Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allI recently bought a house, and the tenant abandoned it without notice. What should I do?




1
Q: Hello,
I recently bought a house. In the sale contract, it was mentioned that the house was rented; however, upon the sale, the owner had returned the deposit to the tenant, and the tenant had abandoned the property without informing me.
When I checked with the owner, he said he returned the deposit to the tenant so the tenant could pay it to me and start a new tenancy contract.
I would like to know the following:
1. Is the tenant or the landlord at fault?
2. How can I pursue legal action against the landlord if he is liable?
3. What are the total fees (including all legal expenses) to pursue litigation?
Thank you!





+3
Nov 13, 2024
90
Is new landlord liable for the refund of a security deposit to the tenant?
2
Q: Please see the information given below and let me know who should pay this security deposit to the tenant and what will be the new landlord role here.
1. In August, 2016, I purchased a property in Gate Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, where the tenant stayed.
2. His contract was until Feb 2017, so instead of returning the balance amount of rental charge, I requested the previous owner to deduct that amount.
3. After signing the contract, I received the contract between the previous owner and tenant and realized that there was a deposit AED 4,750.
4. I did not know about this deposit and transferring deposit was not even mentioned in the contract. Furthermore, the deposit agreement was between previous owner and tenant.
5. Now, the tenant wants to receive the deposit.
Please let me know whether I as a new landlord have to return this deposit or the tenant has to collect the deposit from the previous owner since they made an agreement of deposit.

Jul 8, 2017
855
Who receives the security deposit during the property sale, the tenant or the new owner?




2
Q: Dear Lawyers,
During the sale of the property, to whom is the security deposit returned? The tenant or the new owner?





+3
Oct 9, 2024
163
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
4034
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
21535
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allLaw 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
24455
Decree No. (26) of 2013 Concerning the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre in the Emirate of Dubai 0
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.
Sep 18, 2013
7357
Law 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
25277

Premium
Other answers by
My husband has a mental disorder and cannot support us. What are our options? 0
Hello,
If my husband has a mental disorder and cannot provide financially for me and my son, what can we do in this situation?
Although his family is financially capable of helping, they are not supporting him. He cannot afford housing either. They are not contributing to his medical care or any of his expenses.
I can manage my own and my son's expenses, but it's difficult to cover my husband's as well. Is there any law that can make his family responsible for paying his expenses and medical care?
Jul 8, 2025
10
What legal action can the bank take in the UAE in case of loan default due to job loss? 0
My friend has a loan of AED 300,000 with a security cheque of 500k and lost his job 12 months ago. He managed to pay for the first 6 months but has missed payments for the last 5 months, amounting to 50k++, except for AED 1,000 paid last month.
Today, the bank gave him a 13-day notice to pay at least one installment or face legal action and possible detention. He is still unemployed and unable to continue regular payments, even if he pays this month.
We need legal advice on:
1) What legal action can the bank take in the UAE in case of loan default due to job loss?
2) Whether detention is possible, especially if a security cheque was involved;
3) Available legal protections, such as restructuring, mediation, or bankruptcy;
4) How to avoid legal escalation while he is unemployed.
Please advise urgently on possible options and next steps to avoid arrest or further consequences.
Thank you.
Jul 7, 2025
39
I had pending bank loans and credit card dues. If I apply for a visit visa from outside, will it get approved? 0
I had pending bank loans and credit card dues, and I am outside the UAE.
Surely there will be a police case and also a travel ban.
Under these circumstances, if I apply for a visit visa from outside, will it get approved?
Jul 7, 2025
30
Can somebody hire me and then fire me before I finish my probation period? 0
I'm a chef living in Dubai, UAE. I got a visa and work permit from another company, but I started working as a private chef for a UHNW individual at his home.
I have worked there for 2 months and 21 days, and I got paid for that, but after that time, they fired me without any notice or reason.
What does the labor law say?
Am I entitled to 3 months' pay or not?
They didn't even give me a termination letter; they just told me that verbally, and I don't have a visa or work permit with them.
Jul 8, 2025
7
Is it possible to cancel the visa application if I have not signed the labor contract? 0
Dear Sir,
I am on a visit visa, searching for a job. I signed an offer letter, but fortunately, I received another offer from a different company, which is better than the previous one.
Now, the first company has applied for my labor contract and visa without me signing any documents. However, I do not want to join that company.
Please advise what I should do.
Jul 7, 2025
12

