Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allIs it the responsibility of the tenant or the landlord to fix damages caused by rain?




2
Q: Hello,
I am a tenant living in Dubai and last winter lots of villas were affected by the rain and there was a lot of damage caused by the rain.
There was leakage in the entire villa, the floor went down and a lot of tiles popped out and cracked, and that’s what the engineer sent by the developer to see the damages told me.
I have the proof paper from the developer for all the damages. They only fixed the leakage, painted the walls, and refused to fix the tiles.
My question is, is it my responsibility or the landlord's as it wasn’t caused by me?





Jun 17, 2023
697
Holding the security deposit of the tenant to fix damages

5
Q: We have a tenant, it was clearly stated in the lease contract that she has to hand over the property in the same condition it has been handed over to her.
Now, she's leaving the apartment in the Palm (2BR). Imagine 16 busted bulbs, the guard rail of the fridge is broken lots of nail holes and the property is dirty.
She got it painted and cleaned and now she's claiming that she will report to RERA as she's not responsible for the painting and cleaning (so she wants a refund) and she's not going to replace those 16 bulbs and the guard rail in the fridge.
When we handed over the property, we gave her 14 days to snag it and we rectified all the issues. Is she entitled to all these claims she's telling us?
We are not giving back her deposit yet until she fixes the property. Do we have the legal right to demand these from her?
I know the lights are consumables and she's supposed to replace it as all the lights were working when she got the keys.
Thank you.


Oct 5, 2019
2661
A tenant wants to bring their own maintenance company to fix the AC. Is it allowed?

1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
My tenant is not happy with the air conditioning performance.
I have sent a contractor twice and now arranging for a third trip although the engineer says it is fixed.
The tenant is now going to call his own maintenance company without my permission and claims he will pass me the bill.
Is this allowed?


May 15, 2024
82
How can I get my landlord to fix the AC without hiring a lawyer?




1
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?





+1
Aug 15, 2024
76
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allWhat 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
3927
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
24284
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
7289
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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825 825 answers •
View allHow 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
78
Tenant damaged property, deposit insufficient; how to claim compensation? 0
Hello,
A tenant damaged the property I recently purchased upon their eviction, and the security deposit does not cover all of the damages.
I would like to know how I can take action against the tenant. Does any proof need to be submitted? If yes, what proofs are required since I bought an already tenanted property?
What is the timeframe and process to seek compensation for the damages?
Mar 7, 2025
81
Is it legal for a landlord to cut DEWA before the rental court verdict? 0
Hello,
I was supposed to renew my rental contract in early February, but due to harassment and threats, we agreed in rental court that we would settle and move out.
Now, while awaiting the verdict, the landlord has gone ahead and canceled DEWA.
What can I do? Isn’t that illegal?
Mar 7, 2025
52
Can a civil case delay my deportation after a criminal conviction? 0
Hello,
If I have a deportation due to a criminal case, and while serving time inside, a civil case is opened against me, does that stop my deportation?
Jan 27, 2025
70
Can I keep my shop by paying rent in installments despite an eviction case against me? 0
Hi,
I have leased out a shop in Dubai, but due to huge financial losses and my husband's job loss, I can't afford to pay the rent. Meanwhile, my landlord has filed a case for eviction and payment of rent.
Right now, my condition is getting better as my husband has got a job and is ready to pay the rent in installments.
Can I pay in installments and hold the shop even if the judgment goes against me?
Jan 9, 2025
69

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451 451 answers •
View allAre there any restrictions on a diplomat buying property in the UAE? 0
Hello,
Is there any restriction on a diplomat buying property in the UAE, where he works as a diplomat at his country's consulate?
Feb 20, 2025
69
If someone has a case in the UAE, can they travel to another GCC country? 0
Hi.
One of my friends joined a Telegram group. They said, "We will transfer some amount to your account, and your task is to transfer this amount to another account. Once the task is completed, you will get 30 or 50 AED per task."
He completed 3 to 4 tasks, but he realized it was not good, so he stopped. After one week, when he opened his account, it was blocked, and the bank said, "We are conducting an investigation; after this, we will let you know."
After some days, he had an accident and went to his home country. He then received a call from a landline number, which was from the Abu Dhabi police station.
They said, "We have received a complaint against you; come to our investigation department." However, due to his surgery and treatment, he could not go.
After some time, his bank account was reopened, and he did not receive any further calls. I want to know, if he comes back to the UAE or goes to any other GCC country, will he face any problems?
If someone has a case in the UAE, can they travel to another GCC country?
Please advise!
Feb 17, 2025
133
What can I do if my employer refuses to pay me and I have no contract? 0
Hello,
What legal action can I take in case the employer refuses to pay my salary and I don't have a contract with them?
Feb 18, 2025
121
I want to open an online shop. Do I need a license to open an Etsy shop? 0
I currently live in Sharjah and have a UAE residence visa but I am not a UAE or GCC national. I want to open an online shop (Etsy or Shopify) to sell handmade items, such as crocheted goods, bookmarks, greeting cards, etc.
Do I need a license to open an Etsy shop?
If so, which license do I need to sell my products online, including UAE and worldwide?
How much would it cost me?
Can I keep my residence visa (sponsored by my father) and not change it?
Feb 14, 2025
115
How can we locate a person with an ongoing legal case? 0
Hello,
I am seeking your legal advice regarding a friend who was previously imprisoned in Abu Dhabi. His case there is now closed, but he has another ongoing case in Dubai.
Currently, we have lost contact with him and are unsure of his whereabouts. How can we check where he is or access any other legal facility?
Are there legal procedures to locate a person with an ongoing case?
What steps should we take to get more information about his status and legal position?
Feb 11, 2025
135

