Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allBuyer default: Can the developer deduct 40% and cancel the SPA?
2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a developer in Dubai. The buyer of an off-plan property defaulted on payment, paying only 55% of the amount due, while the project is currently 70% completed.
As per the default clause under the SPA, I can deduct 40%, retain the property, and cancel the SPA.
Is it worth approaching and possible to obtain a court verdict to get the full 70% of the purchase value, considering I have completed 70% of the work?

Dec 26, 2023
123
Right of the seller to claim the deposit from the buyer for breaching the MOU



5
Q: Hello,
I have signed an MOU where the buyer failed to complete the transaction as per the date of transfer plus the extension. Thus, the MOU expired. I have requested from the agency the 10% deposit cheque signed by the buyer.
They refused to give it to me and requested an extension without any penalties or price increase despite the market appreciation by 10%. What can I do to get the cheque legally from them?
I am already in a big issue because I already bought a bigger unit having in mind that my unit is sold. They are asking for an MOU extension but the prices went up and I request the fair price as per the market and they are refusing to pay the increase.
Appreciate it if somebody can provide me with feedback on these two points:
1- Can the agency hold the cheque and not give it to me? Aren't they violating the law here?
2- What can be done in this case and what would the next steps be?
Thanks in advance,
Regards,




Apr 4, 2021
2627
The purchaser paid only 20% of the property price while it is 80% complete
3
Q: My question is from the developer side.
A developer completed 80% construction certified by RERA Report. A customer paid only 20% of the selling price. We sent DLD Notice to the customer but no answer.
We started the cancellation procedure through DLD, then the customer responded. Actually, the customer purchased 5 units, and all he paid is 20% of selling up to now.
I want to know how much money I can forfeit if the customer is not able to pay by law.
Also please give me the law reference of DLD!

Mar 11, 2021
890
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allOnline POA and Other Notary Public Services in the UAE 28
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.
Jun 8, 2021
19234
Protecting Your Real Estate Brokerage Firm 3
Did you know that 225 establishments were fined approximately AED 77 million for flouting AML regulations? About, 50 entities’ operations and licenses were put on suspension in 2023-Q3 for failing to register in the goAML system. That’s alarming! Out of the said numbers, many were real estate brokerage firms.
May 9, 2024
190
Laws & Regulations
5 available 5 • View allLaw No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 1
This Law establishes interim property register in which sale contracts, off-plan sales, and other off-plan legal dispositions of real property are registered prior to inclusion in the property register maintained by Dubai Land Department.
Aug 14, 2008
4847
Executive Council Resolution No. (6) of 2010 Approving the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 3
This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.
Feb 14, 2010
5143
Law No. (9) of 2009 Amending Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai 2
The provisions of this Law supersede articles (2) and (11) of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.
Apr 12, 2009
3134
Federal Law No. (18) of 1993 Issuing the Commercial Transactions Law 19
This Law applies to merchants, as well as to all acts of commerce carried out in the UAE by any person even though he be not a trader. Commercial matters regarding which specific Federal laws are issued shall be subject to the provisions of such laws, and to the provisions hereof which do not contradict with said laws.
Sep 7, 1993
33056
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
148514

