Q: Hello, My tenant's contract expired in August 2023. I understand that, by law, it automatically renews for a year if there was no communication between the tenant and landlord. Based on this, the contract was renewed until August 2024. Now, my tenant has informed me that they plan to vacate the property in September with only 10 days' notice. When I refused and stated that a 3-month notice is required, they claimed the contract is no longer valid and has expired. I would like to know if the contract automatically renews each year, meaning if it expired in August 2024, did it get renewed again until August 2025? Thank you!

Q: Hello, I am buying an apartment to live in. The only problem is that the apartment is currently rented, and the tenant's contract will end at the end of November. We talked with her, and she is willing to leave earlier. The real estate agent just sent me the contract between the current owner and her, which states that: "The landlord has to submit 60 days' written notice prior to the end of the contract to the tenant to inform them of any changes in the rent or terms and conditions (including vacating notice) of the tenancy contract." So, if I buy this apartment, will the rules stated in the contract between them apply to me as well? In the draft of Contract F, we also wrote that upon the completion of the transfer, the seller undertakes to send a notice directly to the tenant, in accordance with Clause 4.3 of the tenancy agreement, providing a minimum of 60 days' notice. Per Clause 4.3, the tenant is expected to agree to vacate the unit. Could this be enough? Thank you!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, As landlords, we gave the tenant 12 months' notice to vacate the villa, which will be completed in another 2 months. The regulations allow viewing with 24 hours notice, and we have documented this in our contract. However, the tenant is unwilling to cooperate on this matter. We have agreed to sell the property to a buyer, and the valuation needs to be done in another 2 weeks so that the bank can approve the loan within the agreed period. What should we do in this scenario? The tenant could damage the property and leave without allowing us to view it until the last day. How can we recover the money from him in this situation, given that the deposit amount is very low? If the sale does not go through, is it permissible for us to rent the property to another tenant, as the sale contract failed due to the existing tenant's non-cooperation? Appreciate your advice!

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.

With the introduction of the new procedures for obtaining a power of attorney (POA) remotely in the UAE, after it was mandatory to appear in person in front of the notary public as a global rule to ensure the identity and intention of the person requesting a POA, we put between your hands this brief guide for how you get it done.

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.

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.

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