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The landlord insists on increasing the rent more than RERA Index. What can I do?

Q: Hi everyone, I’m facing an issue with my rental situation and would appreciate any advice. I purchased a company in July that’s renting a shop space, and the tenancy contract (under the company’s name) is ending on November 22. The landlord is insisting on a 40% rent increase, even though the RERA Index clearly indicates a 0% increase for this area. I’ve informed the landlord that this increase isn’t in line with RERA regulations, requested a new contract, and asked him to come by to collect the cheques—but he’s been unresponsive. To protect our position, I filed an offer and deposit with the rental dispute center, but it was automatically closed because the landlord didn’t respond. My question is: what should I do next? Filing a case for renewal will cost 5% of the rent, which is a significant amount right now. Are there any alternatives to proceed without incurring that cost, or any other steps to ensure the landlord adheres to the regulated rental terms?

Can a teacher legally search a lost backpack and use found items as evidence?

Q: Dear Lawyers, If a student`s backpack is found in a bathroom stall in Dubai, is it legal for a teacher to take the bag to their office and thoroughly search it without the student knowing where their bag is? Additionally, if a vape is found in the bag, are they allowed to use it as evidence, considering it was discovered in that manner? There was also no suspicion of the student, other than the bag being found in the bathroom.

Does a tenancy contract supersede the laws of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)?

Q: Dear Lawyers, Dubai Tenancy Question Addendum: 1. In case of not renewing the contract, the tenant shall inform the landlord 3 months prior. If the tenant fails to do so, they shall bear a penalty of 2 months` rent for not notifying the landlord. 2. Failure to execute the renewal (at the sole discretion of the landlord) shall result in the automatic termination of this agreement. 3. The landlord unequivocally objects to the tenant`s continued occupation of the premises after the expiry of this agreement. An overstay fee shall apply from the day following the expiry of the term. The tenant’s continued occupation shall not result in the automatic renewal of this agreement. Questions: A. Does this addendum supersede the laws of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA)? B. Does the contract automatically renew, or is it considered terminated as per the conditions of the addendum? C. How much should be paid to the landlord if the tenant vacates a week after the expiry of the contract?

How to return to Dubai after leaving with unpaid credit card and possible absconding?

Q: Hi I have queries related to my residence visa and re-entry. Under some circumstances, I had to leave Dubai, while I was on a resident permit. I could not return back to the country due to some personal emergencies back home. I had some credit card dues and dues with bank charges. It`s been almost 2 years and I want to return back to Dubai through a visitor visa. How would I know if I can apply for a visitor visa? If yes, then what would be the consequences for me to get my visa canceled?

How can I cancel my visa to join a new employer if my ex-employer filed a case for training charges?

Q: Hi, I have filed a complaint (MOHRE) against my company for my pending salary. To blackmail me my company has also filed a complaint against me claiming I have to pay them training fees (10,000 AED) which are mentioned in the contract. However, I have not received any training from the company. The issue is I want my visa cancelation as soon as possible because my new employer is waiting for me for so long now. I want guidance on this matter. My employer is deliberately delaying this matter and using the visa cancelation as a tool against me. My question to respected lawyers is that, 1. What should I do to get my visa cancelation as soon as possible? 2. Can Visa/labor card cancelation be done on my own? 3. If I win my salary claim case. Can I get a labor card/visa cancelation somehow while a complaint is open from my company against me? Thank you so much for the guidance

Can I exit and re-enter the UAE on a new visa while my family’s visas are on hold?

Q: Dear Lawyers, At present, my visa is canceled, and my family’s visas are on hold. As their sponsor, can I exit the country and re-enter with a new visa due to issues with my current employer? Once I return, I plan to remove the hold on their visas. Is this legally permissible, or could there be issues with my exiting the country while my family remains inside with their visas on hold? Please advise!

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Who should submit a dispute to RERA/RDSC if the rent increase is unlawful—the landlord or tenant?

