Q: Hello, I'm the landlord of a flat in Dubai. I have rent out it to a tenant from 01/08/2019 to 31/07/2020. The tenant has paid all with 2 checks. On 05, February, he told me that he wants to early terminate the contract and leave the flat on 05, April. In our addendum, it is written that: 18. In the event of termination of contract prior to the mentioned date of expiry, the tenant will have to inform the landlord with a 60 days prior written notice and indemnify the landlord with an amount equivalent of 2-month rent. I understand that for sure he has to pay normal rent until 05, April and after that, he has to indemnify me with an amount like 2 months of penalty. He understands that he has not to pay a penalty. Only stay until 5, April and leave. What do you think about this? In my opinion, "indemnify" means that he has to pay a penalty for my loss (the flat is empty, etc).

Q: Hi, The tenant in my apartment did not give the 3 month-written notice as per the contract. The contract expired 01/10 and he called me on 28/09 to say that he wants to leave! I didn't take the keys and sent an official court warning to pay the penalty and the rent as I did not take the apartment keys even although the contract expired. After one month, no news came from the tenant! The next step is opening a case. What is the best strategy to make sure he pays my rights? Thanks!

Q: Dear Sir, I am renting a house in Dubai. The yearly rent is paid with 2 cheques. I have been renting the house for 8 months. The landlord has already cashed in the 2 cheques. My tenancy agreement includes an exit clause for early termination: "In the event of the tenancy contract being broken by the tenant, he/she will have to give the landlord 60 days' notice". The tenancy agreement will end in 4 months. I informed the landlord that I will leave the house within 60 days. He told me that he will not refund the remaining 2 months. What should I do?

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.

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 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.