Q: Dear Sir, We have a tenancy contract from January this year for a villa in Springs. The rent was to be paid in 2 cheques, out of which we have paid one and the 2nd cheque was dishonoured due to financial trouble. My husband is currently in custody for some bank related case and my son is on his own at the house. The landlord sent us 30 days' notice through notary that expired yesterday. Can the landlord evict us from the property because we are not in a situation to pay till my husband is out of the legal trouble? We have applied for his bail but the landlord is not ready to cooperate. What is the process for them to get the house evicted because our intention is to pay them but we need some time? Can you guide us, please? The problem is every other day the landlord comes and harasses my son by knocking on the door and calling every day.

Q: Good day, I have one pending rent payment. Since I lost my job, I haven't been able to pay my last rent, which will be 15 days overdue on November 15. Does my landlord have the right to evict us immediately without proper notice and to say they will file a case that I will have to pay for? Please advise!

Q: Hi, I have leased out a shop in Dubai, but due to huge financial losses and my husband's job loss, I can't afford to pay the rent. Meanwhile, my landlord has filed a case for eviction and payment of rent. Right now, my condition is getting better as my husband has got a job and is ready to pay the rent in installments. Can I pay in installments and hold the shop even if the judgment goes against me?

Q: Hi, I have a question regarding an enforcement case at RDC. I transferred money from my home country to my local bank to be able to pay for the amount that was due on me in the enforcement RDC case. This amount will arrive tomorrow. In the meantime, yesterday was decided by RDC to start an inquiry about my bank balance and to seize it if there is a balance. My question is: How much time is there between this decision to seize my bank balance and this taking effect? Is it taking a few days? I’m asking as the money I need for the payment of my dues is on the way to my local UAE account. Please advise what is the time between the court decision as above and my bank account effectively being seized. Is this a process of days? Thank you

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.