Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
4 available 4 • View allUnder what conditions can a landlord withhold the security deposit at the end of a lease?




1
Q: Hello,
Under what conditions can a landlord withhold the security deposit at the end of a lease?





Jan 16, 2025
188
Is it the responsibility of the owner or building management to fix leaking damages in new apartment?




1
Q: I own an apartment in Dubai which I rent out. The apartment below has reported water damage, and now the building management company is holding me responsible, asking me to fix both the leak and the damage to the unit below.
I disagree with this for two main reasons:
1. The management company did not act quickly to stop the leak, and both my tenant and I were out of the country at the time. Had they intervened sooner, the damage could have been minimized.
2. I believe the leak may be due to construction defects or poor materials used by the developer. The building is less than three years old, and I bought the apartment directly from the developer.
I don't see how any of this is my or my tenant's fault.
I need legal advice on how to challenge this claim and understand my rights. Please let me know if you can help.





+2
Jan 30, 2025
150
How can I oblige the landlord and building management to do maintenance for leakage?

2
Q: What are my options to take legal action against my apartment building for not fixing the constant issues that I am facing in my bathroom?
For over 2 months now, I have been fighting with them to get more hot water and to stop leaks in my bathroom that are caused by a bad water heater.
The building management has not been able to fix these issues and is now telling me to find my own technician and pay for another water heater. I know this is illegal.
Please help!


Mar 5, 2023
486
Tenant damaged property, deposit insufficient; how to claim compensation?




1
Q: Hello,
A tenant damaged the property I recently purchased upon their eviction, and the security deposit does not cover all of the damages.
I would like to know how I can take action against the tenant. Does any proof need to be submitted? If yes, what proofs are required since I bought an already tenanted property?
What is the timeframe and process to seek compensation for the damages?





+3
Mar 7, 2025
112
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
4006
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
21460
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • 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
25115
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
13291
Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 On the Civil Transactions Law of the United Arab Emirates 96
The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.
Dec 15, 1985
148621

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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
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Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
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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
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Can I exit the country after being notified by ADJD of a civil claim against me? 0
I was notified by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department that a civil claim had been filed against me. I’m ignoring it.
Can I just run away and exit the country easily?
I guess no travel ban has been imposed against me yet.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025
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How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
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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
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Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
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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
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How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
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Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired? 0
Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.
May 19, 2025
20

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Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
10
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
17
Am I required to replace an old fridge owned by the landlord if it can't be repaired? 0
Hello,
My rental here in Dubai comes with a fridge and cooker. I believe these to be at least 10 years old. The fridge has now stopped working and requires a part to be replaced.
This comes at a cost of 540 AED, which is over the agreed amount that I am responsible for. My Ejari comes with an extra addendum provided by the landlord, which states:
1. The landlord is responsible for major maintenance of the apartment (namely structural, electrical, and plumbing) exceeding 500 AED + 5% VAT. The tenant is responsible for any minor maintenance as needed as a result of wear and tear.
2. The property is leased with the following assets (fridge and cooker) owned by the landlord in working condition and should be returned in the same condition. Any maintenance required is the tenant’s responsibility.
My question is:
If I'm unable to fix this fridge, do I have to provide a new one? The company looking to repair the fridge is having an issue finding the part needed, as it is old.
May 19, 2025
20
How to clear name and go back if you left the UAE with an unpaid personal loan? 0
My brother had a personal loan of 300k.
He lost his job, and the company terminated him, and his visa was cancelled, so he moved back home in 2015. He is trying to find a job back in the UAE.
Is there any way to get him cleaned, paying the court fine?
The bank he had a loan with has been merged with other groups, and he doesn't know who to contact.
Repayment is impossible without a job, and finding a job at the age of 50 is not an easy task.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks
May 19, 2025
15
What can I do if I cleared the travel ban at the police station but it still cannot get a clearance certificate? 0
I had a case at Al Barsha Police Station, Dubai, for one year.
On 22 April, the court announced a verdict and imposed a fine of AED 5000, which I paid on the very next day and got the certificate from DPP, which I took to the Al Barsha Police station and submitted there.
The police officer told me that they have removed the travel ban, and the records will be updated in other emirates within 24 hours.
It's been more than 48 hours now since I applied for a clearance certificate on the MOI app, and it has turned into status "review with the concerned party."
I don't have any other cases, only this case, for which I paid the penalty already.
Seeking expert advice, please.
May 16, 2025
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Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
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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
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How can I cancel my partner visa without the sponsor in Dubai? 0
Hello,
How can I cancel my partner visa without the sponsor in Dubai?
May 19, 2025
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Can my parents take legal action if I move out without their consent while under my father’s sponsorship? 0
Hello,
I'm 23, female, Pakistani, under my dad's sponsorship on a residence visa for the next 2 years.
During these 2 years, I hope to leave my house, but my abusive parents would raise hell if I even brought up the topic. So my only option is to leave without them knowing.
My concern is: what legal action can they take against me if I move out without their approval?
I don’t want to do anything illegal or risk my residency.
May 16, 2025
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Why was my first UAE employment visa rejected if there’s no travel history? 0
Hi,
My employment visa was rejected without any reason stated. I contacted MOHRE, and they said it was rejected by ICP Abu Dhabi. I have never been to the UAE or any other country.
This is my first visa application. I am from Pakistan, and I heard there is a shadow ban on some cities in Pakistan.
I contacted ICP, but they said there is no ban on any nationality.
May 16, 2025
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I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
89
Does a cheque bounce effect my AECB score ? Is there a policy for this? 0
Does a cheque bounce affect my AECB score?
Is there a policy for this?
Mar 20, 2025
154
I lost the appeal filed by my landlord. What can I do if he illegally keeps my last cheque and deposit? 0
I got RDSC judgment in my favor awarding termination of my lease from May 2024 to May 2025. The landlord made an appeal and lied about my request for termination on 4 December.
My lawyer didn't give any response so the landlord won the appeal. Recently, the Landlord asked for the keys back and said I have overstayed since 4 Dec for not returning the key.
He said he could cash my last rent cheque and wouldn't return the deposit. I gave him my friend's address and said to pick up the key from there but to return my deposit and last rent cheque but he does not agree.
He wants to keep the deposit.
Mar 24, 2025
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What are the wife's rights after Tafreeq (separation)? Does it lead to divorce? 0
Salam Alaykum
What are the wife's rights after Tafreeq (separation)?
Does it lead to divorce?
Thank you for the answer in advance.
Mar 17, 2025
91
In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay, on the RDC app or directly to the landlord? 0
Hi
In an RDC enforcement case, what is the best way to pay?
1. On the RDC app or directly to the landlord?
2. I will pay today 1/3 of the outstanding, can I apply for a payment plan and how shall I do this?
Please advise.
Also, what will it cost me to get assistance in this process?
Thank you
Mar 17, 2025
149

