Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allA tenant refuses rent increase and payment term changes: What to do?
2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I purchased a property in December 2022 and served the eviction notice on January 9, 2023. The current tenancy agreement is set to expire on June 30, 2023.
I want to modify the payment terms for the new contract, effective from July 1, 2023, to January 8, 2024 (the end of the eviction notice), changing from 12 checks to 1 for the six-month period.
Additionally, I intend to increase the rent by 20% as I believe the existing tenant is paying 60% less than the current market rate.
The tenant refuses to accept these changes and wishes to renew the lease with no alterations.
Where do I stand in this situation?
RERA provides varying information each time I seek clarity.

Mar 8, 2023
397
What's more important: the tenancy contract or UAE rental laws on tenancy renewal?




1
Q: Hello,
I hope you can advise me, please!
I'm a tenant in Dubai. The owner/agency didn't send me the rent increase notice 90 days in advance. It was sent to me on Thu, 18 Apr, 22:16. My lease expires on June 24, 2024.
So it's 78 days instead of 90. But they claim that in the signed contract there is a statement:
"In the event that the tenant wishes to renew the lease at the end of the tenancy, they should notify the landlord in writing 90 days prior to the expiry date of the rental contract."
Since I didn't do this, they demand to increase my rent by the maximum amount possible as per RERA.
As far as I can understand, according to the law, if no one notifies anyone before 90 days, the default is to extend the lease. So there is no increase.
What is more important according to law, the signed contract, or UAE laws in this case?
Thank you very much, hope you can advise and help me!





+2
May 10, 2024
232
Can I renew my lease despite the agency adding an eviction clause without my consent?




1
Q: Hi,
The real estate agency that leased me the apartment included: "Tenant confirmed that they will vacate the property after the end of the contract" under additional terms in my Ejari without consulting me.
They wanted me to vacate last year or increase the rent way above the RERA recommended increase.
Can I renew my tenancy contract as per RERA guidelines this year?
I haven't received any DLD or other notice from my landlord.





+1
Jul 5, 2024
119
The enforceability of a non-renewable clause in a tenancy agreement
6
Q: Dear sir/madam,
"This contract is non-renewable".
Kindly clarify on the enforceability of this clause in the tenancy agreement if we are forced to sign this as a tenant. Further, we would like to know if this clause can be challenged if the landlord file for eviction at RERA.

Dec 14, 2022
897
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
4 available 4 • View allLaw 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
Law 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
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
Decree No. (43) of 2013 Determining Rent Increases for Real Property in the Emirate of Dubai 9
This Decree determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.
Dec 18, 2013
13240

Premium
Other answers by
173 173 answers •
View allقررت المحكمة ندب خبير وحددت أمانة الخبرة. في حالة تنازل المدعي عن الدعوى، هل يترتب عليه شيء؟ 0
قررت المحكمة ندب خبير وحددت أمانة الخبرة وحددت جلسة. في حالة عدم إيداع أمانة الخبرة بتاريخ آخر تم الإعلان الخبرة.
السؤال: في حالة تنازل المدعي عن الدعوى، هل يترتب عليه شيء؟
Mar 27, 2025
100
كيف يمكنني معرفة إذا كنت على قائمة المطلوبين في دول مجلس التعاون بسبب قضية مالية في الإمارات؟ 0
كيف يمكنني معرفة إذا كان تم إدراج اسمي على قائمة المطلوبين في دول مجلس التعاون بسبب وجود قضية مالية في الإمارات وتعاميم وأمر إلقاء قبض وإحضار لأنني بصدد السفر إلى دولة خليجية؟
Mar 26, 2025
112
How to penalize a landlord for cutting off AC despite an RDC ruling in the tenant's favor? 0
Hello,
My Dubai landlord (Omani) switched off the AC cooling in my rented flat after demanding a rent increase of over 50%. Even after winning the case at RDC and renewing Ejari through the court, he still has not restarted the AC cooling.
I have sent emails and filed a police complaint, but it's getting hotter again, and the AC has been off since last October.
Please suggest how to penalize him as he disrespects UAE laws.
Mar 23, 2025
67
Unpaid agency commission without a signed agreement. Can email proof hold up in court? 0
Hi dear all,
This question concerns the payment of the agency commission. The commission agreement form was not signed, but there is indirect evidence — email correspondence in which it is confirmed that the 2% amount is intended for the agent’s commission.
In the end, the client refuses to pay, although the deal was completed.
How realistic is it to receive the commission through a court decision? And how long would such a case typically take?
Mar 25, 2025
46
Can the real estate company ask for 10% rent increase if the RERA rental index does not allow it? 0
I am residing in Al Nahda 2 area, and the real estate company is asking me for a 10% rent increase from last year. However, checking RERA, there is no increase in the rates in my area as checked today.
Once I told my real estate the same, they said it had to be checked 3 months ago from now. Also, the area they have shown in their RERA is Al Nahda 1, while I reside in Al Nahda 2.
Mar 25, 2025
57

