Service · Lucent Legal

Real estate lawyer in Dubai: property and rental disputes

Under Law No. 8/2007, an off-plan buyer's money must sit in the project's escrow account, not the developer's own. We verify that before the deal, read the SPA, and handle disputes when a developer or landlord breaks the contract.

When people come to us

  • You're buying off-plan and want the developer and escrow checked.
  • Handover is late and the developer has gone quiet.
  • You can't keep up with the payment plan and fear losing what you paid.
  • Your landlord raises the rent or wants you out.
  • Your rental deposit hasn't come back.
  • You need to inherit an apartment in Dubai.

What we do

  1. Before the deal: we check the developer, the project and the escrow account and read the SPA for deadlines, grace period and penalties.
  2. We support the transaction and DLD registration.
  3. In a dispute: a formal claim to the developer or landlord, a complaint to RERA.
  4. A case at the Rental Dispute Centre, the courts, or the Special Tribunal for cancelled projects. In court a UAE-licensed advocate represents you.

Timelines and what drives the cost

The DLD transfer fee is 4% of the price, and the buyer usually pays all of it. Almost every SPA adds a grace period of 6–12 months (sources vary) past the handover date; until it runs out, a delay carries no legal weight.

The Rental Dispute Centre charges 3.5% of the amount on money claims, between AED 500 and AED 15,000. Our fee depends on the task: a pre-purchase check, deal support or a dispute. We quote it after reading the documents.

Why Lucent Legal

  • An honest assessment first. If you have no case, you hear it at the review, before you pay anything.
  • UAE-licensed advocates. We handle the review, strategy, paperwork and negotiations; in court you are represented by an advocate licensed in the UAE whom we work with.
  • English and Russian. We explain your case in plain language.
  • Confidential. Your documents and messages stay with us.
  • Office in Dubai: Oxford Tower, Office 307, Business Bay. LUCENT LEGAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCIES CO. L.L.C, DET licence No. 1192929.

FAQ

How do I make sure my money goes into escrow?

Law No. 8/2007 requires developers to keep off-plan buyers' money in a separate escrow account controlled by an agent bank. Check the account and project before your first payment.

The developer is late. Can I get my money back?

First check the grace period in your SPA: until it ends, the delay is not a breach. After that comes a formal claim, RERA and court; cancelled or frozen projects go to the Special Tribunal.

Who pays the 4% DLD fee?

Officially the buyer and seller split it, but in practice the buyer usually pays the full 4%.

Who inherits a Dubai apartment if the owner left no will?

Since 1 February 2023, Decree-Law No. 41/2022 applies to non-Muslims by default: 50% to the spouse, the rest split equally among the children. Sharia does not apply automatically.

Where do rental disputes go in Dubai?

To the Rental Dispute Centre at Dubai Land Department. You file online, and you need a valid Ejari.

Related guides

This material is for information only and is not legal advice. UAE law changes — a lawyer will assess how it applies to your situation.