Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allMoved into a new apartment with incomplete maintenance and Tawtheeq. What to do?




1
Q: Hello,
We recently moved into a new apartment on the first of this month. Upon arrival, we discovered that maintenance had not been completed, and the Tawtheeq had not been changed to our name.
When we inquired with the agent, they explained that the previous tenant's contract did not end until the 8th of this month, and they had not terminated the contract.
As a result, we are currently without power, water, and unable to register for AC. We are concerned about potential liability, as it seems we may have moved in illegally before the previous tenant's contract ended.
What should we do in this situation, and are we liable for anything regarding our move-in? Our contract states it begins on the 31st of May, and we have paid all fees to the agent and owner.





+2
Jun 4, 2024
121
What to do if the tenant refuses to vacate despite of two months eviction notice before contract expiry?

1
Q: Hello,
I'm a landlord looking to evict my tenant by the end of the contract. I've already sent him a 68-day lease non-renewal notice via email, which he acknowledged.
However, he's now claiming the notice is too short and he doesn't want to vacate (Abu Dhabi).
Do I have a case for court, and if it goes to the Rental Dispute Office, how long does the eviction process typically take and when can I file a case?
The tenant has been in the property for the past 5 years, but I failed to complete the Tawtheeq for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.
I initiated the Tawtheeq request in 2022, but the tenant never completed acceptance from his side, so now it's pending in TAMM and blocking any new requests.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Location: Abu Dhabi.
Thank you


May 10, 2024
431
Scammed by a real estate agent: Flat occupied. How to file a complaint?



3
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I was cheated by a real estate agent in Abu Dhabi. I paid him 12,500 AED in advance to book a 1BKH. After the payment, the agent asked me to come back after 2 days for the Tawtheeq process, but he kept postponing.
As a result, I went to the flat, and to my surprise, someone was already living there. After that, when I tried to contact the agent, he did not respond.
Can you please advise me on whom to contact and what the procedure is for filing a complaint?




Dec 27, 2023
732
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
3919
Laws & Regulations
1 available 1 • View allFederal 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
148341

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297 297 answers •
View allI lost in online crypto scam. Is there any proper agency that can help me recover the money? 0
I lost approx. 22000 USDT in an online crypto scam. I made a complaint to the Umm Al Quwain police station.
However, they said they cannot recover the money.
Is there any proper agency that can help me recover the money?
Apr 11, 2025
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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
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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My 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.
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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3180 3180 answers •
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.
Thank you for your time!
Apr 11, 2025
62
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?
Apr 10, 2025
57
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
42
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
90
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 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?
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
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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?
Please advise.
Thanks
Apr 7, 2025
126
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?
Apr 7, 2025
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367 367 answers •
View allI was evicted from my apartment to be sold but it was gifted and rented at a higher price. What can I do? 0
I was evicted from my apartment after living there for five years. My landlord informed me a year in advance that the lease would not be renewed because he intended to sell the property.
Prior to this, he attempted to impose a rent increase that was not compliant with RERA regulations, which I refused to accept. He then served me with an official Dubai Court eviction notice, citing the need to take back the property for sale.
Five months after I moved out, I discovered the property was rented out at a much higher price. Upon further investigation, I found that the ownership was transferred as a "Gift" rather than a sale.
This makes it seem like the eviction was only to raise the rent rather than a genuine need to sell.
Do I have a valid case for wrongful eviction against my landlord?
Also, under Dubai law, does transferring ownership as a "Gift" hold the same legal grounds as selling in justifying eviction?
Dec 18, 2024
85
What to do if you get terminated and denied gratuity for a minor mistake? 0
My brother has been working for a company for 11 years. In the last 3 weeks, he had an incident/accident and scratched a plane since he only had 1 person to assist him as the company was not hiring enough people.
Senior staff like him are working more to train inexperienced new hires which adds to their workload working almost 12 hours/day including travel to DWC.
The pilot said it was aesthetic and could be painted over but a police investigation ensued. Last week 3 managers and HR talked him down as the investigation concluded.
He was terminated immediately with only this month's pay and his 11-year gratuity will not be given by the company. It was not gross negligence or malicious intent, he just didn’t have enough people to help him.
He owned up to the mistake and reported the incident within 24 hours. Can he fight for the gratuity?
Jan 13, 2025
83
How can a person under a deportation grant a POA to a trusted person for managing his assets? 0
A person currently under a deportation order wishes to appoint a trusted person with Power of Attorney (POA) to manage their financial and legal matters, including access to their bank account and other obligations.
What is the process for obtaining and registering a POA in this situation?
Can it be done while they are still in custody, and what steps should they follow to ensure?
Please help.
Jan 14, 2025
84
Does it matter whether the cheque was issued to an individual or a company? 0
Hello,
What legal recourse is available in the UAE for a cheque bounce?
Does it matter whether the cheque was issued to an individual or a company?
Does the value of the cheque affect the legal action or process?
Jan 6, 2025
86
Is sabbatical leave mandatory for a UAE national working in a private company? 0
Hello,
Is sabbatical leave mandatory for a UAE national working in a private company? If yes, how many days?
Thank you!
Dec 30, 2024
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1543 1543 answers •
View allHow 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
69
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?
Apr 10, 2025
57
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time? 0
Hello,
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time?
Apr 10, 2025
53
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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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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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.
Thank you for your time!
Apr 11, 2025
62
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
63
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
90
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
51
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
64

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546 546 answers •
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
53
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
69
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
42
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
63
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
90

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686 686 answers •
View allCan I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time? 0
Hello,
Can I stay home if my boss doesn’t pay my salary on time?
Apr 10, 2025
53
Can I resign while my new visa is being processed before my first contract ends? 0
Hello,
I am currently working with my company and have one month remaining to complete my first contract.
However, my new visa is set to be processed in a month. Can I resign during this process?
What will happen if I resign at the end of my first contract before receiving the new visa while it is still in process?
Mar 27, 2025
78
My husband is taking a loan to get married again while my daughter and I live in a shared accommodation. What are my rights? 0
My husband has a girlfriend/fiancée. He is Muslim now, but when we got married, we were both Christians. So I know that he will not have another wife because it's not allowed in our country and religion.
Do I have the right to tell him that it's illegal?
Also, we have loans here and in our country, and he wants to get a loan just to marry his girlfriend and find a flat for her. While my daughter and I only live in a room with shared tenants.
What are my rights?
Thank you so much!
Apr 8, 2025
93
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.
Please advise if you know.
Apr 4, 2025
138
Paid 10% for a Dubai freehold flat but can't proceed. Can I get a refund without signing the SPA? 0
Hello,
I purchased a freehold flat in Dubai and paid an initial 10% while signing the reservation agreement. However, due to financial issues, I am unable to proceed with the next payments.
My question is: Can the developer refund my funds? The 10% payment was made to the developer’s escrow account, but I haven’t signed the SPA yet.
I requested a refund from both the developer and the property agent, but they declined, stating that the money could not be refunded. Is there any way to recover my funds?
Mar 26, 2025
65
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