Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allRights of the tenant in case of early exit from rent
1
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.

Nov 1, 2021
358
Tenant wants to leave apartment early after eviction notice: Is he entitled to a refund?




3
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I am in the process of selling an apartment that is tenanted until February 2024. In April 2023, I served the tenant with an eviction notice due to my plan to sell, which means he has until April 2024 to leave the apartment.
The contract stipulates that he is liable for two months' rent for early termination.
The tenant has informed me that he wishes to leave immediately and is demanding a refund of rent paid for the entire remaining period of the contract.
He claims that, according to the DLD, he can leave with no notice and without any penalty due to the eviction notice. Is he correct?





Jul 4, 2023
617
Cancellation of a tenancy contract before its due date




4
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!





Mar 31, 2020
1930
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allProcedures 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
21519
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
25239
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
24441
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
13315
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
7351

Premium
Other answers by
What can I do if a contractor failed to deliver a paid renovation project? 0
Hello,
I paid a contractor (via bank transfers) to deliver a project (1BHK renovation – full), and they did not.
What action can I take against them in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
60
After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
Hello,
If the tenant is evicted due to renovation, once the renovation is done, can the landlord rent the property to a new tenant, or does the landlord have to wait for 2 years?
May 22, 2025
46
If the Public Prosecution appeals a not-guilty verdict with no new evidence, will it stay the same? 0
Hi Sir,
My husband had a judgment where he was found not guilty, as the misdemeanor court stated that it doubts the charges against the accused and found no conclusive evidence except the statements in the report files.
The court considered this invalid because there was no translator. After this, if the Public Prosecution appeals, will the verdict remain unchanged and be upheld if there is nothing more than this
Can you shed some light from your experience on this issue and say if the result will remain the same?
May 20, 2025
44
My lawyer overcharged me for registering my labour case. What should I do? 0
Hello,
My lawyer has charged me more than the actual amount for registering my labour case.
What should I do?
May 13, 2025
42
كيف يمكنني الاستعلام عن قضية إبعاد أمني ومحاولة العودة إلى الإمارات؟ 0
السلام عليكم،
أود الاستفسار بشأن قضية إبعاد زوج خالتي من دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. زوج خالتي كان مقيماً في الإمارات وكان قد وُلد وترعرع هناك.
في عام 2013 تم إبعاده من الإمارات، وكان ذلك نتيجة لسياسات حكومية كانت تستهدف مجموعة من المقيمين في تلك الفترة، وهو لم يكن قد ارتكب أي مخالفة في ذلك الوقت وكان يُعتبر ضحية للسياسات المتبعة.
أرغب في معرفة الإجراءات التي يجب أن أتبعها حالياً من أجل رفع هذا الإبعاد وتمكينه من العودة إلى الإمارات.
أرجو أن توضح لي كيف يمكنني مساعدته في هذا الموضوع.
شكراً جزيلاً.
May 1, 2025
48

Premium
Other answers by
My employer has not issued my residence visa yet and I am in overstay. What can I do? 0
I came on an E-visa (employment visa) from Uganda to the UAE, and my employer didn't make my residence visa. Now I have been in overstay for 24 days.
What should I do?
Jun 24, 2025
35
Can we file a case against a customer who launched a campaign online against our business reputation? 0
Hello,
A customer based in Dubai booked a public experience online on the website of a reputable business based in Dubai.
The customer came to the business location, the team was ready to provide the experience as per her booking.
The customer started to shout loudly, claiming that she was expecting a private experience. She refused to do the experience and left. Then she started calling the Management claiming a refund.
The Management explained that as per the T&Cs, experiences booked online are public. The Management offered as a goodwill gesture to refund the customer after deducting the cost of preparations that were paid by the business to set up the experience. The customer refused.
The customer used her Instagram account and as an influencer + Google review to launch a campaign against the business reputation, inciting her audience/people not to use the business services. She used signs of alert/warnings.
Is there a law that punishes such public incitement in the UAE?
Jun 11, 2025
107
How can we remove a partner from the license if he is present but unresponsive? 0
Good day!
One of our partners on the license has not been in communication since November 2024.
He is also in Dubai but is not answering phone calls or replying to messages.
What is the procedure to remove his name from the license in this situation without his absence?
Please advise!
Jun 2, 2025
45
Can I get a UAE police clearance for US immigration if I was deported in 2022? 0
Hello,
I'm living outside the UAE now.
Can I get a police clearance for US immigration purposes even though I had a case and was deported in 2022?
Jun 3, 2025
80
How long does it take for a bounced cheque case to be closed after a settlement? 0
Hello,
I had a cheque bounce case filed against me in Dubai, but I’ve now settled it with the complainant. The case has been with the Public Prosecution, and I’ve already submitted the notarized settlement documents.
It’s been 5 days since submission, and when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance.
Does anyone here have experience with this process? How long did it take for your case to be closed after submitting the notarized withdrawal request? Should I expect it to be done in a few days, or could it take longer?
Thanks in advance!
Jun 4, 2025
136

