Q: Hi, Good afternoon! I rented an apartment and paid the agreed amount, not knowing that the air conditioning is not working. I even requested a fan, but the landlord is giving me the silent treatment. Can I file a case against him?

Q: Good day, I would like to ask regarding the tenant rights. Our air conditioning broke down and the landlord is insisting that we are the one who should buy a new compressor which is not on the leasing contract that I signed. Are we really liable for the repair cost of that AC or the landlord? Thanks for the help!

Q: Greetings, A brief about the rental dispute that we have with our office bldg owner: So our office landlord has recently filed a legal case with the Rental Disputes Center against our company. They are demanding us to pay the unpaid rent from March 2020 onwards. We felt it would be unfair for us to continue paying since we have been suffering from a frustrating AC issue since July 2019, and this particular issue has been from the building’s central unit apparently, During the past 2 years of having this issue, we contacted the landlord and his team so many times and asked them to resolve the matter, but these guys didn’t really take any proper steps to resolve the issue. Please note below the clause mentioned in the contract between us & the landlord: "Lessor shall keep the premises in a good state of repair and fit for habitation." Kindly let us have your professional legal advice so that we consider using your services, Thanks, H. M.

Q: Dear Lawyers, The landlord is not ready to fix the leaking roof despite paying the maintenance charge. He refuses to do the work and wants the tenant to fix the roof.

Q: Dear Lawyers, I'm a housewife living in Sharjah, UAE. My landlord is not fixing our AC despite continuous reminders. I can't afford lawyer fees. What should I do?

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 defaulting on commercial lease in the UAE and related procedures. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW. In this article, Ludmila discusses what one should do if the tenant becomes unresponsive.

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.

The Law sets up the legal framework for the protection of consumer rights in the UAE. The Law establishes the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection and the Consumer Protection Department, and sets up the fines for breach of its provisions.