dues and give our commitment in writing, can they still enforce action today/tomorrow?
Kindly advise.



Mar 14, 2023
118
Can the hotel force me me to pay four months in advance after we agreed to be monthly?
1
Q: Dear Sir,
I booked a hotel apartment at a hotel via real estate agency called [------]. The agreement is for 6 months with a fee of 42597.60 to be paid as 6 monthly payments of AED 7500 each (which include agency fees).
I have booking confirmation from hotel and I have receipt from agency. After 2 months of the contract has passed, the hotel wants to change the fee to AED 9500 per month and they want to collect the payment of the next 4 months in one cheque.
As far as I know, this is against law (article 14 of law 26 of 2007 and law 33 of 2008) since the hotel wants to increase the rent without prior notice period (90 days) and during the contract not at the end of it.
I need to confirm with you that I am right with what I am saying that they are breaking the law, and know how I can protect myself against them if they insisted.
Thank you for your help

Nov 2, 2022
232
Does the landlord have the right to change apartment locks without notifying the tenant ?



2
Q: The landlord has changed the lock of my apartment without any notice, with all my belongings and even my cat inside. What should I do?




Nov 3, 2021
1360
Can my community deny access to parking and facilities if I signed a tenancy contract but no Ejari?




1
Q: Good afternoon,
Hope you are all in good health!
I'm renting a property in a community, and this is my second year. I have a tenancy contract signed by both the landlord and me; however, Ejari will take some time to be processed.
I understand that, as per the community rules, access cards for community facilities (such as the pool, gym, etc.), along with the parking access card, will be deactivated until I get Ejari. However, is this legal?
Since I have paid the rent and have a signed tenancy contract, can they do this?
My questions:
1. Does the community have the right to deny me access to parking and facilities if I have a valid tenancy contract but no Ejari?
2. If they have the right, then that's okay. But if they don't, what should I do if they stop me from using my parking space?
3. Should I call the police if security denies me access to parking?
Thank you so much in advance. I wish you a great day ahead!





+2
Mar 14, 2025
82
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allWhat You Should Know While Renting a Property in the UAE 5
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.
Feb 24, 2020
3941
Laws & Regulations
5 available 5 • View allFederal Law No. (3) of 1987 Promulgating the Penal Code 29
This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.
Dec 8, 1987
47916
Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
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.
Dec 15, 1985
148408
Federal Decree Law No. (14) of 2020 Amending Certain Provisions of the Federal Law No. (18) of 1993 Concerning the Commercial Transactions Law 4
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.
Sep 27, 2020
3534
Law No. (33) of 2008 Amending Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 8
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.
Dec 1, 2008
24982
Decree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
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.
Sep 18, 2013
7299

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Hello,
My rent cheque was bounced, and my landlord filed a case against me in Sharjah Court. I received a fine of 2,000 AED, which was later reduced to 1,000 AED upon appeal.
Does this case count as a criminal conviction under UAE law, or was it handled as a civil matter?
If I apply for a U.S. visa, will I need to submit court records under the requirement for applicants with past convictions?
Apr 15, 2025
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If a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
A bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts due to nonpayment of a personal loan and credit card.
Is a travel ban automatically applied?
I looked on the Dubai Courts website, and it says the judge has issued a “reserved” order for my case.
Furthermore, when the bank emails, they threaten me with a travel ban. So I am assuming there is no travel ban issued (but I don’t know). I haven’t received any notice of a travel ban.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
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What’s the minimum time an employee must work for the employer who brought them to the UAE? 0
Hello,
What is the minimum duration an employee must work for the employer who brought them into the country before they can terminate the contract in the UAE?
Apr 14, 2025
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Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time? 0
Hello,
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time?
Apr 10, 2025
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Can I resign while my new visa is being processed before my first contract ends? 0
Hello,
I am currently working with my company and have one month remaining to complete my first contract.
However, my new visa is set to be processed in a month. Can I resign during this process?
What will happen if I resign at the end of my first contract before receiving the new visa while it is still in process?
Mar 27, 2025
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View allCan an LLC partner sell their shares to a third party without other partners' consent? 0
Dear Lawyers,
Can a partner in an LLC company (Dubai Mainland) sell their shares to a third party without the consent of the other partners?
If one partner wants to exit the company and the other shareholders are neither responding to this request nor giving permission, what is the way forward?
We have sent an email to the other shareholders notifying them of the intention to sell the shares, but there has been no response. Please advise.
Please advise!
Aug 10, 2024
202
What can I do if my company is pressuring me to sign an unfair new contract? 0
Dear Lawyers,
I joined a company in Dubai. According to the contract agreement given to me by the company, if I leave before the fixed contract period, I have to give two months' notice and pay a sum of 6000 dirhams.
I agreed to this and continued to work under that agreement. However, the company has now introduced a new contract agreement, and all employees are under pressure to sign it.
The new conditions state that no employee can take a similar job in the UAE and must agree to pay USD 3500 (AED 12600) upon leaving during the contract period.
What actions can I take regarding the unfairness of this situation?
Aug 8, 2024
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How do I request my passport back from my employer after many refused requests? 0
Dear Lawyers,
How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?
Jul 31, 2024
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Can I return to Dubai by paying only the court fine for a 2016 debt case? 0
Dear Sir,
I hope this message finds you well!
I am writing to seek your advice regarding a debt case filed in 2016 in the UAE. The debt amounts to approximately 45,000 AED (20,000 AED cheque amount and 25,000 AED credit card amount).
The associated interest has now possibly exceeded 150,000 AED. I have recently secured a job in Dubai and am eager to return; however, I am currently unable to pay the full debt amount.
I am aware of a court fine of 5,000 AED. I would like to understand if there is any possibility of returning to Dubai by paying only this court fine and lawyer fee.
Could you please advise on any available legal avenues or procedures that may allow me to resolve this matter and return to Dubai under these circumstances?
Your guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Best Regards,
Jul 29, 2024
133
Can a landlord increase the rent via a WhatsApp message without prior notice? 0
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been a tenant in a residential unit since 2023.
The real estate representative of the landlord sent a WhatsApp message stating that my rent is finalized at 24,200 AED, up from the previous contract amount of 22,000 AED, without any prior notice or email from the landlord.
Kindly guide me!
Jul 29, 2024
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View allIn an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay, on the RDC app or directly to the landlord? 0
Hi
In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay?
1. On the RDC app or directly to the landlord?
2. I will pay today 1/3 of the outstanding, can I apply for a payment plan and how shall I do this?
Please advise.
Also, what will it cost me to get assistance in this process?
Thank you
Mar 17, 2025
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How can I check if I have a complaint or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a station? 0
Hello,
How can I know if I have any complaints or am wanted by Dubai Police without visiting a police station?
Mar 17, 2025
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Can I amend my claim amount after filing a labor case? 0
Hello,
What is the process for filing a labor case? Is there a fee to file?
If, after filing, the claim amount changes because I haven't been paid additional dues, how is that amended?
Mar 13, 2025
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What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 0
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
79
Is the employee responsible for the expenses of changing his visa status from tourist to employment? 0
My friend is currently in the UAE on a visit visa and has received a job offer from a company.
However, the employer is asking him to pay for the visa status change from a visit/tourist visa to an employment visa since he is inside the country.
According to UAE labor law, who is responsible for covering these charges—the employee or the employer?
Mar 19, 2025