Premium
Other answers by
912 912 answers •
View allHow can I file a counter-complaint for a false public cursing accusation? 0
Hello,
How can I file a counter-complaint against a person who made a false report about me for public cursing, which I never did?
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.
Apr 7, 2025
56
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.
Apr 7, 2025
49
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
171
Can a Pakistani expat register a second marriage in the UAE without disclosing the first? 0
Hello,
I want to know the UAE rules regarding second marriage for expats. I am a Pakistani national and already have a wife back in my home country.
Now, I want to do a second marriage in the UAE with a Moroccan girl. Can you please let me know the procedure involved?
Can I get my marriage registered in the UAE? Is it mandatory to disclose the first marriage? I am on an employment visa in Dubai.
Apr 7, 2025
133
Missing business partner since 2003. What to do about his share in the LLC? 0
Hello,
I am a manager of an LLC company with 25% share. In February 2003, a partner joined the company with a 25% share.
After two months, he didn’t like the company and left. After two years, we did not know where he was. We just heard that he left to Tunisia before his visa expired.
What to do with his 25% share, please?
Apr 7, 2025
124

Premium
Other answers by
668 668 answers •
View allIf a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
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.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
143
I left Dubai 19 years ago without cancelling my visa. Is there anything to do to remove the travel ban? 0
Hi,
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?
Apr 4, 2025
76
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court? 0
Hello,
How much time do I have to start paying after the verdict in the appeal court?
And what's the probability of freezing my account or traffic file if I’m paying?
Apr 11, 2025
77
Can an employer post an employee’s photo on social media without their consent? 0
Hello,
Can an employer post an employee's photo on social media, LinkedIn or Instagram, without the employee's consent?
Secondly, the employer is forcing the employee to update the company details in the employee's profile.
I believe LinkedIn and Instagram are personal profiles and one cannot be forced to update the details. This photo was taken in the office.
Apr 11, 2025
17
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
79

Premium
Other answers by
546 546 answers •
View allIf a bank has filed an execution cheques case through the Dubai Courts. Is a travel ban automatically applied? 0
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.
If there is a travel ban, how do I find out?
I have checked the Dubai police app, and there are no financial crimes against me.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
143
How can I file a counter-complaint for a false public cursing accusation? 0
Hello,
How can I file a counter-complaint against a person who made a false report about me for public cursing, which I never did?
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.
Apr 7, 2025
56
I left Dubai 19 years ago without cancelling my visa. Is there anything to do to remove the travel ban? 0
Hi,
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?
Apr 4, 2025
76
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
171
Can a Pakistani expat register a second marriage in the UAE without disclosing the first? 0
Hello,
I want to know the UAE rules regarding second marriage for expats. I am a Pakistani national and already have a wife back in my home country.
Now, I want to do a second marriage in the UAE with a Moroccan girl. Can you please let me know the procedure involved?
Can I get my marriage registered in the UAE? Is it mandatory to disclose the first marriage? I am on an employment visa in Dubai.
Apr 7, 2025
133