Premium
Other answers by
Can I go without the bailiff to receive the keys of my house from the tenant based on a court judgment? 0
Hi,
My tenant was not paying rent, so I filed a case and won it. The court has given a bailiff eviction date of 7th July. The tenant also has outstanding rent plus court fees to pay.
The tenant called me and proposed an out-of-court settlement. She is offering to hand over the keys today, along with her furniture, to compensate for the outstanding rent.
I don't trust the tenant as she has lied many times. She's asking me to come visit the apartment to look at the furniture and take the keys.
1. Please advise if it's ok to visit the apartment and take the keys and furniture without involving the bailiff. Do I need to report the furniture adjustment against the rent due to the court?
2. Can she create any other problem on my physical visit, although I have WhatsApp messages of her request?
3. Can she request payment installments from the court if I don't agree to take her furniture?
4. Can I write down the settlement with her on a plain piece of paper with her signature?
Jun 18, 2025
70
If I have no loan, credit card, or any other liability against a bank, where is my EOSB sent by my company? 0
If I have no loan, credit card, or any other liability against a bank, where is my EOSB sent by my company?
Can that bank block my account and stop me from withdrawing that money?
Jun 26, 2025
14
The lessor is asking me to vacate the house for the reason of not renewing the lease. What can I do? 0
The lessor is asking me to vacate the house, citing the following clause, even though I have not sublet the property. What can be done in that case?
Clause - "Article (20) paragraph (3) of Law No. (20) of 2006 on the rental of premises and the regulation of rental relations between lessors and tenants in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."
Jun 24, 2025
20
How to get legal help with drafting a memo for a family case in cassation? 0
I need help drafting a cassation memo for submission to the Abu Dhabi Court in a family case. I already have all the documents.
Since there's no hearing at this stage, I don’t need full legal representation—just memo drafting. My ex-wife is claiming 2024–25 school fees, though child support is already granted.
First instance rejected her claim, but the appeal overturned it and ordered me to pay 16,000 AED.
I want to file a cassation due to legal errors and flawed reasoning in the appeal judgment. My budget is limited.
Jun 23, 2025
45
How long does it take for a bounced cheque case to be closed after a settlement? 0
Hello,
I had a cheque bounce case filed against me in Dubai, but I’ve now settled it with the complainant. The case has been with the Public Prosecution, and I’ve already submitted the notarized settlement documents.
It’s been 5 days since submission, and when I checked with the legal team, they couldn’t give me a clear timeline on how long it might take for the case to be withdrawn and for me to receive clearance.
Does anyone here have experience with this process? How long did it take for your case to be closed after submitting the notarized withdrawal request? Should I expect it to be done in a few days, or could it take longer?
Thanks in advance!
Jun 4, 2025
136

Premium
Other answers by
Can I go without the bailiff to receive the keys of my house from the tenant based on a court judgment? 0
Hi,
My tenant was not paying rent, so I filed a case and won it. The court has given a bailiff eviction date of 7th July. The tenant also has outstanding rent plus court fees to pay.
The tenant called me and proposed an out-of-court settlement. She is offering to hand over the keys today, along with her furniture, to compensate for the outstanding rent.
I don't trust the tenant as she has lied many times. She's asking me to come visit the apartment to look at the furniture and take the keys.
1. Please advise if it's ok to visit the apartment and take the keys and furniture without involving the bailiff. Do I need to report the furniture adjustment against the rent due to the court?
2. Can she create any other problem on my physical visit, although I have WhatsApp messages of her request?
3. Can she request payment installments from the court if I don't agree to take her furniture?
4. Can I write down the settlement with her on a plain piece of paper with her signature?
Jun 18, 2025
70
My company terminated me for misappropriative conduct after filing a case for nonpayment of salary. What to do? 0
Good afternoon,
My company terminated my contract today, 26 June, alleging misappropriative conduct, and this needs to be appealed because I didn't commit a fault.
However, since June 2024, the company has not paid me 10 months' salary (I already filed a case in MOHRE the last 19 June).
My questions are:
1. Can I claim the WPP insurance, even with the letter of termination? I understood that this insurance is for unpaid wages.
2. ILOE, I do not know if I can claim ILOE with this letter, because the allegation will take time to get a new termination letter, but I need some income to support me and my family.
Thank you for your answers.
Jun 26, 2025
20
What can I do if the real estate management is not fixing the issue of blocking noise in my apartment? 0
Hi,
I rented an apartment 4 months ago, it is managed by a real estate company.
I am going through a technical issue in the unit; the balcony door does not block the noise, and I live near a couple of construction yards.
The property manager sent his team several times to fix the issue, and it only got worse (they replaced the original brushes with weaker ones).
The balcony is attached to the bedroom, and I cannot use the bedroom for sleeping due to outside construction noise, especially during the night. Even earplugs do not help with the strength of the noise.
The property manager is currently ignoring my requests to fix, saying that they cannot get a refund for the wrong fix, and according to them landlord does not agree to pay for another brush replacement.
We have had an email exchange with the property manager for this issue for 3 months already.
I don't want to go through the DLD route, which is expensive (3K AED to register a case) and probably slow too.
What are my options?
Thank you very much!
Jun 26, 2025
13
My employer has not issued my residence visa yet and I am in overstay. What can I do? 0
I came on an E-visa (employment visa) from Uganda to the UAE, and my employer didn't make my residence visa. Now I have been in overstay for 24 days.
What should I do?
Jun 24, 2025
35
The lessor is asking me to vacate the house for the reason of not renewing the lease. What can I do? 0
The lessor is asking me to vacate the house, citing the following clause, even though I have not sublet the property. What can be done in that case?
Clause - "Article (20) paragraph (3) of Law No. (20) of 2006 on the rental of premises and the regulation of rental relations between lessors and tenants in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."
Jun 24, 2025
20

