Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allCivil claim against a contractor for delay in house renovation

6
Q: Hello,
My husband and I awarded one of Dubai's contractors to do renovation in our apartment. We paid him 50% in advance according to the contract signed between us.
We paid another 20% after some time in response to his request to have an additional amount to buy the materials.
The renovation was supposed to be completed in one month, yet, 2 months and a half already passed and the contractor has not even bought the material he promised (tiles, sanitary-ware... etc.).
He promises but not delivering, postponing payments in all possible ways. Suppliers of the materials confirmed that payments had not been made by the contractor.
We have a clause of damage liquidating (contractor needs to pay 1000 AED/day), but he doesn't seem to take it seriously.
What is the best way to deal with this problem?
If we take him to court, how much do we need to pay for the file opening?
What damages he will experience - license termination?
How quick can we have the money back?
BR, J.


Dec 30, 2020
1761
The contractor does not deliver the renovation work as agreed. What to do?



6
Q: Dear sir/madam,
I hired a contractor to do my villa renovation in Meadows, Dubai in April 2022. The contractor's team is not technically sound, and everything has to be worked on a minimum of 2-3 times to make it right.
There are structural defects in the workmanship of his team; for instance, the concrete pillar they made to support the structure was titled. His entire on-site team is illiterate (meaning they can't read and write in English) including the project manager.
My husband and I have been doing project management to keep things going for the past 4 months. Based on our contract, he has got more work within the Meadows community, and he pays no attention to our work now.
Things have gone from bad to worse. The whole process has been delayed by more than 4 months. We are sick and tired of it.
By the way, the contract that both parties signed is loosely written.
Kindly advise what legal recourse we have in this case.
Many thanks!




Jan 3, 2023
1117
I hired a contractor for works in my villa and failed in performing obligations. What can I do?




1
Q: Hi,
I got an approved contractor in my villa for bathroom and kitchen work but he really failed to bring what he promised. The finishing is really really bad.
Parts of the ceiling are falling down every few days. The kitchen is in a very bad shape, they used silicon to attach tiles instead of glue.
Some doors fell off after a few times using, and some doors can’t even be opened because another door is blocking their way.
The toilets are a total mess, some tiles are broken, the door frame got destroyed with the work so they took some glue and painted above, the bathroom tub is not fixed and can be moved.
They closed one part of the walls with a tile without removing the window, they installed a fake wall in front but forgot to close the window, so the window is open from the outside but can’t be closed because of the new wall. These, are just a few, really few things.
In the contract we agreed that he would finish the work by the 19th of December, any delay causes an AED 1000 fine a day.





+5
Jan 25, 2024
173
What can I do with the contractor I paid to build my house and disappeared before completion?



0
Q: Hey,
I'm building my house in Dubai, and it was going well.
I gave the contractor 420k as a first payment, and we both agreed that the rest would be in installments. Just two months ago, the contractor went off the grid, and I can't find him.
All I have is a security cheque that bounced back when I went to the bank, as the signature doesn't match what's in the file.
However, I learnt that he does have money, but not the amount that's in the cheque.
What should I do now to get my money back?
I need advice.




Apr 8, 2025
109
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
148439
Federal Law No. (15) of 2020 on Consumer Protection 0
The provisions of this Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).
Nov 10, 2020
600
Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection 0
The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.
Mar 29, 2007
215