Premium
Other answers by
6 6 answers •
View allAfter buying a property, what is the process for handover in case a tenant is occupying it? 0
Hello
After the sale of the property, what is the process for handover in case a tenant is occupying or a landlord is occupying?
How is the handover with the landlord done?
What if the transfer is done but no key was handed over by the owner, how much compensation can be expected due to delay or lack of key handover?
Thanks
Feb 11, 2025
84
Somebody filed a complaint against me and is not answering calls. Can I request the police to close the case? 0
A verbal abuse complaint was filed against me. Though there is no witness and no direct evidence, there are a few indirect WhatsApp messages that may be open to interpretation and were provided by the complainant.
The police filed a case and seized my phone. It has now been over 3 months.
The police transferred to the public prosecutor. However, the case was returned with a recommendation for settlement or moving to a one-day court.
The complainant refused to settle before and now does not answer the police calls when they try to get the complainant to sign the notice for one one-day court hearing so this can move forward.
I am following up with the police every week but there is no progress.
What can be done now?
Can I request the police to close the case or move it to one-day court regardless?
What are my options?
Feb 10, 2025
66
How can we prevent blocking accounts and assets in a cheque execution case against our company? 0
Greetings!!
We have a cheque execution case. The bank applied for execution to block the company account and the vehicles claiming the wrong amount. The court also approved this request and sent it to the central bank to impound the vehicle.
We had already paid over 50% of the claimed amount and also requested the balance payment in installments a couple of weeks ago once the claimed amount was amended in the court system.
The installment request is yet to be approved, however, they have proceeded with the execution. This is very concerning.
How long does it take to block the accounts?
What are the repercussions of the block?
Kindly please advise if there are any other options available to avoid blocking the accounts and impounding the vehicle.
Thank you
Feb 6, 2025
78
Can two partners in a civil company make decisions without the approval of the third partner? 0
Hi
I would like to get advice on Business Law
1. In a Partnership Business (civil company not LLC) of Partner A-50%, PartnerB-25%, and PartnerC-25% can Partner A who is the Managing Director of the Company authorize only one partner (eg: Partner C) as the sole Bank Signatory without the consent of Partner B?
2. How much would a process of evaluation of the Company asset and filing for a legal action to withdraw the partnership cost? And how long does it take to allocate the 25% share value to the quitting partner?
Nov 25, 2024
73
Can I resell branded sportswear online through my website in the UAE? 0
Hi,
Can I resell branded sportswear online through my website in the UAE?
The items are original; I import them from a country where I can source models that are sold out or sizes that are unavailable in the UAE.
Nov 21, 2024
46

Other answers by
367 367 answers •
View allI purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
59
I was evicted from my apartment to be sold but it was gifted and rented at a higher price. What can I do? 0
I was evicted from my apartment after living there for five years. My landlord informed me a year in advance that the lease would not be renewed because he intended to sell the property.
Prior to this, he attempted to impose a rent increase that was not compliant with RERA regulations, which I refused to accept. He then served me with an official Dubai Court eviction notice, citing the need to take back the property for sale.
Five months after I moved out, I discovered the property was rented out at a much higher price. Upon further investigation, I found that the ownership was transferred as a "Gift" rather than a sale.
This makes it seem like the eviction was only to raise the rent rather than a genuine need to sell.
Do I have a valid case for wrongful eviction against my landlord?
Also, under Dubai law, does transferring ownership as a "Gift" hold the same legal grounds as selling in justifying eviction?
Dec 18, 2024
89
What to do if you get terminated and denied gratuity for a minor mistake? 0
My brother has been working for a company for 11 years. In the last 3 weeks, he had an incident/accident and scratched a plane since he only had 1 person to assist him as the company was not hiring enough people.
Senior staff like him are working more to train inexperienced new hires which adds to their workload working almost 12 hours/day including travel to DWC.
The pilot said it was aesthetic and could be painted over but a police investigation ensued. Last week 3 managers and HR talked him down as the investigation concluded.
He was terminated immediately with only this month's pay and his 11-year gratuity will not be given by the company. It was not gross negligence or malicious intent, he just didn’t have enough people to help him.
He owned up to the mistake and reported the incident within 24 hours. Can he fight for the gratuity?
Jan 13, 2025
86
How can a person under a deportation grant a POA to a trusted person for managing his assets? 0
A person currently under a deportation order wishes to appoint a trusted person with Power of Attorney (POA) to manage their financial and legal matters, including access to their bank account and other obligations.
What is the process for obtaining and registering a POA in this situation?
Can it be done while they are still in custody, and what steps should they follow to ensure?
Please help.
Jan 14, 2025
86
Does it matter whether the cheque was issued to an individual or a company? 0
Hello,
What legal recourse is available in the UAE for a cheque bounce?
Does it matter whether the cheque was issued to an individual or a company?
Does the value of the cheque affect the legal action or process?
Jan 6, 2025
92
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer