Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allDisputing tenant's refusal to accept old landlord's rent increase notice




3
Q: Hi,
We recently bought a villa in Dubai. We are looking for an advocate for legal advice.
Even though the old owner gave the tenant a 90-day notice about the new rent, the tenant is not agreeing to the notice because it didn't come from us.
Since the renewal is in October and we bought the property in September, we don't have 90 days to notify the tenant of the new rent.
The tenant agreed to the new rent in an email with the old owner 90 days ago. Can we dispute this?





+3
Sep 25, 2023
142
I bought an apartment and the previous owner served eviction notice. Do I need to serve a new one?


2
Q: I recently bought an apartment with an existing tenant. The previous owner served the tenant an eviction notice via Dubai Courts.
By using this notice, can I evict the tenant or not?
The eviction period ends on September 2023 and the current contract ends on April 2023.
If I can evict the existing tenant, how should I prepare a new contract?
Is it enough to prepare a 5-month contract and refer to the eviction notice in additional terms?



Apr 6, 2023
758
How can a new owner evict a tenant from a property for personal use?



1
Q: Hi Legal Advice ME,
I have bought a villa in Dubai with a tenant in place. I would like to move into the villa as my residence. I understand that I must issue the current tenant a 12-month notice.
Can I issue the 12-month notice even though the current tenancy contract is with the old owner?
Or do I need to sign up a new tenancy agreement between myself and the tenant and then issue the 12-month notice?




Oct 10, 2022
392
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
3927
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
21358
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • 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
24939
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
24284