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704 704 answers •
View allWhat are my options after my rental renewal offer and deposit was rejected by the owner? 0
Hello,
I submitted an offer and deposit through the trustee office, but the owner rejected it. What is the next step?
They sent an email notification stating that if not renewed within the contract's end time, 500 AED will be deducted for each additional day of stay.
Mar 20, 2025
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How can I cancel my visa and POA for financial matters if I have a travel ban for company bounced cheque? 0
I am seeking urgent guidance regarding my current visa status in the UAE. I was previously employed by a company that has now shut down, but my visa is still under that company.
During my tenure, I held Power of Attorney (POA) for all financial matters. However, after a cheque issued by the company bounced, the owner revoked my POA without my knowledge.
The company officially closed last year, and the owner (a lady) has been missing since the case emerged.
No one from the company is responding, and I am currently stuck in Dubai due to a travel ban imposed on me related to this case.
I need clarification on the following points:
How can I cancel my existing visa under this closed company?
Will I be able to obtain a new visa under another company despite the travel ban?
Are there any legal blocks or restrictions affecting my visa or employment options?
What legal steps can I take to resolve this situation?
I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps and any possible solutions.
Mar 20, 2025
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Does a cheque bounce effect my AECB score ? Is there a policy for this? 0
Does a cheque bounce affect my AECB score?
Is there a policy for this?
Mar 20, 2025
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How can I lift my ex-wife’s travel ban on my son and secure full custody? 0
Hello,
My ex-wife has already obtained a travel ban for my 7-year-old son, who has been living with me for more than two years without any support from her.
What should I do to get the travel ban lifted permanently? Should I file a custody case, and will it help?
How can I get full custody of my son, as his mother cannot properly take care of him?
Mar 20, 2025
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Is the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
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View allDoes a cheque bounce effect my AECB score ? Is there a policy for this? 0
Does a cheque bounce affect my AECB score?
Is there a policy for this?
Mar 20, 2025
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What are my options after my rental renewal offer and deposit was rejected by the owner? 0
Hello,
I submitted an offer and deposit through the trustee office, but the owner rejected it. What is the next step?
They sent an email notification stating that if not renewed within the contract's end time, 500 AED will be deducted for each additional day of stay.
Mar 20, 2025
62
How can I cancel my visa and POA for financial matters if I have a travel ban for company bounced cheque? 0
I am seeking urgent guidance regarding my current visa status in the UAE. I was previously employed by a company that has now shut down, but my visa is still under that company.
During my tenure, I held Power of Attorney (POA) for all financial matters. However, after a cheque issued by the company bounced, the owner revoked my POA without my knowledge.
The company officially closed last year, and the owner (a lady) has been missing since the case emerged.
No one from the company is responding, and I am currently stuck in Dubai due to a travel ban imposed on me related to this case.
I need clarification on the following points:
How can I cancel my existing visa under this closed company?
Will I be able to obtain a new visa under another company despite the travel ban?
Are there any legal blocks or restrictions affecting my visa or employment options?
What legal steps can I take to resolve this situation?
I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps and any possible solutions.
Mar 20, 2025
75
How can I lift my ex-wife’s travel ban on my son and secure full custody? 0
Hello,
My ex-wife has already obtained a travel ban for my 7-year-old son, who has been living with me for more than two years without any support from her.
What should I do to get the travel ban lifted permanently? Should I file a custody case, and will it help?
How can I get full custody of my son, as his mother cannot properly take care of him?
Mar 20, 2025
64
I supplied goods to a client who fled the country without paying. Can the employer hold me liable for that? 0
I work in sales and did a transaction worth AED 156k. We supplied goods to a client, but he did not pay us and eloped with the goods and money.
Now the company is asking me to pay for the losses. Advise if this is legal.
Apr 18, 2025
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View allWe 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
70
Can I take legal action for unpaid salary and gratuity after leaving my previous job? 0
Hello,
I am writing to seek your advice regarding an issue with my previous employer. I resigned from the company due to the non-payment of my salary and gratuity for the past 8 months.
I have since joined a new company, and my employment with my previous employer has been officially canceled.
I would like to know if I can still file a case or recover my unpaid salary and gratuity from them, despite my employment with them having ended.
I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps and any legal actions I can pursue to recover the owed amounts.
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Apr 8, 2025
103
I bought a property and the seller sent the tenant an eviction notice but he refuses to leave. What to do? 0
I bought an investment property last year on the condition that the landlord serve the 12-month notice specifically for the purpose of selling the unit and gave the tenant the notice.
