Q: Hello, I have the impression that my owner will send me an eviction notice of 12 months if I do not accept to pay the rent increase he is asking for. The rent increase is not allowed as the rental index is less than what I am currently paying. In that case, it means I will need to move from the flat in 12 months. Is it right? In this case, he cannot re-rent his flat within 2 years, right? Many thanks!

Q: My landlord has asked us for a 33% rent increase and I responded by informing him that according to Dubai law, the maximum rental increase he can impose on me is 20%. He then replied back and gave me 24 hours to respond and agree to the 33%, or else he will evict me (all communications have been done through email). 2 days later, I received a 12 months eviction notice through the notary. The eviction said it was for the reason of selling his property. Fast forward, I moved out at the end of the 12 months. Then less than 2 months later (48 days later), he rented the property to another tenant for a higher price (I have managed to obtain a copy of the Ejari of the new tenant). My question is: Is it worth it to go to the RDC and file a case? Or is this a gray area in the Dubai rental law, and there is a chance that the judge won't order the landlord to pay any compensation? Please let me know what is the success probability here.

Q: My rent contract ends on 9/8/2024. I contacted the landlord for renewal and he asked to increase the rent. He didn’t send any notice for an increase before 90 days, so I declined the requested increase. He called and said I should accept the increase or I have to leave. One day later, yesterday, he sent me (email) a notice to evict the apartment for selling, and he wrote he would provide a partial contract until 28 May 2025. Since I asked before in an email to share a copy of his EID, he used the same email subject to share the eviction notice. Can he do that before the contract renewal? He was willing to renew with higher rent and when I refused, he came with an eviction notice. What if pretends to sell it but doesn’t sell (shifts the ownership to wife)? How to check if it's sold? Can he send the eviction notice through email or should be through registered mail? If emails are accepted, can he send them under another email subject (subject used: a copy of EID or passport)? What should I do next? Thanks

Q: Good afternoon, Ramadan Kareem! The owner of the property I’m renting has sent me an eviction notice so he can sell the property. According to the notice, I am required to leave. My questions are: 1. If the owner rents the property again, how can I obtain the new Ejari as proof that the property has been rented? 2. Do I have the right to ask for compensation? On what basis is compensation determined? 3. I currently have a signed tenancy contract with the owner. Do I need an Ejari to raise a case? Thank you! Wish you a great day ahead.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.