Premium
Other answers by
Why is my bank account frozen for a case in another bank? 0
Hello,
"A hold has been placed on a portion of the funds available in your account due to a hold applied for an Ajman court case. Kindly visit your branch or call."
I received the above message from the bank, although the cheque bounce case is with another bank, but they have held funds in my account.
Jul 2, 2025
38
My husband has a mental disorder and cannot support us. What are our options? 0
Hello,
If my husband has a mental disorder and cannot provide financially for me and my son, what can we do in this situation?
Although his family is financially capable of helping, they are not supporting him. He cannot afford housing either. They are not contributing to his medical care or any of his expenses.
I can manage my own and my son's expenses, but it's difficult to cover my husband's as well. Is there any law that can make his family responsible for paying his expenses and medical care?
Jul 8, 2025
10
Can somebody hire me and then fire me before I finish my probation period? 0
I'm a chef living in Dubai, UAE. I got a visa and work permit from another company, but I started working as a private chef for a UHNW individual at his home.
I have worked there for 2 months and 21 days, and I got paid for that, but after that time, they fired me without any notice or reason.
What does the labor law say?
Am I entitled to 3 months' pay or not?
They didn't even give me a termination letter; they just told me that verbally, and I don't have a visa or work permit with them.
Jul 8, 2025
7
Are employers required to pay redundancy compensation for terminations due to restructuring? 0
Hello,
A company with entities and employees in the UAE (specifically in Dubai Mainland and JAFZA) terminates employees due to company restructuring initiated for business convenience, and not due to insolvency, financial distress, or bankruptcy.
I understand that, under UAE labour law, the following payments are typically due:
- End-of-service gratuity (in accordance with UAE Labour Law and/or JAFZA regulations);
- Payment for any accrued but unused leave;
- Compensation for the notice period, if waived; and
- Any outstanding contractual entitlements or dues.
The main question is as follows:
In the context of restructuring-based terminations, is there any legal obligation, or prevailing legal or customary practice, to pay a separate “redundancy payment” or severance beyond the items listed above?
I would appreciate it if you could clarify this with reference to applicable UAE Labour Law, Executive Regulations, Ministerial Resolutions, and JAFZA-specific employment regulations, where relevant.
Jul 7, 2025
17
Can we file a criminal case and civil case if our customer paid in cheques and cheated us? 0
I want to take advice from a law firm for debt collection.
A customer of ours has misguided us and cheated us by giving us cheques and now not paying.
I would like to know if a criminal case can be filed apart from a civil case.
Jul 2, 2025
20

