Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allCan a notice of rent increase be sent by email or it needs to be through a notary public?
1
Q: Hi,
In relation to the lease renewal - as a landlord - I had sent a notice for the increase of rent by email (noted in the contract) which is consistent with the RERA prescribed increase, clearly referencing the renewal clauses in the contract (ahead of 90 days).
That email serves as a notice specifying the lease amount in the event of renewal - the subject property is in Dubai.
My understanding is that email communication is valid and takes away the need for a notarized notice.
Appreciate your view, please.
Thank you!

Jun 28, 2022
1459
Rent increase without 90-day notice if the landlord is changed. Is this legal?

2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I have not been served with a 90-day notice of any rent increase. The agent says that the landlord has changed, and that is why the rent is being increased.
My assumption is that even if the landlord has changed, they still have to give me 90 days' notice of any rent increase. Is that correct?
Also, this is only my first-year renewal. When I checked the RERA valuation, it showed that there is no rent increase allowed.
Please help!


Jul 29, 2023
366
Tenant is not agreeing to increased rent as per the RERA guideline. What to do?
2
Q: I bought a villa without viewing it on 30-12-2022. It was rented at AED 75,000/year (contract expiry 23-03-2022).
The previous landlord served an eviction notice (Sale) in September 2021 to the tenant for 12 months.
He also sent an email 90 days before the expiry of the tenancy agreement to the tenant informing him that "the rent increase will be as per RERA guidelines and by him or the new owner if he managed to sell the villa before March 23, 2022".
Last week, the tenant sent an email requesting to renew the contract and then on WhatsApp chat he agreed to a rent renewal at AED 100,000. When I sent the tenancy contract to him on WhatsApp, his lawyer sent me a legal notice:
1. Forcing me to renew the contract with AED 75,000 and not as per the RERA increase which will be almost 95,000. The current market is AED 125,000
2. Not allowing me to inspect/view the villa and if I insist, then he will take legal action against me
What should I do?

Mar 22, 2022
798
Can we stay until the contract ends despite management change and rent increase?




1
Q: Hello,
Our building management is changing, and we have a contract with them until November 15, 2024. We have paid up to that month.
On August 24, they messaged me on WhatsApp that they are changing management effective September 1, 2024. They only gave us a 7-day notice, which was not written but only communicated via WhatsApp.
The new management is now saying that they will increase the rent to 70K, while our current rent is only 46K. This massive increase is too high, and the notice is too short.
Do we have the right to stay in the property until our contract ends, even though the management is changing?





+2
Aug 30, 2024
100
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allProcedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
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.
Oct 20, 2018
21378
What 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
3943
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allLaw No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai 12
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.
Nov 26, 2007
24306
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
7300
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
24987

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672 672 answers •
View allTerminated for performance issues without prior warning while on vacation. What should I do? 0
Hello Sir,
I am facing an issue with my employer. I work in the private sector in the UAE, and my employment visa expires in June 2025.
After two years, I traveled to my home country for vacation, and one week after my arrival, the company sent me an email terminating my employment due to performance issues.
However, I was never given any prior warning or written notice. The termination email also did not mention any notice period or other details.
I would like to know my rights and what I should do in this situation.
Mar 25, 2025
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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
19
My tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
20
If an employee is terminated due to poor performance, is he eligible for compensation? 0
Hi,
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
36
How can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
I don't have time to submit my notice period registration. What should I do?
Please give me the best advice!
Apr 4, 2025
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70 70 answers •
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
70
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
103
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
83
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
77
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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830 830 answers •
View allMy tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
20
Do smart police stations in Dubai override official filing hours for legal deadlines? 0
Dear Lawyers,
The case needs to be filed during official working hours, on a subsequent working day (if the last day falls on an official holiday), in Dubai.
With Smart Police Stations operating 24/7, how are these situations considered?
Should the case be filed during working hours, say before 3 PM, etc.?
Apr 16, 2025
19
How can we recover a salary advance to a new employee if he fails to come to duty and uses alcohol? 0
As the HR manager of a company, I have issued a salary advance to the employee. Upon joining, he failed to go to duty and used alcohol daily in the camp.
I have a signed thumb-impression cash receipt. What options do I have to recover the AED 7000 advance paid to the employee?
Please help.
Regards,
B.
Apr 16, 2025
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Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court? 0
Hello,
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court?
Apr 16, 2025
45
Can I use my husband's case number to get information about his exit date? 0
Hello,
I have my husband's case number. Can I get information about his exit date using the case number?
Fujairah Jail.
Apr 16, 2025
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3199 3199 answers •
View allWhat can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle? 0
What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle?
What is the procedure for filing a fraud complaint about these issues?
Mar 21, 2025
69
Is the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? 0
Hello,
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit?
At the same time, they are employed by another company.
Mar 21, 2025
59
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49
Does unpaid leave include weekends if they fall within the leave period? 0
Hello,
If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days?
Thank you!
Mar 23, 2025
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1296 1296 answers •
View allIs the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
What can I do if my employment visa got rejected multiple times by CID? 0
Hi Everyone,
I have been working in the UAE since 2019.
Since 31 December 2024, I have been in my home country because my visa was rejected a couple of times.
After waiting for 3 months, I found a new job in the UAE, but the employer told me again that the government did not approve my visa, and that was part of the CID approval.
I would like to know if I can find something to clear my issues, which would allow me again to start my work in the UAE.
Apr 17, 2025
5
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49
I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
71
Changed my mind before signing the lease agreement. Are my post-dated rent checks at risk? 0
Hello,
I recently found an apartment for rent and agreed with the agent to make payments in three installments.
I provided the agent with post-dated checks for the second and third payments and planned to transfer the first payment, deposit, and agency fee to the agent’s account once the lease agreement was finalized.
However, the lease agreement has not been finalized yet, and I have since found a better place. Since I have not signed any lease agreement, should I be concerned about the landlord cashing the checks for the second and third payments? Is it legal?
Additionally, the agent requested an extra 2,000 dirhams beyond the amount he intended to include in the lease agreement.
Mar 25, 2025
51

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704 704 answers •
View allIs the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? 0
Hello,
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit?
At the same time, they are employed by another company.
Mar 21, 2025
59
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49
Does unpaid leave include weekends if they fall within the leave period? 0
Hello,
If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days?
Thank you!
Mar 23, 2025
84
I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
71

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718 718 answers •
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
88
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
100
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
75
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
66
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?
Mar 7, 2025
90

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1551 1551 answers •
View allIs the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? 0
Hello,
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit?
At the same time, they are employed by another company.
Mar 21, 2025
59
Does unpaid leave include weekends if they fall within the leave period? 0
Hello,
If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days?
Thank you!
Mar 23, 2025
84
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49
I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
71
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