Ask a Lawyer

Your landlord is wrong. Article 25(2) of Dubai Law 26 of 2007 (as amended) requires 12 months' notice served via UAE Notary Public OR by registered mail through Dubai Courts, plus a valid statutory reason (sale, owner self-use, or major renovation). A WhatsApp or email notice has no effect. File a case at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) — they will rule the notice invalid and grant you the remainder of your contract plus any future renewal under RERA's index. Cost is 3.5% of annual rent, recoverable.

No. Under Law 6 of 2019 governing jointly-owned property in Dubai, every service-charge schedule must be approved by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) before being levied. An OA cannot impose any increase unilaterally — they must file a revised budget and obtain RERA approval. Pay the previously approved AED 14 rate and file a complaint at Mollak (RERA's service-charge portal). Withholding the increase pending RERA review is your right; withholding everything triggers default proceedings.

Article 20 of Dubai Law 26 of 2007 obliges the landlord to return the deposit on contract expiry minus only documented damages exceeding fair wear and tear. He must provide actual invoices, not estimates. Send him a formal demand letter giving 7 days for itemized invoices or the full balance. If he ignores it, file at RDSC — they typically rule against landlords who cannot produce contractor invoices. Filing fee 3.5% of disputed amount, recoverable.

This is fraudulent misrepresentation + breach of the implied condition of fitness under Article 246 of the UAE Civil Code. Get a registered consultant's report stating the cracks pre-dated the sale and were concealed. Then file a civil claim at Dubai Courts for rescission of sale (return of purchase price) OR damages equal to repair cost + diminution in value. The 10-year structural defect liability under Article 880 of the Civil Code also applies against the original developer if the building is under 10 years old.