Premium
Other answers by
If I have no loan, credit card, or any other liability against a bank, where is my EOSB sent by my company? 0
If I have no loan, credit card, or any other liability against a bank, where is my EOSB sent by my company?
Can that bank block my account and stop me from withdrawing that money?
Jun 26, 2025
14
My company terminated me for misappropriative conduct after filing a case for nonpayment of salary. What to do? 0
Good afternoon,
My company terminated my contract today, 26 June, alleging misappropriative conduct, and this needs to be appealed because I didn't commit a fault.
However, since June 2024, the company has not paid me 10 months' salary (I already filed a case in MOHRE the last 19 June).
My questions are:
1. Can I claim the WPP insurance, even with the letter of termination? I understood that this insurance is for unpaid wages.
2. ILOE, I do not know if I can claim ILOE with this letter, because the allegation will take time to get a new termination letter, but I need some income to support me and my family.
Thank you for your answers.
Jun 26, 2025
20
What to do if the bank guarantee provided to Dubai Government Authority has been misplaced? 0
“The guarantee is valid until 24.11.2021 and shall, before expiry, be automatically renewed until advised by you that the contract has been fulfilled.
We have received an email from the Dubai Government Authority stating that the Original Bank guarantee has been misplaced, along with the reason that, due to the COVID period, many staff were working remotely at home, and the Dubai Government Authority has sent NOC for the release of the bank guarantee stating that"
“Kindly release the bank guarantee No..... as the supplier has fulfilled the condition of the contract without any claim.”
Further, the applicant has provided an undertaking cum indemnity to cancel the bank guarantee and release the underlying cash margin.
So in the above case, the applicant has given the undertaking cum indemnity and beneficiary also confirmed by email that they have lost the guarantee so in such case.
What further action does the bank need to take?
Being the government authority, the bank may get less support in terms of documentation, so please advise.
Jun 23, 2025
27
How to get legal help with drafting a memo for a family case in cassation? 0
I need help drafting a cassation memo for submission to the Abu Dhabi Court in a family case. I already have all the documents.
Since there's no hearing at this stage, I don’t need full legal representation—just memo drafting. My ex-wife is claiming 2024–25 school fees, though child support is already granted.
First instance rejected her claim, but the appeal overturned it and ordered me to pay 16,000 AED.
I want to file a cassation due to legal errors and flawed reasoning in the appeal judgment. My budget is limited.
Jun 23, 2025
45
Can we file a case against a customer who launched a campaign online against our business reputation? 0
Hello,
A customer based in Dubai booked a public experience online on the website of a reputable business based in Dubai.
The customer came to the business location, the team was ready to provide the experience as per her booking.
The customer started to shout loudly, claiming that she was expecting a private experience. She refused to do the experience and left. Then she started calling the Management claiming a refund.
The Management explained that as per the T&Cs, experiences booked online are public. The Management offered as a goodwill gesture to refund the customer after deducting the cost of preparations that were paid by the business to set up the experience. The customer refused.
The customer used her Instagram account and as an influencer + Google review to launch a campaign against the business reputation, inciting her audience/people not to use the business services. She used signs of alert/warnings.
Is there a law that punishes such public incitement in the UAE?
Jun 11, 2025
107

