Property and Real Estate Lawyers in Dubai
Advice for buyers, sellers, investors, landlords and tenants, from the purchase agreement to disputes with developers and rental claims.
In short: Dubai property is regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and its regulator RERA. Sales and title transfers are registered with the DLD, off-plan sales are protected by escrow rules, and landlord–tenant disputes go to the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) under Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended. Most property problems can be avoided by checking the contract, the developer's registration and the escrow account before paying.
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Property Matters We Handle
| Matter | Typical issue | Forum |
|---|---|---|
| Off-plan purchases | Delayed handover, project cancellation, refund of payments | DLD/RERA, then the courts |
| Sale and purchase | Reviewing agreements, transfers, mortgage release | DLD |
| Rental disputes | Unpaid rent, rent increases, eviction, deposit refunds | Rental Disputes Centre |
| Joint ownership | Co-owners or spouses disagreeing on sale | Courts |
| Service charges and community issues | Disputes with owners' associations | RERA and the RDC |
| Inheritance of property | Transfer to heirs | Courts and DLD; see wills lawyers |
Buying Off-Plan: What to Check
- The developer and project are registered with RERA.
- Payments go into the project's official escrow account, not the developer's general account.
- The sale agreement is registered on the interim register (Oqood).
- The handover date, delay compensation and cancellation terms are clear.
Landlords and Tenants
Rent increases in Dubai are limited by the RERA rental index. A landlord who wants the tenant to leave at the end of the lease, for example to sell or live in the property, generally has to give 12 months' notice through a notary public or registered mail. Tenants can file a case at the RDC for unlawful eviction, deposit refunds or maintenance failures; landlords can file for unpaid rent and eviction.
How a Property Dispute Is Resolved
- Review the contract, payment records and registration documents.
- Send a formal notice to the developer, landlord or tenant.
- File with the correct body: RDC for rental disputes, courts or DLD processes for sale and developer disputes.
- Enforce the decision, including eviction or recovery of money.
Common Mistakes
- Paying a deposit into a personal account or an agent's account.
- Signing a tenancy renewal without registering it on Ejari.
- Serving an eviction notice by WhatsApp instead of the legal method.
See also civil lawyers, litigation lawyers and contract drafting lawyers.
Property Matters We Handle
Claims and defence before the courts and the competent property committees in Dubai.
- Off-Plan Purchase Disputes
- Developer Delay And Refund Claims
- RERA And Land Department Matters
- Sale And Purchase Agreements
- Rental Dispute Centre Cases
- Eviction And Tenancy Notices
- Title And Registration Issues
- Service Charge Disputes
- Joint Ownership Disputes
Related Legal Services
If your matter involves another area of law, start with the page below.
- Civil LawyersContract, debt, compensation and commercial claims before the civil courts.
- Contract Drafting LawyersDrafting and reviewing contracts that hold up under UAE law.
- Corporate LawyersCompany set-up, shareholder agreements, restructuring and disputes.
- Litigation LawyersCourt representation in civil, commercial and property disputes.
- Wills & Guardianship LawyersRegistering wills and appointing guardians for children.
- Legal AdvisorOngoing legal advice for individuals and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on this area of law. Advice on your own case requires your documents.
Where Are Rental Disputes Handled In Dubai?
At the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC), which is part of the Dubai Land Department. It handles claims by both landlords and tenants.
How Much Notice Must A Landlord Give To Evict A Tenant In Dubai?
For eviction at the end of the lease for reasons such as sale or personal use, generally 12 months' notice through a notary public or registered mail.
Can I Get A Refund If An Off-plan Project Is Delayed Or Cancelled?
Often yes. Cancelled projects are subject to RERA's refund procedures, and delays may give rights under the contract. Payments made to the escrow account are easier to recover.
How Much Can My Landlord Increase The Rent In Dubai?
Increases are limited by the RERA rental index, based on how the current rent compares with the average for similar properties.
Do I Need A Lawyer To Buy Property In Dubai?
It is not required, but a lawyer can check the agreement, the developer's registration and the escrow arrangements before you pay.
Get Your Property Dispute Reviewed
Send the sale and purchase agreement, the payment receipts and any developer correspondence or notice.
- OfficeSixth Floor, Suite 614
Emaar Business Park Building 4
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE - Telephone+971 54 454 3909 (On Call 24/7)
- WhatsApp+971 54 454 3909
- Emailinfo@htlawyers.ae
- DirectionsOpen In Google Maps
- HoursOffice Hours 08:00 To 16:00