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View allWe performed services as the official channel partner for a free zone that did not pay our commission. What to do? 0
Hello everyone,
I’m seeking professional legal opinions regarding an ongoing dispute we are facing with a free zone authority in the UAE.
We are an official channel partner for the Free Zone and have generated several clients and successful business registrations through our efforts.
Despite fulfilling our responsibilities as per the agreement, the Free Zone has not released our due commission.
It's been several months now, and we've experienced repeated delays, vague justifications, and non-committal responses from their end. It appears they are intentionally using delaying tactics.
We are exploring our legal options now and would appreciate guidance on the following:
What legal steps can be taken in such a case in the UAE?
Is this considered a breach of contract or unfair commercial practice?
Would it be advisable to send a legal notice first, or directly approach the relevant dispute resolution authority?
Apr 8, 2025
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Can I take legal action for unpaid salary and gratuity after leaving my previous job? 0
Hello,
I am writing to seek your advice regarding an issue with my previous employer. I resigned from the company due to the non-payment of my salary and gratuity for the past 8 months.
I have since joined a new company, and my employment with my previous employer has been officially canceled.
I would like to know if I can still file a case or recover my unpaid salary and gratuity from them, despite my employment with them having ended.
I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps and any legal actions I can pursue to recover the owed amounts.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Apr 8, 2025
97
I bought a property and the seller sent the tenant an eviction notice but he refuses to leave. What to do? 0
I bought an investment property last year on the condition that the landlord serve the 12-month notice specifically for the purpose of selling the unit and gave the tenant the notice.
The landlord sent a court notice of 12 months for selling the property which was sold to me.
Plus at the time of renewing the lease with the new landlord (myself) during these 12 months. It was mentioned in the contract that the landlord will not renew.
It was also mentioned that the validity of the contract is until the date of court notice.
The landlord sold the property as per the notice.
The tenant got their 12 months. Now the tenant is refusing.
Mar 24, 2025
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Is a 3-month notice for non-renewal of our warehouse lease valid? 0
Hello,
We would like to ask for legal advice. Our company is currently renting a warehouse, and our contract ends in June. We have just received an email from the landlord stating that they do not wish to renew our contract once it expires.
Please note that we were informed through a regular email, not via an Emirates Post registered email or Dubai Courts. They mentioned that they will use the warehouse for their own purposes.
May I know if this is allowed, considering we were given only three months' notice?
As I understand, a one-year notice is required for eviction. Does our case fall under eviction?
I look forward to your response, as we would like to explore our options.
Mar 8, 2025
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Can I serve a vacating notice shorter than 12 months to my tenant if I am selling the property? 0
Hello,
I would like to serve a vacating notice to my tenant, as I am selling the property.
Is there any way to serve a notice shorter than 12 months?
What is the process, and what is the normal cost involved?
Feb 13, 2025
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Mar 7, 2025
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Tenant damaged property, deposit insufficient; how to claim compensation? 0
Hello,
A tenant damaged the property I recently purchased upon their eviction, and the security deposit does not cover all of the damages.
I would like to know how I can take action against the tenant. Does any proof need to be submitted? If yes, what proofs are required since I bought an already tenanted property?
What is the timeframe and process to seek compensation for the damages?
Mar 7, 2025
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Is it legal for a landlord to cut DEWA before the rental court verdict? 0
Hello,
I was supposed to renew my rental contract in early February, but due to harassment and threats, we agreed in rental court that we would settle and move out.
Now, while awaiting the verdict, the landlord has gone ahead and canceled DEWA.
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Mar 7, 2025
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Can a civil case delay my deportation after a criminal conviction? 0
Hello,
If I have a deportation due to a criminal case, and while serving time inside, a civil case is opened against me, does that stop my deportation?
Jan 27, 2025
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Can I keep my shop by paying rent in installments despite an eviction case against me? 0
Hi,
I have leased out a shop in Dubai, but due to huge financial losses and my husband's job loss, I can't afford to pay the rent. Meanwhile, my landlord has filed a case for eviction and payment of rent.
Right now, my condition is getting better as my husband has got a job and is ready to pay the rent in installments.
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Jan 9, 2025
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For the private sector, if an employee got terminated due to warning letters for poor performance issued to him, is he eligible for a 1-month compensation salary?
Apr 15, 2025
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How can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
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Apr 4, 2025
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During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? 0
Hello,
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? If not, can the employer deduct the sick leave from the employee’s end-of-service benefits?
Additionally, what is the legal basis for this? Specifically, which law or ministerial decision governs this matter?
Apr 4, 2025
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I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency and it was canceled two days before Eid. What to do? 0