Premium
Other answers by
How can I take legal action if my husband is cheating on me in the UAE? 0
Hello,
We’re married under the Hindu Marriage Act in India. My husband has been cheating on me for, as far as I know, four years. After repeated reconciliation attempts from my end and therapy sessions for us both, he just fooled me into believing he was trying.
After a physical fight between us around two weeks ago, he decided not to come back, and despite repeated attempts from my side to request a meeting to talk, he has refused.
His parents know about this and are supporting him. While he is away, he continues to bring women back to his room while we’re still legally married.
What are my rights here in the UAE? Can this be reported? If yes, how?
Jul 8, 2025
7
My husband has a mental disorder and cannot support us. What are our options? 0
Hello,
If my husband has a mental disorder and cannot provide financially for me and my son, what can we do in this situation?
Although his family is financially capable of helping, they are not supporting him. He cannot afford housing either. They are not contributing to his medical care or any of his expenses.
I can manage my own and my son's expenses, but it's difficult to cover my husband's as well. Is there any law that can make his family responsible for paying his expenses and medical care?
Jul 8, 2025
10
What are my options if my family is abusive and I’m an 18-year-old female with no support? 0
Hello,
Abusive family members, parents and brother, with nowhere to go. Female, 18 years old. I need help. My parents physically abused me, and my mother almost killed me two years ago during a psychotic episode that was their fault.
I didn’t have mental issues growing up, but my mother spiritually abused me and brainwashed me with her ideas, while my father enabled her.
I couldn't choose what to eat, what to wear, or where to go, etc. My brother moved in later, and now they all gang up on me and verbally abuse me. He has so much more freedom than I do, as they favor him.
I can’t stay here. I'm at my breaking point.
Jul 8, 2025
11
Can somebody hire me and then fire me before I finish my probation period? 0
I'm a chef living in Dubai, UAE. I got a visa and work permit from another company, but I started working as a private chef for a UHNW individual at his home.
I have worked there for 2 months and 21 days, and I got paid for that, but after that time, they fired me without any notice or reason.
What does the labor law say?
Am I entitled to 3 months' pay or not?
They didn't even give me a termination letter; they just told me that verbally, and I don't have a visa or work permit with them.
Jul 8, 2025
7
Is it possible to cancel the visa application if I have not signed the labor contract? 0
Dear Sir,
I am on a visit visa, searching for a job. I signed an offer letter, but fortunately, I received another offer from a different company, which is better than the previous one.
Now, the first company has applied for my labor contract and visa without me signing any documents. However, I do not want to join that company.
Please advise what I should do.
Jul 7, 2025
12

Premium
Other answers by
My husband has a mental disorder and cannot support us. What are our options? 0
Hello,
If my husband has a mental disorder and cannot provide financially for me and my son, what can we do in this situation?
Although his family is financially capable of helping, they are not supporting him. He cannot afford housing either. They are not contributing to his medical care or any of his expenses.
I can manage my own and my son's expenses, but it's difficult to cover my husband's as well. Is there any law that can make his family responsible for paying his expenses and medical care?
Jul 8, 2025
10
Can somebody hire me and then fire me before I finish my probation period? 0
I'm a chef living in Dubai, UAE. I got a visa and work permit from another company, but I started working as a private chef for a UHNW individual at his home.
I have worked there for 2 months and 21 days, and I got paid for that, but after that time, they fired me without any notice or reason.
What does the labor law say?
Am I entitled to 3 months' pay or not?
They didn't even give me a termination letter; they just told me that verbally, and I don't have a visa or work permit with them.
Jul 8, 2025
7
Can I evict a tenant and refuse renewal if rent has not been paid in full? 0
Hello,
I am a landlord. The tenant failed to pay the rent in one full payment as per the contract.
So far, 3 months remain until the expiry date of the contract, and the payment is still pending.
Do I have the right to evict the tenant from the apartment and refuse to renew the tenancy contract?
Jul 7, 2025
20
If I have no loan, credit card, or any other liability against a bank, where is my EOSB sent by my company? 0
If I have no loan, credit card, or any other liability against a bank, where is my EOSB sent by my company?
Can that bank block my account and stop me from withdrawing that money?
Jun 26, 2025
44
Why my status remains "wanted" in CID headquarters after being acquitted in the misdemeanor court? 0
Once someone has been acquitted in the misdemeanor court, then why is it showing in CID headquarters that he is wanted in the police station once again?
Jan 31, 2025
136