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A firm took payment but didn’t ship cargo or refund. Can we file a case? 0
Hello,
The matter is whether we can file a case against an Ajman-based firm for non-shipment of cargo against the payment made to them.
They haven’t delivered the cargo nor returned the amount.
Apr 17, 2025
50
Bought a used car with a tampered odometer. What legal steps can I take now? 0
Hello,
Two days ago, I bought a used car. But yesterday, I found out that there has been major tampering with the odometer.
I have all the necessary proof to provide. Where do I move forward from this?
Apr 17, 2025
38
Can I petition for immediate eviction due to tenant violations and refusal to vacate after notice? 1
Dear Lawyers,
I have a question regarding an immediate eviction petition to the Urgent Judge. The tenant did not return the apartment on 26 January 2025, despite a 12-month legal notice that ended on 25 January 2025.
The tenant rejected all gas and fire prevention maintenance for 12 months. Al-Fanar Gas submitted a report with the tenant's signature and refusal after the tenant broke the gas detector.
The apartment was sold, and the new owner gave the tenant 90 days' notice. The tenant refused to show the new owner the apartment and ran away, according to building management.
The tenant ignored the 12-month legal notice, did not return the apartment, broke the gas detector, and refused gas and fire detection system maintenance.
The deal will be voided if the new owner cannot enter the property promptly. Can I petition the Urgent Matters Judge for quick eviction based on the tenant's violations?
Jan 27, 2025
91
A contractor did waterproofing on my roof but water leaked and made damages. What can I do? 0
A contractor recently did waterproofing on my townhouse roof and confirmed a warranty of 5 years (on WhatsApp). The payment receipt and invoice are available.
In 4 months, water leaks from the roof damaged the false ceiling inside the house. When contacted, he avoids calls and delays by making some excuses.
Is there any way I can get my money back?
Dec 26, 2024
64
How can I exit a partnership linked to an expired license and accumulating fines? 1
Good Day!
I am a partner in a trading license with two other individuals. Both of them were managing the business together as a cash-based operation without a bank account, while I was working elsewhere as an employee.
Now, one of the partners has passed away, and his parents are in conflict with the remaining partner, claiming he owes them money. However, the surviving partner insists that no money is owed and that everything is settled.
The license has now expired and cannot be renewed because the deceased partner’s family is not cooperating, leading to fines due to the inability to renew it.
Additionally, the remaining partner continues to conduct the same business, occasionally purchasing items under the company name.
As I am a low-salaried individual and cannot afford court fees, is there a way to remove myself from this situation, or are there any authorities who can assist me in this matter?
I am willing to help and provide whatever is required as evidence in this case.
Please advise!
Dec 30, 2024
129

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How can we claim our money back if the cheque we received have bounced for insufficient funds? 0
We received a cheque which has now bounced. We have tried for over a month and a half now to get a new cheque from the person, and every day he says the next day.
We need the money now. We have been to the police station, and they said they can not do anything as the reason the cheque bounced is "Insufficient funds."
We have been to Al Barsha - Dubai Courts, and they said there is nothing they can do about it.
We are not sure what we can do. We need the money asap to pay our kids' school fees, let alone all the interest we have lost.
Apr 28, 2025
18
After 11 months of work, how many leave days is an employee entitled to? 0
Hello,
I want to inquire regarding my leave privileges. I am now 11 months in my company. How many leaves am I privileged to?
Based on Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations and its executive regulations, you are entitled to a paid weekly rest for not less than one day, as specified in the work contract or the work regulation.
The Council of Ministers may increase the weekly rest day stipulated in this article. The Decree-Law and its executive regulations also stipulate that you are entitled to an annual leave with full pay as follows:
- Thirty days for each year of your extended service.
- Two days per month in respect of any employee with more than six months and less than one year of service.
- Leave for parts of the last year of your service in case it is terminated before you use your annual leave balance.
Now my question is: do I have 22 days I can use? Can someone explain to me in detail?
Thank you!
Apr 28, 2025
14
What can I do if I got a judgment in absentia for selling medicine without a license? 0
I got an order of 6 months imprisonment and deportation for a judgment in absentia by the Sharjah court for selling medicine without a license. I was not involved in the case directly; my friend used my car, and he had my bank card.
They made a confession that they were working for me and made a false claim that they had transferred money to me. As I am outside the country, I came to the UAE to solve my case.
I got detained at the airport, and the CID asked me some questions. I mentioned they didn’t transfer me a single Dihram, so he let me go, as the case was already open for appeal.
In the first instance court, they gave me the same verdict, then I appealed and attached documents like bank statements and my company details, which were not mentioned before.
They gave a date for the judgment, but it was not issued, and they gave the next date. I have been suffering a lot for the last 3 months here in the UAE and for 6 months back home.
So my question is that what will happen next?
Will the case be open for retrial, and will the CID be convinced by my logic?
Can they drop charges, or now the court decide only?
Apr 25, 2025
36
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID if the custodian already has the digital copy? 0
Hello,
Can I keep my daughter's physical Emirates ID with me? I already provided the digital copy to the custodian, my ex-wife.
Or should I hand it over to her?
Apr 24, 2025
29
What legal action can a company take to recover an amount from a non-paying customer? 0
Hello,
We are a building materials trading company based in the UAE. We supplied materials worth AED 50,000 to a customer around 8 months ago, but despite repeated follow-ups and reminders, no payment has been made to date.
We would appreciate guidance on the following:
1. What legal action can we take to recover the amount?
2. What documents should we have ready (e.g., delivery notes, invoice, emails)?
3. How long does the legal process typically take in the UAE for such cases?
4. Is there a recommended timeline or deadline after which legal steps should be initiated?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Apr 25, 2025
41