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency two weeks before Eid. The travel agency confirmed the booking on payment.
One day before Eid, the agency reached out, saying they had an issue with the supplier/hotel and the booking would be cancelled.
They offered alternative hotels that didn’t match the original property. I suggested some properties, and they couldn’t arrange them, or they asked for further payment, so I didn’t book anything through them.
What are my rights to a refund and compensation, as I had to book other arrangements separately at a significantly higher cost due to the last-minute prices?
It also caused significant emotional distress, less than 24 hours before the holiday. To which authority can a complaint be made in case of an unsatisfactory outcome?
Both the agency and the hotel are in Dubai.
Apr 4, 2025
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Can I request reopening a civil case if the judgment was in my absence due to sending notices to the wrong address? 0
Lawyers misunderstood my question. Please read carefully and then guide me.
Case Type: Civil Case
Claim amount: 400,000
Paid: 65,000
Reason: Commercial agreement of supply
Emirate: Ajman
This case was registered in 2022. The judgment was in my absence, as notices were sent to the wrong address.
I was sent to jail. I made a down payment, bailed, and paid some more amount as installments. The total paid amount is AED 65000.
Now, again, an arrest warrant is issued as I did not pay the remaining 335,000 of the claim.
According to me, I had to pay only this amount because the executioner made a wrong claim, not as per the genuine claim.
So I want to reopen the case file.
I want the court to reinvestigate and start the case from scratch.
1) How can I make that request?
2) What documents are required?
3) Chances of reopening of case?
4) Cancellation of arrest warrant
Please guide me in detail, as I will do everything myself, as I cannot afford a lawyer right now.
Apr 4, 2025
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View allWhat countersuit can be filed against an employer for a false absconding case? 0
Hello,
What countersuit can I file against an employer who filed a false absconding case against an employee?
Apr 15, 2025
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Is a bounced rent cheque case considered a criminal record for U.S. visa applications? 0
Hello,
My rent cheque was bounced, and my landlord filed a case against me in Sharjah Court. I received a fine of 2,000 AED, which was later reduced to 1,000 AED upon appeal.
Does this case count as a criminal conviction under UAE law, or was it handled as a civil matter?
If I apply for a U.S. visa, will I need to submit court records under the requirement for applicants with past convictions?
Apr 15, 2025
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What are the penalties for not returning from vacation after several months or a year? 0
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Good afternoon!
Can somebody tell me what happens if someone went on vacation and didn’t come back in one month?
What penalties will they face if they want to come back after 1 year or after some months and not to the same company?
Apr 15, 2025
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What to do if the bank filed case on me using security cheques and executed travel ban? 0
The bank filed a case against me using security cheques and executed a travel ban from Dubai Courts.
Apr 15, 2025
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Will changing the ownership of the company affect my end-of-service benefits accrued for 6 years? 0
My company changed the boss, but the company name is still the same.
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View allIs it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract? 0
Hello,
Is it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract?
Mar 19, 2025
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Can the owner of a company escape if there is a cheque execution and travel ban on him? 0
I raised a cheque execution case against a company and its owner and won. There is a travel ban on him. I was receiving installments for three months and now he stopped paying.
The court after request summoned him. In total, he paid only 30% of the owed money. I found that his company license is expired and also in the month his visa will expire.
Does he have any option to avoid payment?
Please note he was deceived by showing no money in his bank account and no assets in his name but he is running multiple businesses.
Also a month ago, he tried to convince me to lift the travel ban but I refused to do so. But he submitted a guarantee and left UAE.
Now the status shows he is back in the UAE and the travel ban imposed again. But after that, he stopped payment.
Is there a 1% chance of him not paying me the remaining money?
Is there a way he can leave the country through the Amnesty program or any of this sort?
Mar 12, 2025
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In EMARATAX, must two licenses for the same activity in different emirates register separately? 0
Hello,
In EMARATAX (The Federal Tax Authority), if someone has two licenses in different emirates for the same activity, does he need to register two taxable persons, or how should he proceed?
Mar 2, 2025
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Can a developer demand extra payment for a 30% size increase after handover? 0
Hello,
I purchased a one-bedroom off-plan unit in Dubai from a well-known developer under an SPA specifying an area of 801 sq. ft. I completed all payments as per the developer’s payment plan, and the unit was handed over to me without a Title Deed.
After taking possession, furnishing the unit, signing a tenancy contract, and making repeated follow-ups to obtain my Title Deed, the developer informed me, 45 days after handover, that the actual area was 1,041.41 sq. ft., a 30% increase from the original SPA terms.
To receive my Title Deed, they are now demanding payment for the increased size.
Key issues:
- Failure to notify me before handover about the 30% increase in area.
- The SPA allows for price adjustments for area variations but specifies that such adjustments must be reflected in the final installment, which I had already fully paid before handover.
- The developer has now filed a legal case through Dubai Courts, demanding payment.
I require legal advice based on RERA/DLD laws and the SPA.
Mar 12, 2025
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How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
Hello,
A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?
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