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Can I file a case against a friend for privacy breach if he claimed I scolded him for his act? 0
On Jan 2, 2025, one of my close friends did a privacy breach and recorded me and my van in some specific place.
On Feb 5, when I called and asked him why he did this to me, he went and gave a complaint that I scolded him and threatened him.
The same case was later closed by the PP when we negotiated outside the station and apologized.
At this juncture, can I file a privacy breach case against him, which happened on Jan 2, 2025, and on Feb 5 I scolded him only for the privacy breach that happened on Jan 2?
Mar 18, 2025
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How should I reply to the legal notice sent by the landlord on email and stuck at the door of my villa? 0
I received a legal notice from my landlord and wanted to know how to answer it.
Shall I answer it myself?
Also, he sent this notice via email and also put it on the door of the villa, is this acceptable?
Thanks.
Mar 17, 2025
113
How can I obtain the new Ejari as proof if the owner re-rents the property? 1
Good afternoon,
Ramadan Kareem!
The owner of the property I’m renting has sent me an eviction notice so he can sell the property. According to the notice, I am required to leave. My questions are:
1. If the owner rents the property again, how can I obtain the new Ejari as proof that the property has been rented?
2. Do I have the right to ask for compensation? On what basis is compensation determined?
3. I currently have a signed tenancy contract with the owner. Do I need an Ejari to raise a case?
Thank you!
Wish you a great day ahead.
Mar 13, 2025
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Hired from abroad but fired without proper tools or training. What are my options? 1
Hello,
They hired me from London and, within a month or two, are considering firing me even though they haven’t provided the tools or training needed for the job.
Do I have legal grounds to sue if I am let go?
Mar 11, 2025
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Can I sign a new contract for my property if the previous buyer not arrange funds? 1
Hello,
I signed a Contract F, but the buyer could not arrange funds within 30 days.
Now, I have a new buyer, but the broker says I cannot sign another Contract F for 15 more days under DLD law and cannot sell the property during this period. Is this true?
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Can a DTC holiday home permit be used as proof that my landlord re-rented the property after evicting me? 1
Hello,
My landlord vacated the property with 12 months' notice, stating he would live there himself.
However, he started renting the property through the holiday homes system.
Is a permit issued by the DTC for a holiday home valid proof to prove that he is renting and to claim compensation?
Mar 18, 2025
79
I have video recording of my husband beating me. Can I show this in the child custody hearing? 0
I have a video recording of my husband beating me in our garden.
Can I show this in the child custody hearing?
It was filmed with my phone camera
Mar 19, 2025
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We won the case with the RDC to evict the tenant. What happens after waiting the cooling period? 0
We won the case with the RDC that the tenant has to evict the property. We are told there is a cooling period before they say the date he has to leave.
How long is the cooling period he can appeal and then what happens next if he appeals and if he doesn't?
He was served the one-year notice and then refused to leave, hence the case we raised with RDC and won.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2025
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Can a free zone visa holder work remotely across the UAE while visiting the company weekly? 1
Hello,
Is it legally permissible for an employee holding a Fujairah free zone visa with a job role in sales and marketing to primarily work remotely from various locations, including Dubai, while visiting the Fujairah-based company once a week?
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Mar 19, 2025
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What are the working hour regulations for nursing mothers in the UAE during Ramadan? 1
Hello lawyers,
Could you please clarify the regulations regarding working hours for nursing/breastfeeding mothers in the UAE during Ramadan?
How many hours are they entitled to?
Mar 20, 2025
138

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Other answers by
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
12
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield? 0
Hello,
Will a non-compete clause be included in a third-party employment contract in the oilfield?
In what kinds of fields are employers required to enforce this clause? If there is a clause in the contract, what are the solutions to overcome it?
If the employer demands a huge penalty to avoid any legal mess regarding this, do I need to pay the amount?
May 20, 2025
10
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
17
Am I entitled to take 15 days' leave immediately after my probation period ends? 0
Hello,
I want to apply for 15 days' leave to visit my family immediately after my probation period ends. Is this legal as per UAE labor law?
Thanks in advance for educating me!
May 19, 2025
17
How can I avoid liability for a car my boss transferred to me without full payment? 0
Hello,
My boss transferred a car to my name. Unknown to me, the car was not fully paid before the transfer. Eight months later, the seller called me because my boss was unreachable.
The seller threatened to take me to court because my boss didn’t pay the full amount.
How do I get out of this?
May 19, 2025
20
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