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686 686 answers •
View allCan I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time? 0
Hello,
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time?
Apr 10, 2025
55
Can I resign while my new visa is being processed before my first contract ends? 0
Hello,
I am currently working with my company and have one month remaining to complete my first contract.
However, my new visa is set to be processed in a month. Can I resign during this process?
What will happen if I resign at the end of my first contract before receiving the new visa while it is still in process?
Mar 27, 2025
78
My husband is taking a loan to get married again while my daughter and I live in a shared accommodation. What are my rights? 0
My husband has a girlfriend/fiancée. He is Muslim now, but when we got married, we were both Christians. So I know that he will not have another wife because it's not allowed in our country and religion.
Do I have the right to tell him that it's illegal?
Also, we have loans here and in our country, and he wants to get a loan just to marry his girlfriend and find a flat for her. While my daughter and I only live in a room with shared tenants.
What are my rights?
Thank you so much!
Apr 8, 2025
94
If a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
A bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts due to nonpayment of a personal loan and credit card.
Is a travel ban automatically applied?
I looked on the Dubai Courts website, and it says the judge has issued a “reserved” order for my case.
Furthermore, when the bank emails, they threaten me with a travel ban. So I am assuming there is no travel ban issued (but I don’t know). I haven’t received any notice of a travel ban.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
139
Paid 10% for a Dubai freehold flat but can't proceed. Can I get a refund without signing the SPA? 0
Hello,
I purchased a freehold flat in Dubai and paid an initial 10% while signing the reservation agreement. However, due to financial issues, I am unable to proceed with the next payments.
My question is: Can the developer refund my funds? The 10% payment was made to the developer’s escrow account, but I haven’t signed the SPA yet.
I requested a refund from both the developer and the property agent, but they declined, stating that the money could not be refunded. Is there any way to recover my funds?
Mar 26, 2025
70

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3180 3180 answers •
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!
Apr 11, 2025
63
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?
Apr 10, 2025
60
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
42
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.
The liability is in Dubai. I left Dubai 10 years ago. Now I have a job offer from Kuwait.
Can I go there?
Apr 10, 2025
91
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
69

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667 667 answers •
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?
Apr 11, 2025
69
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.
I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services.
Thank you for your time!
Apr 11, 2025
63
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?
Apr 10, 2025
60
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.
The liability is in Dubai. I left Dubai 10 years ago. Now I have a job offer from Kuwait.
Can I go there?
Apr 10, 2025
91
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
69

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Other answers by
1543 1543 answers •
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?
Apr 11, 2025
69
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?
Apr 10, 2025
60
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time? 0
Hello,
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time?
Apr 10, 2025
55
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
69
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.
Apr 9, 2025
51

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702 702 answers •
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.
We have a Canadian will, but I understand that it won’t be honored as I am named the sole beneficiary, and that does not align with Sharia laws in the UAE. He was not a UAE resident but had a small apartment with no Will in the UAE.
We have 3 children. I am planning to go to Dubai to start an inheritance case. I don’t know the exact order of events and what needs to be done first.
1) Do I initiate anything from overseas before making travel plans to Dubai, or do I start once I arrive in Dubai?
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?
3) I understand all foreign documents need to be authenticated before presenting them to the court. But I don’t know at what stage I would need these documents authenticated.
I would appreciate it if you could provide a breakdown of the steps, the forms that are needed, and where I can find them.
Thank you
Mar 27, 2025
60
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.
Since then, we have been through extensive court proceedings, and throughout this time, I have not received any financial support for my children.
The First Instance Court ruled in my favor, ordering my ex-husband to pay both alimony and child support.
However, rather than complying, he filed an appeal, which appeared to be a tactic to delay fulfilling his obligations.
The final appeal decision has now been issued, once again confirming that he must pay according to the law.
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.
Apr 8, 2025
97
We 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
64
Will you be arrested due to non-payment in a civil case if you have no assets or money? 0
Greetings,
Dear Lawyers,
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
Apr 7, 2025
127
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?
Apr 7, 2025
169
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