Q: I want to file a case against my previous landlord as I found out after a while (7 months) after I moved out that they evicted me to rent the apartment with a higher rent. I was checking the type of cases that I can open in RDC (Mediation, first instance, appeal, enforcement) and couldn't know which one to use, any advice? Also, is a screenshot from Bayut and the title deed enough as evidence? I verified the title deed on Dubai Land and the owner is still the same and just found out that the apartment was rented on Bayut with higher rent after I left.

Q: Dear Lawyers, What are my rights in terms of eviction? My landlord tried to increase my rent by 20% (per the RERA system, they were entitled to zero increase). We offered inflation as a response (all done via email). After they accused us of being cheap and we reminded them that the system indicated no increase was applicable, they issued us an eviction notice for "family use." We have since moved out, but now they are saying they will be selling the property and are providing us with a long list of maintenance items they want to withhold from the deposit (replacing water heaters, roof tiles, wheels on sliding doors), all of which were functioning properly during the nearly 3 years we lived in the house. We suspect that now we are out, they will refuse to refund the deposit and will rent the house out again. I have heard you can block the registration of a new Ejari for rental. What is the process for this, and do I have any other rights based on the above situation? Thanks!

Q: Hello, I have the impression that my owner will send me an eviction notice of 12 months if I do not accept to pay the rent increase he is asking for. The rent increase is not allowed as the rental index is less than what I am currently paying. In that case, it means I will need to move from the flat in 12 months. Is it right? In this case, he cannot re-rent his flat within 2 years, right? Many thanks!

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 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.

Legal notices are a key requirement under Dubai’s Tenancy Law to regulate landlord-tenant relationships and ensure fair warning before termination or legal action. These notices, whether judicial or ordinary, serve to inform the other party of breaches, non-renewal, or eviction. Dubai’s tenancy regulations clearly outline when notice is required, the proper form and method, and the consequences of failing to comply, all supported by legal provisions and judicial precedents.

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 determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.