Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allIs a one-year non-renewability clause in a tenancy contract legally binding?




1
Q: Dear Lawyers,
My tenancy contract contains a 1-year non-renewable term. I understand that even if this is written in the contract, it is not legally binding and they must still follow the proper procedure.
If they don't make contact within the 90-day period, are we entitled to stay in the apartment because they missed the threshold?





+1
Jul 8, 2024
362
What to do if the tenant refuses to vacate despite of two months eviction notice before contract expiry?

1
Q: Hello,
I'm a landlord looking to evict my tenant by the end of the contract. I've already sent him a 68-day lease non-renewal notice via email, which he acknowledged.
However, he's now claiming the notice is too short and he doesn't want to vacate (Abu Dhabi).
Do I have a case for court, and if it goes to the Rental Dispute Office, how long does the eviction process typically take and when can I file a case?
The tenant has been in the property for the past 5 years, but I failed to complete the Tawtheeq for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.
I initiated the Tawtheeq request in 2022, but the tenant never completed acceptance from his side, so now it's pending in TAMM and blocking any new requests.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Location: Abu Dhabi.
Thank you


May 10, 2024
432
Vacating an apartment by the landlord upon tenant's refusal of the new contract

3
Q: Hi,
I have a query regarding a contract renewal. I have given notice by the notary public to my tenant to vacate my apartment.
He is not agreeing on terms and conditions and is asking to have the same terms and conditions as the previous year's contract, for which I said that I will not sign the contract which contains renewal terms and conditions.
(I told him 90 days before the current contract expiry date that I am not willing to renew and I will give the notice to vacate).
So if I do not sign the contract and it gets renewed automatically, can my tenant challenge the notice by a notary public at the time of vacating the apartment?
Thank you!


Jan 24, 2022
512
Legal blog
2 available 2 • 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
3931
Procedures of the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai 21
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.
Oct 20, 2018
21361
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
24287
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
24943
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
7292

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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.
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I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
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How can I file a counter-complaint for a false public cursing accusation? 0
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How can I file a counter-complaint against a person who made a false report about me for public cursing, which I never did?
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I was stopped at the airport because of that.
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I left Dubai 19 years ago without cancelling my visa. Is there anything to do to remove the travel ban? 0
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I left Dubai 19 years ago without cancelling my visa, which was through sponsorship.
I informed them after I left the country, and also paid my debt to them. However, I think I may no longer be able to travel there.
Is there anything I can do to remove the travel ban?
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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
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How long should I wait to receive my pending salary after a court verdict in my favor? 0
Dear,
I have a labor claim for salary pending with the Al Ain court and received the final decision in my favor. After waiting for one month, my employer still did not pay my pending salary.
I filed an execution case again on 21-Mar-25. Can you advise how long I should wait to get my pending salary? (My owner is a local Arabi from Al Ain.)
Note: Presently, my company’s operations are closed due to nonpayment of shop rent for 3 months (no assets at present).
Please advise how I will get my money.
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View allHow can I file a counter-complaint for a false public cursing accusation? 0
Hello,
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He made the complaint about three months after we last met. I now have a case because of it, but I never said any bad words to him.
I was stopped at the airport because of that.
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I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work. What documents do I need to carry? 0
I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work.
During the travel to Dubai, do I need to show any accommodation proof, return ticket, or anything?
What documents do I need to carry?
Apr 14, 2025
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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
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What can I do if my creditor used my blank cheque to put an amount more than my unpaid balance? 0
Hi,
I have issued a blank cheque for my EMI, and now the company is using my blank cheque and putting any amount to deposit it.
My total unpaid balance is AED 19000, but they mentioned AED 42,030 on the cheque and another AED 10000. They told me they will deposit it to file a case.
What is my remedy on this matter?
Thank you.
Apr 10, 2025
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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
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View allHow to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
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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?
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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
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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
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Can a civil case delay my deportation after a criminal conviction? 0
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
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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?
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View allCan the employer report absconding if an employee went to their home country and failed to return? 0
Can the employer report absconding if an employee goes to their home country on leave but does not come back to UAE?
Dec 7, 2024
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Can I sue my landlord if he cuts off DEWA and forces me to leave before my non-Ejari contract ends? 0
Dear Lawyers,
I rented a studio on a monthly basis, and my rent included all utilities and bills, with a contract that isn’t Ejari.
Now, the landlord has cut off the DEWA and is asking me to vacate the unit and take the rest of my rent three months before the contract expires.
Is there any legal action I can take against him?
Nov 15, 2024
68
Does a tenancy contract supersede the laws of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)? 0
Dear Lawyers,
Dubai Tenancy Question
Addendum:
1. In case of not renewing the contract, the tenant shall inform the landlord 3 months prior. If the tenant fails to do so, they shall bear a penalty of 2 months' rent for not notifying the landlord.
2. Failure to execute the renewal (at the sole discretion of the landlord) shall result in the automatic termination of this agreement.
3. The landlord unequivocally objects to the tenant's continued occupation of the premises after the expiry of this agreement. An overstay fee shall apply from the day following the expiry of the term. The tenant’s continued occupation shall not result in the automatic renewal of this agreement.
Questions:
A. Does this addendum supersede the laws of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)?
B. Does the contract automatically renew, or is it considered terminated as per the conditions of the addendum?
C. How much should be paid to the landlord if the tenant vacates a week after the expiry of the contract?
Nov 14, 2024
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Can a husband renew only his 6-year-old child's visa and refuse to renew his wife's visa? 0
Dear Lawyers,
Can a husband renew only his 6-year-old child's visa and refuse to renew his wife's visa?
What happens in that case?
Oct 14, 2024
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Who receives the security deposit during the property sale, the tenant or the new owner? 0
Dear Lawyers,
During the sale of the property, to whom is the security deposit returned? The tenant or the new owner?
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