Q: Dears, I have a tenancy contract for 6 years in Dubai. The agreement gives an option to renew every year but it does not talk about early cancellation or any penalty payments. I have finished 5 years and I want to cancel now. In this case, should I pay any penalty payment imposed by the landlord or RERA if I cancel 1 year earlier? Kindly advise!

Q: Salam, I have terminated my tenancy contract early on. On the 4th month, I notified the landlord through his agent that I got released from duty and need to terminate the contract. I gave 2 months' notice (via email). I received verbal confirmation that I can vacate. I received Clearance Certificate and handed the place over on time and in good condition. The only thing, I didn't pull out the balance cheques from the landlord. 1. The landlord didn't return the security deposit. 2. To my surprise, the landlord cashed the 3rd cheque. 3. The landlord still has the 4th cheque. Being new in the UAE, what am I supposed to do? How can I collect my money and stop the 4th cheque from being cashed out?

Q: Hi, I've rented an apartment in Dubai from 01.02.21 - 31.01.22. I've paid in advance as well as a deposit of 5%. Then, due to a job-related change, we agreed I can move out early on 07.10.21. I've handed over the apartment, but now the landlord doesn't want to refund me the rent for the remaining 4 months or deposit paid (total value of AED 45,000). I've chased him since move-out. Then he reached out asking me to pay service charges that the developer has charged him (for this he sent me to account details to HIS own account with the developer - in his account are outstanding charges that go back to 2019). I told him I'll pay the services charges pro-rata if he pays me what he owes me. As I didn't hear back, I sent a legal notice. Now he sent me an email detailing 20 items of fees he expects me to pay (many are made up such as 5 lost keys with a cost of 500 each, and huge renovation charges, etc.). Please get back to me via email. Thanks, A. K.

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.

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.