Service 16

Real Estate & Property Disputes

Transactions, tenancy and ownership disputes, from due diligence through to the Rental Disputes Centre.

Property in Dubai is governed mainly at emirate level rather than federally, which is the first thing that surprises people who arrive expecting one national rulebook.

The principal instruments include Law No. 7 of 2006 on real property registration, Law No. 13 of 2008 on the interim register for off-plan sales, Law No. 8 of 2007 on development escrow accounts and Law No. 6 of 2019 on jointly owned property. They are administered by the Dubai Land Department and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.

Tenancies sit under Law No. 26 of 2007 as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, which requires every lease to be registered with RERA through Ejari. Disputes go to the Rental Disputes Centre rather than the ordinary courts. We advise on the requirements and prepare the supporting documents.

Tenancy disputes are heard by the Rental Disputes Centre, established by Decree No. 26 of 2013, rather than by the ordinary courts. Rent increases remain capped by the tiers in Decree No. 43 of 2013, measured against the benchmark the Dubai Land Department publishes.

What we do

Real Estate Lawyer in Dubai

Buying and selling property

Lease agreements and rental disputes

Property ownership and title verification

Real estate investment advisory

Disputes between landlords, tenants, and developers

Legal Expertise

In-depth knowledge of UAE real estate laws and regulations

Risk Reduction

Identification and prevention of legal risks in property transactions

Secure Documentation

Ensuring contracts and agreements are legally sound

Dispute Resolution

Effective handling of conflicts between parties

Disputes over property boundaries or ownership rights

Issues with real estate developers regarding construction defects or delayed delivery

Inheritance or family-related property disputes

How the work runs

  1. 01

    Initial Consultation

    Understanding your requirements and objectives

  2. 02

    Legal Review

    Assessing documents and identifying risks

  3. 03

    Strategy Development

    Creating a tailored legal approach

  4. 04

    Execution

    Handling the documentation and the negotiation, and instructing an advocate where a hearing is needed

  5. 05

    Completion

    Finalizing transactions or resolving disputes

Questions we are asked

Why Choose the firm as Your Real Estate Lawyer in Dubai?

Choosing the right legal partner is essential for successful property transactions and dispute resolution. Here’s why clients trust the firm:

Why do I need a real estate lawyer in Dubai?

A lawyer ensures that property transactions are legally compliant, protects your interests, and helps resolve disputes effectively.

Can a lawyer help with rental disputes?

Yes, real estate lawyers assist in resolving landlord-tenant disputes, drafting agreements, and representing clients in legal proceedings.

How can I verify property ownership in Dubai?

A lawyer can conduct due diligence and verify title deeds to ensure the property is legally owned and free from disputes.

Are real estate investments safe in Dubai?

Yes, but legal guidance is essential to ensure compliance and reduce risks associated with property transactions.

Can a real estate lawyer assist international investors?

Yes, lawyers provide legal advice and support for foreign investors looking to invest in Dubai’s property market.

Can a landlord increase the rent by any amount?

No. Rent increases in Dubai are subject to a regulatory framework, and increases outside it can be challenged. Notice requirements also apply and are often missed, which affects whether an increase is effective at all.

What notice is required to evict a tenant?

Eviction requires a stated ground and prescribed notice given in the required form. Notice given in the wrong form or the wrong period is a frequent reason an otherwise valid eviction fails.

What types of property disputes do you handle?

We handle lease disputes, ownership conflicts, developer disputes, contract breaches, and inheritance-related property disputes.

How long does it take to resolve a property dispute in Dubai?

Resolution timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case. Early consultation and negotiation can speed up the process.

General information about this service, not advice on your matter. Legislation is named for orientation. See our terms of use.