Q: Dear Lawyers, My Dubai landlord is proposing a 9.52% rent increase, which I believe is unlawful. The current rent falls within the RERA rental index range, and no increase is permitted according to the index. The landlord’s representative has been uncooperative in providing proof of a Power of Attorney (POA) or any justification for the proposed increase. Questions: 1. Whose responsibility is it to submit a dispute to RERA/RDSC if the proposed rent increase is unlawful—the landlord`s or the tenant`s? 2. What evidence is required from the landlord (or their representative) to legally justify a rent increase that exceeds what RERA allows? 3. If the Ejari is not renewed due to a dispute at RDSC, will utilities (e.g., DEWA) and services be affected for the tenant?

If my landlord is not responding to my emails and calls, how can I renew the contract?

Q: Hi, My landlord sent an email mentioning that the rent will be increased for next year; however, the new rent amount was not specified in the email. The email was sent in accordance with the 90-day notice requirement. When I called the landlord`s office, I learned the rent amount, which was more than a 15% increase and not in line with RERA regulations. According to RERA, the rent can only be increased by a maximum of 10%. My tenancy contract will expire on February 4, 2025. My questions are: 1. If my landlord is not responding to my emails and calls, how can I renew the contract? 2. When can I renew my contract if it’s expiring on February 4, 2025? 3. How many days or months in advance can I renew it? Kindly advise!

Do I have to pay the value of training to the company in case of terminating the contract?

Q: Salam, My company has filed a complaint against me in MOHRE related to training fees. This is the clause mentioned in my contract: "The Second Party shall be obliged to pay back the value of the training (which is estimated at an amount of 10000 AED) when they terminate the employment contract based on their own free will (within One Year) from the date of commencement of their contract, without prejudice to the First Party`s legal or contractual obligations. (the amount agreed on for the value of the training period must be commensurate with the employment period of the employee)" My question is: 1. I served 11 months in the company. Can they demand the full 10,000 or it should be less due to 11 months (as per the last line of the clause)? 2. I didn`t even get training from the company. I learned normally by working on projects with seniors. No training session was conducted for me. Should I still have to pay? My case is in MOHRE. Thanks

I recently bought a house, and the tenant abandoned it without notice. What should I do?

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!

Can my landlord evict me immediately for overdue rent?

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!

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I am in a rental dispute with my landlord. What can I do if the landlord is not responding to settlement?

Q: I am in a rental dispute with my landlord and last week the landlord told the judge he was willing to settle during the court session online, this week he is not replying to my emails to come up with a settlement plan. Can I go to the RDC center this morning and come up with a payment plan directly with the Rental Dispute Centre? We have another court session this afternoon at 4:00 PM and the judge has requested that we come up with a settlement plan before then.

How can I reduce my 2-month notice period to 1 month for a new opportunity?

Q: Dear Lawyers, My notice period, as per my contract, is 2 months, but I have received a very good opportunity. I would like to serve a 1-month notice period instead. What can be done in this regard?

Filing for Bankruptcy and Insolvency in the UAE: What You Need to Know

Dealing with financial difficulties can be overwhelming, but the UAE provides a comprehensive legal framework to manage bankruptcy and insolvency in a way that benefits both debtors and creditors. Understanding these laws and how they work can make a huge difference in navigating the process successfully.

How can I get my visa canceled for new employment if my free zone company has gone bust?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I am a free zone employee who resigned from the company. The company went bust and cannot cancel my visa. I raised a dispute with the Free Zone Authority, which was then transferred to MOHRE, and now I have to approach Al Adheed. I need to cancel my visa so that I can get hired elsewhere. The Free Zone Authority advised me to submit a court letter. Is this the NOC they are requesting? My priority is not receiving my dues but rather getting my visa canceled.

How can a woman file for divorce and child custody due to domestic violence?

Q: A friend of mine is in a difficult situation. She has a child, but the child’s father has kicked her out of their room and taken custody of the child. The father is from Yeman. He has also been physically harming her—she has visible bruises—and has taken her Emirates ID and mobile phone, leaving her with nowhere to go, she has a job. Currently, she is staying with a friend and is not allowed to return to her room. Kindly request your advice on what steps she should take in this situation.

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