Q: Dear lawyers, We need your help. I and my home mate are working in the same airline company as air hostesses and we are renting an apartment together. We are not flying as it used to be before, because of the coronavirus crisis which means that we are not paid for flying hours and in addition to that, our basic salary is officially deducted by 40%, effective from 1st April. We are now in a critical situation. We are not able to afford our rent due to force majeure and an unexpected situation. We shared this situation with our landlord, however, he is not showing any goodwill; either for reducing the rental fee or letting us check out from the apartment without penalty (he is basically asking for 1-month notice + 2 months early check out penalty). I can prove that the latest salary that I will get will be evidence of our situation. Can you help us with legal advice if we can check out without paying any penalty? Your support will be appreciated. Our kind regards,

Q: The situation is bad because of Corona-virus. I couldn't pay the rent. Two bank cheques have bonused. I asked the shop owner many times to give some relief but he refused. He has filed a case against me in RDC. I have been paying rent since December 2017. I could not continue paying due to the circumstances. What should I do now?

Q: Hello, I live in Dubai and have recently been sent on unpaid leave until further notice due to COVID-19. I am unable to pay my next rent cheque which is due in July. I would like to exit my tenancy contract early, it ends in March 2021. My contract states that I am liable and have to pay an early exit fee of the equivalent of 2 months rent if I decide to leave early. Can this be voided due to the current situation? And would I be able to leave without paying this? Does COVID-19 count as Force Majeure? If it does, would I also be able to get my deposit back? Thank you for any assistance you can offer. F.

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.

An interview-format article covering the topic of force majeure in the UAE, in light of COVID-19. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.

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.

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.