Premium
Other answers by
My husband has a mental disorder and cannot support us. What are our options? 0
Hello,
If my husband has a mental disorder and cannot provide financially for me and my son, what can we do in this situation?
Although his family is financially capable of helping, they are not supporting him. He cannot afford housing either. They are not contributing to his medical care or any of his expenses.
I can manage my own and my son's expenses, but it's difficult to cover my husband's as well. Is there any law that can make his family responsible for paying his expenses and medical care?
Jul 8, 2025
10
Can I evict a tenant and refuse renewal if rent has not been paid in full? 0
Hello,
I am a landlord. The tenant failed to pay the rent in one full payment as per the contract.
So far, 3 months remain until the expiry date of the contract, and the payment is still pending.
Do I have the right to evict the tenant from the apartment and refuse to renew the tenancy contract?
Jul 7, 2025
20
Can a Muslim revert woman in the UAE obtain a Sharia divorce and remarry? 0
Dear Legal Advisor,
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I recently reverted to Islam, and my marriage was solemnized in a civil court in the Philippines. There is no divorce law in the Philippines, and even if there were, it would take a significant amount of time and money.
Could you please advise if I can file for divorce in the UAE through the Family Court or Sharia Court?
What are the chances that my divorce will be granted? If the divorce is approved, am I permitted to remarry in the Sharia Court?
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter!
Jul 7, 2025
26
I bought a villa in Dubai and the tenant did not pay all his bills and rent before leaving. Hot to claim that? 0
I seek advice on a Dubai property case.
I bought a villa in Sept. 2024, which had a tenant with an expired lease in Aug. The sales contract mentioned that the house was tenanted and mentioned August as the lease expiry.
I proceeded to RDC for the case of the tenant not paying the rent. The tenant lost the case. He paid rent and got a retrospective letter signed by the seller saying he vacated Sept 22, 2024, after filing for an appeal.
The RDC ruled in his favor and said the rent owed was only till Sept 22, despite DEWA running till Oct 1.
I want to know if
1. I can appeal to the Cassation
2. Options for action against the seller for selling the villa without disclosing the information about the tenant's eviction
3. The tenant had stayed in the villa beyond Sept 22, as he had maintained his DEWA and domestic helpers confirmed his vacancy to me
4. What is the legal recourse?
5. How much would it cost, including fees to open the case and lawyer fees?
6. How much compensation can be expected?
Jul 7, 2025
19
Are employers required to pay redundancy compensation for terminations due to restructuring? 0
Hello,
A company with entities and employees in the UAE (specifically in Dubai Mainland and JAFZA) terminates employees due to company restructuring initiated for business convenience, and not due to insolvency, financial distress, or bankruptcy.
I understand that, under UAE labour law, the following payments are typically due:
- End-of-service gratuity (in accordance with UAE Labour Law and/or JAFZA regulations);
- Payment for any accrued but unused leave;
- Compensation for the notice period, if waived; and
- Any outstanding contractual entitlements or dues.
The main question is as follows:
In the context of restructuring-based terminations, is there any legal obligation, or prevailing legal or customary practice, to pay a separate “redundancy payment” or severance beyond the items listed above?
I would appreciate it if you could clarify this with reference to applicable UAE Labour Law, Executive Regulations, Ministerial Resolutions, and JAFZA-specific employment regulations, where relevant.
Jul 7, 2025
17

Premium
Other answers by
My husband has a mental disorder and cannot support us. What are our options? 0
Hello,
If my husband has a mental disorder and cannot provide financially for me and my son, what can we do in this situation?
Although his family is financially capable of helping, they are not supporting him. He cannot afford housing either. They are not contributing to his medical care or any of his expenses.
I can manage my own and my son's expenses, but it's difficult to cover my husband's as well. Is there any law that can make his family responsible for paying his expenses and medical care?
Jul 8, 2025
10
Can somebody hire me and then fire me before I finish my probation period? 0
I'm a chef living in Dubai, UAE. I got a visa and work permit from another company, but I started working as a private chef for a UHNW individual at his home.
I have worked there for 2 months and 21 days, and I got paid for that, but after that time, they fired me without any notice or reason.
What does the labor law say?
Am I entitled to 3 months' pay or not?
They didn't even give me a termination letter; they just told me that verbally, and I don't have a visa or work permit with them.
Jul 8, 2025
7
Is it possible to cancel the visa application if I have not signed the labor contract? 0
Dear Sir,
I am on a visit visa, searching for a job. I signed an offer letter, but fortunately, I received another offer from a different company, which is better than the previous one.
Now, the first company has applied for my labor contract and visa without me signing any documents. However, I do not want to join that company.
Please advise what I should do.
Jul 7, 2025
12
Can I evict a tenant and refuse renewal if rent has not been paid in full? 0
Hello,
I am a landlord. The tenant failed to pay the rent in one full payment as per the contract.
So far, 3 months remain until the expiry date of the contract, and the payment is still pending.
Do I have the right to evict the tenant from the apartment and refuse to renew the tenancy contract?
Jul 7, 2025
20
Can a Muslim revert woman in the UAE obtain a Sharia divorce and remarry? 0
Dear Legal Advisor,
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I recently reverted to Islam, and my marriage was solemnized in a civil court in the Philippines. There is no divorce law in the Philippines, and even if there were, it would take a significant amount of time and money.
Could you please advise if I can file for divorce in the UAE through the Family Court or Sharia Court?
What are the chances that my divorce will be granted? If the divorce is approved, am I permitted to remarry in the Sharia Court?
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter!
Jul 7, 2025
26