The landlord sent a court notice of 12 months for selling the property which was sold to me.
Plus at the time of renewing the lease with the new landlord (myself) during these 12 months. It was mentioned in the contract that the landlord will not renew.
It was also mentioned that the validity of the contract is until the date of court notice.
The landlord sold the property as per the notice.
The tenant got their 12 months. Now the tenant is refusing.
Mar 24, 2025
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Is a 3-month notice for non-renewal of our warehouse lease valid? 0
Hello,
We would like to ask for legal advice. Our company is currently renting a warehouse, and our contract ends in June. We have just received an email from the landlord stating that they do not wish to renew our contract once it expires.
Please note that we were informed through a regular email, not via an Emirates Post registered email or Dubai Courts. They mentioned that they will use the warehouse for their own purposes.
May I know if this is allowed, considering we were given only three months' notice?
As I understand, a one-year notice is required for eviction. Does our case fall under eviction?
I look forward to your response, as we would like to explore our options.
Mar 8, 2025
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Can I serve a vacating notice shorter than 12 months to my tenant if I am selling the property? 0
Hello,
I would like to serve a vacating notice to my tenant, as I am selling the property.
Is there any way to serve a notice shorter than 12 months?
What is the process, and what is the normal cost involved?
Feb 13, 2025
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View allMy tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
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Do smart police stations in Dubai override official filing hours for legal deadlines? 0
Dear Lawyers,
The case needs to be filed during official working hours, on a subsequent working day (if the last day falls on an official holiday), in Dubai.
With Smart Police Stations operating 24/7, how are these situations considered?
Should the case be filed during working hours, say before 3 PM, etc.?
Apr 16, 2025
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How can we recover a salary advance to a new employee if he fails to come to duty and uses alcohol? 0
As the HR manager of a company, I have issued a salary advance to the employee. Upon joining, he failed to go to duty and used alcohol daily in the camp.
I have a signed thumb-impression cash receipt. What options do I have to recover the AED 7000 advance paid to the employee?
Please help.
Regards,
B.
Apr 16, 2025
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Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court? 0
Hello,
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court?
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Can I use my husband's case number to get information about his exit date? 0
Hello,
I have my husband's case number. Can I get information about his exit date using the case number?
Fujairah Jail.
Apr 16, 2025
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View allIs it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract? 0
Hello,
Is it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract?
Mar 19, 2025
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Can the owner of a company escape if there is a cheque execution and travel ban on him? 0
I raised a cheque execution case against a company and its owner and won. There is a travel ban on him. I was receiving installments for three months and now he stopped paying.
The court after request summoned him. In total, he paid only 30% of the owed money. I found that his company license is expired and also in the month his visa will expire.
Does he have any option to avoid payment?
Please note he was deceived by showing no money in his bank account and no assets in his name but he is running multiple businesses.
Also a month ago, he tried to convince me to lift the travel ban but I refused to do so. But he submitted a guarantee and left UAE.
Now the status shows he is back in the UAE and the travel ban imposed again. But after that, he stopped payment.
Is there a 1% chance of him not paying me the remaining money?
Is there a way he can leave the country through the Amnesty program or any of this sort?
Mar 12, 2025
100
In EMARATAX, must two licenses for the same activity in different emirates register separately? 0
Hello,
In EMARATAX (The Federal Tax Authority), if someone has two licenses in different emirates for the same activity, does he need to register two taxable persons, or how should he proceed?
Mar 2, 2025
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Can a developer demand extra payment for a 30% size increase after handover? 0
Hello,
I purchased a one-bedroom off-plan unit in Dubai from a well-known developer under an SPA specifying an area of 801 sq. ft. I completed all payments as per the developer’s payment plan, and the unit was handed over to me without a Title Deed.
After taking possession, furnishing the unit, signing a tenancy contract, and making repeated follow-ups to obtain my Title Deed, the developer informed me, 45 days after handover, that the actual area was 1,041.41 sq. ft., a 30% increase from the original SPA terms.
To receive my Title Deed, they are now demanding payment for the increased size.
Key issues:
- Failure to notify me before handover about the 30% increase in area.
- The SPA allows for price adjustments for area variations but specifies that such adjustments must be reflected in the final installment, which I had already fully paid before handover.
- The developer has now filed a legal case through Dubai Courts, demanding payment.
I require legal advice based on RERA/DLD laws and the SPA.
Mar 12, 2025
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How 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
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