Premium
Other answers by
Is it legally acceptable to give birth in the UAE if the mother is single? 0
Hello,
Is it okay to give birth in the UAE if the mother is single and the father is married?
Will there be any problem with that, as long as the parents declare that they are the biological parents to obtain the child's birth certificate?
Jun 3, 2025
86
If acquitted by the appeal court, is the travel ban and wanted status automatically removed? 0
Hello,
If acquitted by the appeal court, is the travel ban and wanted status automatically removed? I mean, an innocent verdict was issued by the first instance court, then it was appealed, and after that, the travel ban was there.
Now, the appeal court has issued an acquittal from all charges; so is the travel ban still there, or is it automatically removed after the judgment is issued?
May 21, 2025
34
Is it possible to get out of jail on the same day the case is withdrawn? 0
Hello,
My husband is in jail and the case is still under investigation, but the complainant wants to settle and withdraw the case.
Is it possible for my husband to get out of jail on the same day the case is withdrawn?
May 22, 2025
54
After evicting a tenant for renovation, can the landlord rent the property to another tenant? 0
Hello,
If the tenant is evicted due to renovation, once the renovation is done, can the landlord rent the property to a new tenant, or does the landlord have to wait for 2 years?
May 22, 2025
46
UAE credit card was used fraudulently abroad. Bank and police won’t act. What can I do? 0
Hello,
I had a fraudulent and unauthorized transaction on my credit card, but the bank is saying no action can be taken as it happened outside the country.
We approached the police, but they are saying to proceed legally as it happened outside the country.
May 28, 2025
41

Premium
Other answers by
How to get information about a friend taken by the Narcotics Department in Dubai? 0
Hi,
My friend has been taken by the Narcotics Department for the consumption and possession of some substance in Dubai.
How can we find out what the next procedure will be, as his family back in India has no information about it and no idea where the police have taken him or what the next steps are in this issue?
Apr 16, 2025
99
I secured a mortgage from the bank and the broker kept delaying until the MOU expired. What to do? 0
Hi,
I need some guidance regarding a property transaction that is not progressing as expected.
My broker initiated a manual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between me (the Buyer) and the Seller, with an expiry date of 01/02/2025. Within this period, I successfully arranged the bank mortgage, property evaluation, and NOC.
However, the broker started giving excuses, such as the seller being hospitalized. Later, the broker attempted to arrange a Power of Attorney (POA).
However, after that, they started ignoring my messages and calls. It now seems like they no longer intend to proceed with me, and the MOU has already expired.
Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory.
I’m feeling stuck and financially burdened.
Please advise
Apr 9, 2025
156
Can I file for mutual divorce from Dubai as an Indian resident and my husband works in Saudi? 0
Needed to know if I am eligible to file for mutual divorce as an Indian expat living in Dubai and holding an Indian passport and also have Canadian PR.
My husband is a Canadian citizen working in Saudi on a work visa.
What are my rights?
Can I ask for alimony?
Can I file for divorce from Dubai?
I have no children from the marriage.
Mar 21, 2025
165
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
118
What are my options after my rental renewal offer and deposit was rejected by the owner? 1
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
97

Premium
Other answers by
If I have no loan, credit card, or any other liability against a bank, where is my EOSB sent by my company? 0
If I have no loan, credit card, or any other liability against a bank, where is my EOSB sent by my company?
Can that bank block my account and stop me from withdrawing that money?
Jun 26, 2025
14
Why my status remains "wanted" in CID headquarters after being acquitted in the misdemeanor court? 0
Once someone has been acquitted in the misdemeanor court, then why is it showing in CID headquarters that he is wanted in the police station once again?
Jan 31, 2025
129
What happens if a person does not show up at the first instance of a divorce hearing? 1
Hello,
What happens if a person does not show up at the first instance of a divorce hearing?
Feb 1, 2025
123
My hair was damaged by a very known and professional salon. Can I seek refund and compensation? 0
Hello.
I went to a very well-known and professional salon (or so I thought) for a normal hair dye. The guy who did my hair left the dye on my hair for over an hour when it was supposed to be on for a maximum of 30 minutes.
He wasn’t paying attention to me walking around the store talking to everyone and also doing another customer's extensions.
Now my hair is potentially damaged, my skull burns, and is flaky (meaning the dye wasn’t ammonia-free which is extremely unprofessional for such an expensive salon).
I didn’t even get the outcome that I wanted and the dye color doesn’t even show. I talked to him about it but he shut it down so fast and gaslit me the whole time and made me feel like I was the wrong one and I was ‘complaining about something so light’.
Please let me know what I can do legally about this.
Thank you.
Jan 31, 2025
84
Can my former employer take legal action aginst me due a non-compete clause if I started a similar business? 0
Dear Lawyers,
I need your advice regarding a non-compete clause in my contract.
I left my former employer last September, and they were a free zone company. I have since started a similar business online with a Tajer license.
However, my ex-employer is sending me emails daily, threatening to take legal action if I don’t close my business.
Can you advise on my rights and the best course of action?
Best regards,
Jan 31, 2025
124
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