Premium
Other answers by
My husband has a mental disorder and cannot support us. What are our options? 0
Hello,
If my husband has a mental disorder and cannot provide financially for me and my son, what can we do in this situation?
Although his family is financially capable of helping, they are not supporting him. He cannot afford housing either. They are not contributing to his medical care or any of his expenses.
I can manage my own and my son's expenses, but it's difficult to cover my husband's as well. Is there any law that can make his family responsible for paying his expenses and medical care?
Jul 8, 2025
10
What are my options if my family is abusive and I’m an 18-year-old female with no support? 0
Hello,
Abusive family members, parents and brother, with nowhere to go. Female, 18 years old. I need help. My parents physically abused me, and my mother almost killed me two years ago during a psychotic episode that was their fault.
I didn’t have mental issues growing up, but my mother spiritually abused me and brainwashed me with her ideas, while my father enabled her.
I couldn't choose what to eat, what to wear, or where to go, etc. My brother moved in later, and now they all gang up on me and verbally abuse me. He has so much more freedom than I do, as they favor him.
I can’t stay here. I'm at my breaking point.
Jul 8, 2025
11
Can somebody hire me and then fire me before I finish my probation period? 0
I'm a chef living in Dubai, UAE. I got a visa and work permit from another company, but I started working as a private chef for a UHNW individual at his home.
I have worked there for 2 months and 21 days, and I got paid for that, but after that time, they fired me without any notice or reason.
What does the labor law say?
Am I entitled to 3 months' pay or not?
They didn't even give me a termination letter; they just told me that verbally, and I don't have a visa or work permit with them.
Jul 8, 2025
7
Facing mental and financial harassment from my husband. What can I do? 0
Hello,
My husband is mentally harassing me for my salary. He wants my full salary and savings. He knows I am an epilepsy patient, so proper sleep is very important for me.
Still, he fights with me all night. He just wants my salary. Last year, I left him and went back to India, but after a few months, he came to me and assured me he wouldn't misbehave with me.
But now he has again started fighting with me all the time for my salary. According to him, my salary is his asset because after marriage, I came to Dubai.
Please help me and suggest.
Jul 3, 2025
42
What to do if an employee fails to provide the required 90-day written notice for resignation? 0
Colleagues,
The situation is as follows:
The contract expires on August 14, 2025. However, the contract includes the following clauses:
1. (The “Term”) commencing on August 1, 2023. The contract shall automatically and repeatedly renew for periods of 2 years unless either Party notifies the other in writing, not less than 90 days prior to the expiry date of such period, of its desire not to renew the original or any renewed period.
2. This contract may be terminated by either of the Parties prior to the end of the Term, provided that the terminating Party serves the other Party with advance written notice of 90 days (minimum 30 and maximum 90 calendar days).
The employee today expressed a desire not to extend the contract. But he didn't serve the required notice (90 days).
What can we do in this case?
Jul 2, 2025
23
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer