Questions & Answers
What to do if I have a case to pay the amount of two bounced rental cheques?
I live in a Sharjah flat. Two of my cheques bounced and the third cheque went smoothly.
Now my building real estate lawyer doesn't want to take one payment at a time.
He wants the full money of two bounced cheques plus the lawyer fees, which is huge too.
Is this fair?
It's understandable that you may feel concerned about the situation with your bounced cheques and the demands from the building's real estate lawyer. Let's break down the situation:
1. Bounced Cheques:
When a cheque bounces, it indicates that the issuer (in this case, you) did not have sufficient funds in their account to cover the amount of the cheque. This can result in legal consequences, as bouncing cheques is considered a serious offense in the UAE.
2. Legal Fees:
It's common for legal fees to be incurred when dealing with bounced cheques and related legal matters. However, the amount charged by the lawyer should be reasonable and in line with industry standards.
3. Demand for Full Payment:
While it's understandable that the building's real estate lawyer may want to recover the outstanding amount as soon as possible, demanding full payment for both bounced cheques plus legal fees all at once may seem financially burdensome for you.
4. Negotiation:
It may be worth discussing the situation with the real estate lawyer and expressing your concerns about the payment terms. You could propose a payment plan that allows you to settle the outstanding amount in installments, which may be more manageable for you financially.
5. Legal Rights:
It's essential to understand your legal rights and obligations in this situation. Seeking advice from a legal professional who specializes in financial matters or contract law in the UAE could help you better understand your options and navigate the situation effectively.
Ultimately, the fairness of the demands from the building's real estate lawyer may depend on various factors, including the terms of your lease agreement, the severity of the bounced cheques, and the reasonableness of the legal fees charged.
Open communication and negotiation may help reach a mutually acceptable resolution.