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Can an LLC partner sell their shares to a third party without other partners' consent? 1
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
225
What can I do if my company is pressuring me to sign an unfair new contract? 1
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
119
How do I request my passport back from my employer after many refused requests? 1
Dear Lawyers,
How to request my passport back from my employer after many requests have been refused?
Jul 31, 2024
592
Can I return to Dubai by paying only the court fine for a 2016 debt case? 1
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
147
Can a landlord increase the rent via a WhatsApp message without prior notice? 1
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
153

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How can I resolve a travel ban with an expired passport and a bounced check case? 1
Hello,
I have a civil case for a bounced check and a travel ban. My passport has expired and can only be renewed in my home country.
Due to the travel ban, it is not possible to exit and renew the passport. With an expired passport, I can't work.
What are the options in this situation? Can my wife take this case and start paying in installments so that I can go to renew his passport and come back?
Thank you!
Jun 28, 2024
179
Does the prenuptial agreement need attestation before filing the marriage application? 2
Dear Sir/Madam,
My partner and I are non-Muslim expatriates who want to apply for a civil marriage in Dubai.
I'm looking for a lawyer to draft a prenuptial agreement to submit along with the marriage application in Dubai.
Should the agreement be attested and legalized before it can be filed with the marriage application?
May 17, 2024
202
المستأجر في السجن. كيف تجدد زوجته عقد الإيجار؟ 1
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته،
يوجد مستأجر سُجن بسبب قضية وحاليًا تسكن الشقة زوجته وابنه وهي تدفع الأجرة بدون أي تأخير. انتهى العقد.
هل يمكن تجديد عقد الإيجار تحت اسم الزوج وزوجته توقع مكانه؟ أم يجب ترك العقد بدون توقيع؟ أم يجب إبرام عقد إيجاري جديد باسم الزوجة وفي هذه الحالة يمكن تغيير الشروط والأحكام والقيمة الإيجارية؟
أرجو منكم الإجابة!
May 15, 2024
205
What's next if a tenant won't pay or vacate despite winning the case in RDC court? 2
Dear Sir/Madam,
The tenant didn't pay rent for over 7 months. I filed a case, and finally won; the RDC court verdict is to evict the tenant and for them to pay all rent and legal fees.
I contacted the tenant, who refused to move out or pay. What's the next step? Do I file for execution via RDC, or will it be automatic? How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
The tenant is arrogant and said he will not pay until I proceed with execution from RDC, and then he will ask for a one-year payment plan!
The whole procedure is very unfriendly to the landlord, with the tenant risking nothing while the landlord incurs lawyer fees, interest losses, and significant time and effort.
May 14, 2024
479
Has a hospital in the UAE ever filed a legal case for unpaid debt against a patient? 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
Has a hospital in the UAE ever filed a legal case for unpaid debt against a patient?
May 14, 2024
1149
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