The UAE has a thriving expatriate community. In Dubai, 80% of residents come from other parts of the world which means a high proportion of the population rent.
We have been advising and representing landlords and tenants in the region for over fourteen years and there are few examples of disputes that we have not had experience in resolving. Our landlord and tenant dispute lawyers are committed to reaching early settlements. We can advise UAE nationals and expatriates on resolving disagreements in the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC).
The authority of RDSC covers:
If a landlord and tenant cannot agree on the amount of rent owed or who should make certain repairs, deposit issues, cheque bounced issues, eviction notices and renewals, the dispute can be referred to the RDSC. The Centre will attempt to resolve the dispute within 15 days. If a settlement cannot be reached, the parties may file with the Court of First Instance.
Under Article 16 of the Tenancy Law, the landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs. However, this can be varied by the tenancy agreement. In most cases, the landlord will be responsible for major structural issues, and the tenant will be required to fix minor problems.
We advise landlords and tenants on disputes regarding repairs and maintenance. As with rent disputes, these can be referred to the RDSC. A tenant can ask the Centre to compel the landlord to carry out certain repairs. Another alternative is for the tenant to carry out the repairs themselves and claim damages from the landlord.
The best protection against expensive and time-consuming legal disputes is to have a meticulously drafted tenancy agreement in place. Many conflicts we see could have been avoided if the landlord and tenant received independent legal advice before drafting/signing.
Our lawyers have the experience and knowledge to advise all parties to a tenancy agreement. A modest investment in legal advice at the beginning of a landlord and tenant relationship can significantly mitigate the risk of a dispute developing in the future.
If you are unable to resolve a tenancy dispute, talk to our team about your best options. Whether you are a landlord or tenant, we will ensure your best interests are protected and take the stress of the dispute off your shoulders.
Please contact us at TWS Legal Consultants to make an appointment to discuss your landlord and tenant dispute:
