Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allCan the landlord increase my current office contract by 19%?



2
Q: My landlord sent me an email to renew the current office contract with a 19% rent increase.
Our office is in Business Bay and he mentioned in the email that the price is still reasonable knowing that the offices in the same building with the same area size are more expensive.
My question: Is that legal to increase the rent by more than 10%?




Jun 13, 2023
160
Can a landlord increase rent above RERA limits using DLD valuation?



2
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
My landlord in Dubai wants to increase my rent by an amount that is double the permitted increase by the RERA index (10%). I have insisted on capping the increase at the RERA index amount (5%).
The landlord is threatening to request a Dubai Land Department (DLD) valuation, which he says will override the RERA index amount and likely result in a much higher increase (he says up to 40%).
This is because my rent is generally low for the market. Can the DLD valuation really override the increase that is permitted by RERA?




Jun 6, 2023
675
Agreed on rent with previous management; can new management demand increase?




2
Q: Dear lawyers,
I am a tenant in Dubai. My current contract will expire on 24-01-25. The real estate agent gave me the renewal paper on October 15 with a 5% increase in rent, as per the RERA index, which I accepted.
However, after a few days, the building management changed, and the new real estate team sent me a new contract on November 12 with more than a 10% rent increase (less than 90 days before the contract expires).
When I inquired with them, they told me that they are the new management, and I have to follow their instructions or vacate the flat. Otherwise, they will send an evacuation notice. What can I do?





+3
Nov 22, 2024
51
Legal blog
1 available 1 • 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
3932
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
24947
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. (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

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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.
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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.
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What to do with his 25% share, please?
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I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work. What documents do I need to carry? 0
I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work.
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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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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
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View allMy friend’s storage burnt down in Dubai. What should he do? 0
Hello,
My friend has just come back from traveling to find his storage space burnt down in Dubai.
He is a photographer and musician with high-value items.
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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؟
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I have a civil case in Dubai. Will my visa processing be affected? 0
Hi,
I have a civil case in Dubai. Will this result in my visa being rejected? Will my visa processing be affected?
Mar 28, 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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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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Hello,
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I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work. What documents do I need to carry? 0
I got a work permit and entry from a Dubai employer for work.
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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
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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.
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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 allHow can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
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Apr 4, 2025
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During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? 0
Hello,
During the notice period, is an employee allowed to take sick leave? If not, can the employer deduct the sick leave from the employee’s end-of-service benefits?
Additionally, what is the legal basis for this? Specifically, which law or ministerial decision governs this matter?
Apr 4, 2025
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I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency and it was canceled two days before Eid. What to do? 0
I booked a hotel stay for Eid through a travel agency two weeks before Eid. The travel agency confirmed the booking on payment.
One day before Eid, the agency reached out, saying they had an issue with the supplier/hotel and the booking would be cancelled.
They offered alternative hotels that didn’t match the original property. I suggested some properties, and they couldn’t arrange them, or they asked for further payment, so I didn’t book anything through them.
What are my rights to a refund and compensation, as I had to book other arrangements separately at a significantly higher cost due to the last-minute prices?
It also caused significant emotional distress, less than 24 hours before the holiday. To which authority can a complaint be made in case of an unsatisfactory outcome?
Both the agency and the hotel are in Dubai.
Apr 4, 2025
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If 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.
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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?
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I was stopped at the airport because of that.
Apr 7, 2025
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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.
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Apr 4, 2025
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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.
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Apr 4, 2025
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How does the trademark registration of a new trademark in the UAE work? 0
How does the trademark registration of a new trademark in the UAE work?
Apr 9, 2025
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How can I enter the UAE again if I left on an outpass due to the employer fleeing the country? 0
Dear lawyer
I seek help on whether I can return to the UAE or not. I exited the UAE on an outpass due to overstaying. I have been patient for more than 7 months.
I was advised that I am able to return to the UAE. The process was successful, and I traveled to the UAE, but I was denied entry to the UAE at immigration. Why?
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Apr 3, 2025
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An off-plan developer is requesting future cheques for payment installments. Is this normal? 0
An off-plan developer is requesting future cheques for paying installments.
Is this normal?
Mar 24, 2025
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View allI 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
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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
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Tenant damaged property, deposit insufficient; how to claim compensation? 0
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?
Mar 7, 2025
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What can I do if I have a criminal case and travel ban against me for a traffic violation? 0
While driving I swerved at the vehicle next to me as I was distracted by looking at Google Maps and the other driver asked me to stop by the curb.
Our routes were different and the other guy took a right turn from the roundabout and I went straight.
This other driver filed a police complaint and now I have a criminal case against me with a travel ban.
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Mar 13, 2025
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View allCan I file a case against a bank for sharing private info with all staff for my credit card application? 0
I have applied for a credit card with a well-known bank here in Dubai.
During the verification course from the bank, they sent my salary certificate to our company's info at an email address to which half of the staff have access.
I have been told by several members of my staff, that they received this email. I am the Deputy CEO of the company and obviously, this is not a light matter.
I have contacted the bank and they have offered me vouchers for AED 1000 and then 2000 but I want to press charges for a serious offence and go for punitive damage.
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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
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Mar 17, 2025
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How can I obtain the new Ejari as proof if the owner re-rents the property? 0
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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Can I sign a new contract for my property if the previous buyer not arrange funds? 0
Hello,
I signed a Contract F, but the buyer could not arrange funds within 30 days.
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Hired from abroad but fired without proper tools or training. What are my options? 0
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.
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Mar 11, 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
84
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
Hello,
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 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
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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؟
Mar 26, 2025
114
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
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