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I lost approx. 22000 USDT in an online crypto scam. I made a complaint to the Umm Al Quwain police station.
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Is there any proper agency that can help me recover the money?
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I give a cheque to someone who took cash from me then encashed my cheque. How can I get my money back 0
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How can I get my money back from him?
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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?
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My friend’s storage burnt down in Dubai. What should he do? 0
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My friend has just come back from traveling to find his storage space burnt down in Dubai.
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Everything has been burnt down. What does he do now?
Apr 11, 2025
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هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟ 0
هل تسقط إجراءات التنفيذ ويُرفَع المنع من السفر وتُغلق الدعوى نهائيًا بعد دفع مبلغ التنفيذ بالكامل؟
Apr 11, 2025
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View allHow 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.
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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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What are the penalties for employing workers without a visa? 0
Hello,
Kindly let me know the statutory provisions relating to the penalty for letting employees work without a visa and the amount of penalty to be paid by the employer.
Apr 9, 2025
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What are the legal consequences of my partner's voluntary withdrawal from our company? 0
Hello,
My partner voluntarily withdrew from our company which we established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
We established this company on July 1, 2024. Until now, there is no income or revenue. What is the legality?
Apr 9, 2025
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View allI give a cheque to someone who took cash from me then encashed my cheque. How can I get my money back 0
Hi Sir,
I give a company cheque to someone. He took cash from me and then encashed my cheque.
How can I get my money back from him?
Please reply.
Regards.
Apr 11, 2025
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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
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Can I request delaying my visa cancellation due to medical unfitness until I retake my medical test? 0
I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day.
They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now.
Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits?
I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April).
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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 allMy husband and I are Canadian Muslims and he passed away in the UAE. How to open an inheritance case? 0
Hi there,
My husband and I are Muslims. My husband passed away recently.
We have a Canadian will, but I understand that it won’t be honored as I am named the sole beneficiary, and that does not align with Sharia laws in the UAE. He was not a UAE resident but had a small apartment with no Will in the UAE.
We have 3 children. I am planning to go to Dubai to start an inheritance case. I don’t know the exact order of events and what needs to be done first.
1) Do I initiate anything from overseas before making travel plans to Dubai, or do I start once I arrive in Dubai?
Mind you, we cannot afford to stay in Dubai for too long, as the kids have school.
2) Do I need a lawyer, or can this be done by myself?
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Request for guidance on enforcing a fnal court ruling for child support and alimony 0
Dear Respected Lawyers,
I kindly seek your assistance regarding a legal matter I initiated in August 2024, in which I filed for child support and alimony.
Since then, we have been through extensive court proceedings, and throughout this time, I have not received any financial support for my children.
The First Instance Court ruled in my favor, ordering my ex-husband to pay both alimony and child support.
However, rather than complying, he filed an appeal, which appeared to be a tactic to delay fulfilling his obligations.
The final appeal decision has now been issued, once again confirming that he must pay according to the law.
In light of this, I urgently need your guidance on how to proceed with enforcing this ruling, so that my children can finally receive the financial support they are legally entitled to.
I have already submitted an enforcement application at a typing center, but it has been a while now.
Apr 8, 2025
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We performed services as the official channel partner for a free zone that did not pay our commission. What to do? 0
Hello everyone,
I’m seeking professional legal opinions regarding an ongoing dispute we are facing with a free zone authority in the UAE.
We are an official channel partner for the Free Zone and have generated several clients and successful business registrations through our efforts.
Despite fulfilling our responsibilities as per the agreement, the Free Zone has not released our due commission.
It's been several months now, and we've experienced repeated delays, vague justifications, and non-committal responses from their end. It appears they are intentionally using delaying tactics.
We are exploring our legal options now and would appreciate guidance on the following:
What legal steps can be taken in such a case in the UAE?
Is this considered a breach of contract or unfair commercial practice?
Would it be advisable to send a legal notice first, or directly approach the relevant dispute resolution authority?
Apr 8, 2025
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Will you be arrested due to non-payment in a civil case if you have no assets or money? 0
Greetings,
Dear Lawyers,
If a debtor does not pay a Dubai Court judgement and has no assets in the UAE, will he be arrested due to non-payment in a civil case?
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Apr 7, 2025
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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?
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View allHow 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.
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Apr 11, 2025
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What does Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 mean with exempting supervisory roles from the provisions of the Labour Law? 0
Dear colleagues,
According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer.
Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"?
Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime?
Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible?
Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?
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Can I request delaying my visa cancellation due to medical unfitness until I retake my medical test? 0
I got a work permit and moved to the UAE. I had a work permit for 2 months, which was supposed to be changed to residency. But I got medically unfit, and the company off-boarded me the same day.
They gave me a grace period of 15 days before cancelling the visa. In these 15 days, I have managed to get my test redone and am in the process now.
Can I ask my agency to let me stay till I get my reports updated, and not to cancel the visa as it's already in the legal limits?
I entered on 2 March, so my visa expired on 2 May. I have taken 1 test and the results are due by the next two weeks (between 14 April and 21 April).
Can I ask them to hold the cancellation because I am pretty sure my reports will be revised?
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.
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نزاع بين شركاء مفوضين بالتوقيع على المعاملات البنكية للشركة بشأن شيك وتحويل أموال 0
زوج وزوجة، الزوجة مالكة لشركة بنسبة 50% ولديها شريك أجنبي يملك بنسبة 50%. الشريك مخول بالتوقيع في كافة المعاملات البنكية للشركة والزوجة كذلك لها ذات الصلاحية.
بعدها، غاب الشريك الأجنبي عن الشركة وسافر. ومازالت الشركة نشطة والعمال لايستلمون رواتبهم والشريك قام بتحويل جميع أموال الشركة إلى حسابه الخاص دون علم الشريك الآخر.
ثم تحصلت الزوجة الشريكة على شيك، فقام الشريك الأجنبي بفتح بلاغ خيانة أمانة واستلم زوجها الشيك.
فما هو الحل القانوني من ناحية جزائية وتجارية؟
Mar 27, 2025
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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؟
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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؟
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How to penalize a landlord for cutting off AC despite an RDC ruling in the tenant's favor? 0
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Mar 12, 2025
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How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
Hello,
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 allI 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
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My husband and I are Canadian Muslims and he passed away in the UAE. How to open an inheritance case? 0
Hi there,
My husband and I are Muslims. My husband passed away recently.
We have a Canadian will, but I understand that it won’t be honored as I am named the sole beneficiary, and that does not align with Sharia laws in the UAE. He was not a UAE resident but had a small apartment with no Will in the UAE.
We have 3 children. I am planning to go to Dubai to start an inheritance case. I don’t know the exact order of events and what needs to be done first.
1) Do I initiate anything from overseas before making travel plans to Dubai, or do I start once I arrive in Dubai?
Mind you, we cannot afford to stay in Dubai for too long, as the kids have school.
2) Do I need a lawyer, or can this be done by myself?
3) I understand all foreign documents need to be authenticated before presenting them to the court. But I don’t know at what stage I would need these documents authenticated.
I would appreciate it if you could provide a breakdown of the steps, the forms that are needed, and where I can find them.
Thank you
Mar 27, 2025
60
The tenant refuses to give rental cheques to the agent or pay the renewal fee as per the contract. What to do? 0
The tenant refuses to give rental cheques to the agent or pay the renewal fee specified in the contract. He is forcing the landlord to directly renew the agreement without any agent in between, and the landlord is uncomfortable dealing with him directly.
The tenant submitted a renewal contract in RDC with an offer and deposit case with modified terms and conditions, and removed the addendum, which is an integral part of the existing contract.
Parallelly, he submitted an Ejari request to the landlord for approval. The landlord rejected his offer and deposit request at the RDC portal due to non-compliance with the existing contract.
Accordingly, his Ejari request was also rejected. Since then, the tenant has not approached the landlord for renewal. The landlord is willing to renew the contract without any change in the existing contract and addendum.
How can the landlord secure the renewal cheques and conclude the contract?
Can he ask the tenant to vacate the apartment?
Please advise
Mar 25, 2025
69
Bought a tenanted property, but the tenant vanished. What legal action can I take? 0
Hello,
I bought a property that was tenanted. However, the tenant absconded and claims he handed it over to the previous owner. I was never informed of this by either the tenant or the landlord.
The landlord’s failure to hand over the property has caused us significant issues. We also purchased the house for its good rental yield, and it feels like some kind of scam.
What legal actions can we pursue?
Feb 28, 2025
76
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
84
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