Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allCanceling a property rental contract before the designated move-in date

2
Q: Is it possible to cancel a property rental contract before the designated move-in date that has been signed already?
What are the rights of the landlord on my cheques that have been given to him already?
Will I have to pay any fees even though I have not received the keys to the place yet, and I am also unable to move due to the COVID-19 lockdown?


Apr 9, 2020
4345
Early termination of a tenancy contract and refund of the paid rent
3
Q: I live in Dubai and I want to terminate my tenancy contract after 3 months.
I lived here for last 3 years in the same flat. As per the tenancy contract, in case of termination of the contract by the tenant, the tenant has to pay minimum 2 months rent as a penalty.
The agent has asked me to pay this penalty but he is not refunding me the full balance amount of rent. He is calculating the balance refund rent on 10% less than the actual rent in tenancy contract.
Is this legal as there is no such clause in the contract nor agent has informed me earlier during signing the contract.
Please advise what to do.

Sep 13, 2017
3045
Consequences of terminating a lease contract after releasing first payment
1
Q: Hi,
I signed a lease contract for a villa in Dubai with start date Nov 1st. Paid 5% deposit to the landlord and a 5% fee to the real estate agent.
Now, as we start discussing details about the move, we are not happy with how the landlord is discussing some small terms.
They are not major issues that would allow us to legally terminate the contract but small things that do not give us the confidence that our life would be easy with them in the future.
Therefore, we would like to cancel such lease contract with start date Nov 1st.
Question is what would be the consequences of such termination? Considering that the contract has not yet started, could we just cancel it now without any penalty and getting our deposit back?

Oct 6, 2020
300
Can I get the rent cheques back if I decided to cancel the tenancy shortly after signing the agreement?




0
Q: The landlord has entered and signed a 1-year tenancy agreement with a tenant on 10.10 with a move-in date 4 weeks later, and on 07.11. collected 4 cheques (3 + 1 security deposit).
1 day before moving in the tenant decided to abruptly cancel and demanded for the cheques not to be deposited. Ejari has not yet been registered as it was planned to be done after the key handover.
Is the landlord entitled to deposit the cheques (security cheque + 1 cheque) and demand 2 months' rent as a penalty?
The tenancy contract has no explicit early termination clause. What are the rights of the landlord in this case to protect and address the financial inconvenience?
Thank you.





+2
Nov 6, 2024
165
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allMy Tenant Stopped Paying Rent & Became Unresponsive, What Should I Do? 6
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.
Feb 11, 2020
14851
Procedures 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
21354
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal 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
148341
Law 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
24284
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
24939

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View allHow much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? 0
Hello,
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court?
And what's the probability of freezing my account or traffic file if I’m paying?
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هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟ 0
هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر وتُغلق الدعوى نهائيًا بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟
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How to file an online defamation case from the Philippines against someone in Dubai? 0
Hello,
I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai.
I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about.
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What does Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 mean with exempting supervisory roles from the provisions of the Labour Law? 0
Dear colleagues,
According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer.
Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"?
Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime?
Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible?
Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?
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Can I request delaying my visa cancellation due to medical unfitness until I retake my medical test? 0
I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day.
They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now.
Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits?
I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April).
Can I ask them to hold the cancellation because I am pretty sure my reports will be revised?
Apr 10, 2025
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View allHow to file an online defamation case from the Philippines against someone in Dubai? 0
Hello,
I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai.
I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about.
I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services.
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Apr 11, 2025
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What does Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 mean with exempting supervisory roles from the provisions of the Labour Law? 0
Dear colleagues,
According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer.
Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"?
Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime?
Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible?
Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?
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Can I request delaying my visa cancellation due to medical unfitness until I retake my medical test? 0
I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day.
They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now.
Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits?
I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April).
Can I ask them to hold the cancellation because I am pretty sure my reports will be revised?
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I have unpaid bank loan and credit cards in Dubai and got a job offer from Kuwait. Can I go there? 0
I have a bank loan in Dubai of AED 20000 and two credit cards from different banks (5000+5000), and the total is AED 30000.
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Apr 10, 2025
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نزاع بين شركاء مفوضين بالتوقيع على المعاملات البنكية للشركة بشأن شيك وتحويل أموال 0
زوج وزوجة، الزوجة مالكة لشركة بنسبة 50% ولديها شريك أجنبي يملك بنسبة 50%. الشريك مخول بالتوقيع في كافة المعاملات البنكية للشركة والزوجة كذلك لها ذات الصلاحية.
بعدها، غاب الشريك الأجنبي عن الشركة وسافر. ومازالت الشركة نشطة والعمال لايستلمون رواتبهم والشريك قام بتحويل جميع أموال الشركة إلى حسابه الخاص دون علم الشريك الآخر.
ثم تحصلت الزوجة الشريكة على شيك، فقام الشريك الأجنبي بفتح بلاغ خيانة أمانة واستلم زوجها الشيك.
فما هو الحل القانوني من ناحية جزائية وتجارية؟
Mar 27, 2025
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View allHow to file an online defamation case from the Philippines against someone in Dubai? 0
Hello,
I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai.
I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about.
I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services.
Thank you for your time!
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What can I do if my creditor used my blank cheque to put an amount more than my unpaid balance? 0
Hi,
I have issued a blank cheque for my EMI, and now the company is using my blank cheque and putting any amount to deposit it.
My total unpaid balance is AED 19000, but they mentioned AED 42,030 on the cheque and another AED 10000. They told me they will deposit it to file a case.
What is my remedy on this matter?
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I have unpaid bank loan and credit cards in Dubai and got a job offer from Kuwait. Can I go there? 0
I have a bank loan in Dubai of AED 20000 and two credit cards from different banks (5000+5000), and the total is AED 30000.
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What are the penalties for employing workers without a visa? 0
Hello,
Kindly let me know the statutory provisions relating to the penalty for letting employees work without a visa and the amount of penalty to be paid by the employer.
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What are the legal consequences of my partner's voluntary withdrawal from our company? 0
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My partner voluntarily withdrew from our company which we established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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View allMy husband and I are Canadian Muslims and he passed away in the UAE. How to open an inheritance case? 0
Hi there,
My husband and I are Muslims. My husband passed away recently.
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Mind you, we cannot afford to stay in Dubai for too long, as the kids have school.
2) Do I need a lawyer, or can this be done by myself?
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Request for guidance on enforcing a fnal court ruling for child support and alimony 0
Dear Respected Lawyers,
I kindly seek your assistance regarding a legal matter I initiated in August 2024, in which I filed for child support and alimony.
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However, rather than complying, he filed an appeal, which appeared to be a tactic to delay fulfilling his obligations.
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In light of this, I urgently need your guidance on how to proceed with enforcing this ruling, so that my children can finally receive the financial support they are legally entitled to.
I have already submitted an enforcement application at a typing center, but it has been a while now.
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We performed services as the official channel partner for a free zone that did not pay our commission. What to do? 0
Hello everyone,
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What legal steps can be taken in such a case in the UAE?
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Would it be advisable to send a legal notice first, or directly approach the relevant dispute resolution authority?
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Will you be arrested due to non-payment in a civil case if you have no assets or money? 0
Greetings,
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If a debtor does not pay a Dubai Court judgement and has no assets in the UAE, will he be arrested due to non-payment in a civil case?
Please advise.
Thanks
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Can a person with a UAE criminal case travel to another GCC country on a work visa? 0
Hello,
If a person has a criminal case in the UAE, can he or she travel to any other GCC country on a work visa?
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