Real Estate Matters: Legal Aspects of Investing and Renting Real Property in D U.A.E. Welcome DMCC Knowledge Series Real Estate Matters: Legal Aspects of Investing and Renting Real Property in U.A.E. By Ludmila Yamalova, Attorney/Managing Director March 24, 2015 Real Property Framework in the U.A.E OUTLINE PRESENTATION OUTLINE • Part I – General Principles for Investing in Real Property • Legal Framework • Financial Aspects • Part II – General Principles for Renting Real Property • Applicable Laws and Jurisdiction • Common Issues and Problems Presentation Part I General Principles of Investing in Real Property in U.A.E. General Principles of Investing in Real Property in U.A.E. • Keep in mind applicable U.A.E. real estate laws. • Perform thorough due diligence. • Ensure that underlying contracts and related documents are based on applicable laws and address essential commercial terms. • Address financing of property early and in detail, factor in delays. • Agree on financial terms and parties’ respective obligations. • Enforcement of contracts or obligations should be last resort. • Consider choices for litigation forum to resolve disputes. • Keep in mind common issues and problems. Relevant U.A.E. Real Estate Laws Federal/Emirate • Freehold vs. Leasehold Laws – General rule – no foreign ownership, except freehold areas – Exceptions for foreign ownership – freehold areas, specifically designated – Different rules and choices across the Emirates – Ownership rights protected by U.A.E. Constitution • Real Estate Laws – Particular to each Emirate – Examples: freehold, registration fees, owner’s associations, escrow • Contractual Laws – Federal laws, across the U.A.E. • Mortgage Laws – U.A.E. Central Bank regulations – federal law, across the U.A.E. • Enforcement – Jurisdiction – Choice of jurisdiction: local courts, arbitration, DIFC Courts Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions • Property Specifications – Title deed – verification of ownership – Property inspection – maintenance, defects: blatant vs. latent – Liabilities – financial and legal • Parties – Individual vs. corporate – Representative authority/documents • Commercial Aspects – Registration fees – Brokers fees – Service fees – Financing fees • Real State Brokers/Representatives – Licensed by RERA – Proper POA or form of representation Key Contractual Terms to Address in Real Estate Agreements • Commercial Terms – Price – Registration fees – Service fees – Maintenance fees – Brokerage fees – Financing • Deposit – Amount of deposit – Form of deposit – Terms of deposit • Parties – Individual vs. corporate – Joint ownership • Parties Obligations – Specific and mutual • Timing/Due Dates – Specific dates for specific stages – Final transfer date – Extensions • Conditions Precedent/Caveats – Ownership – Financing – Inspection • Default/ Remedies/ Termination – Specific language – Specific timeline – Automatic provisions • Forum and Laws for Dispute – Local courts – Arbitration – DIFC Property Financing and Other Nuances • Property Financing – Mortgage eligibility – Mortgage cap – Cost of mortgage – Value of mortgage – Form of security – Islamic mortgage – Variability of interest rate – Repercussions for default • Foreclosure – No voluntary foreclosure – Court involvement required – Potential liability for deficiency • Escrow – “Escrow laws” – Escrow agent definition & role – Clear escrow agreement • Banking/Transfer Nuances – Local bank account – Authorized signatory • Inheritance/Probate – Sharia – DIFC properties? Enforcement of Contracts and Dispute Resolution • Enforcement of Contracts – Strong and clear contracts reduce risks of litigation. – Only courts have the authority to enforce performance. – Litigation is always expensive and uncertain. • Dispute Resolution – Local Courts – Arbitration – DIFC Courts – Alternative dispute resolution Presentation Part II General Principles of Tenancy Laws and Practice General Principles of Tenancy Laws and Practice • Tenancy laws are individual to each Emirate. • Perform thorough due diligence, both tenants and landlords. • Landlords must understand their rights and obligations. • Tenants must know their rights and obligations. • Tenancy contracts should be drafted in accordance with the law and include all essential terms. • Understand the role and limitations of real estate brokers. • Keep in mind forum for dispute resolution. Tenancy Laws in U.A.E. • Different tenancy laws across different Emirates/zones. – Constantly evolving – Regularly updated – Different government authorities • Key provisions in all tenancy laws: – Form of contract – Term of tenancy – Rent increase – Eviction requirements • Forum for dispute resolution – Restricted to specialized centers – DIFC Courts Due Diligence in Tenancy Transactions • Property • Condition of the property • Condition of the building • Included facilities, e.g. pool, gym, parking • Property management • Parties • Landlord/tenant • Authorized representative • Liabilities • Services fees • Outstanding utilities/dues • Real estate brokers • Authorized • POA • Fees • Documents • Original title deed • Parties’ passport copies • Parties’ direct contact details • POAs • Receipts • Copies of fully executed contracts • Ejari registration (in Dubai) • DEWA bill (in Dubai) Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Obligations • Landlord’s Rights • Rental payments • Deposit • Property inspection • Use restriction • Restriction on sublease • Landlord’s Obligations • Service fees • Maintenance fees • Access to facilities • Parking • Property notices re: amendments and eviction • Not to disturb tenant • Tenant’s Rights • Quiet enjoyment • Proper maintenance • Access to property and facilities • Automatic renewal on same terms (in Dubai) • Tenant’s Obligations • Timely payment of rent • Payment of deposit • Maintain property in good condition • Not to sublease, if landlord does not agree • Proper notice Important Contractual Terms in Tenancy Matters • Rent amount and bases for calculation • Property inspection/visits • Parties/occupants • Included services/facilities • Property specifications • Late payments • Rent increase • Brokerage fees • Amendments in terms • Insurance • Renewal/expiry of tenancy • Deposit conditions and refund • Eviction/vacation • Property inventory • Notices • Termination of tenancy • Exceptions Involvement of Real Estate Brokers • Real estate brokers are not required. • No restrictions on real estate broker commissions. • No restrictions on brokerage renewal fees. • Must be RERA registered (or equivalent). • Payments should be made only directly to landlords. • Request direct contact information of landlords. • Make sure contracts are signed by landlord, not real estate brokerage. • Verify POA and extent of authority. • Brokers not liable/responsible for property maintenance or payment of fees. Dispute Resolution for Tenancy Matters • Each Emirate has its own specialized forum for tenancy disputes, e.g.: • Dubai – Tenancy Dispute Center Resolution • DIFC – DIFC Small Claim Courts • RAK – Specialized Rent Committee • No requirement of advocate/lawyer. • Parties can represent themselves. • Submitted documents must be in Arabic. • Hearings can be conducted in English, with limitations. Thank you TO CONTACT US: Jumeirah Lakes Towers Reef Tower, Suite 1806 Cluster O Dubai, U.A.E. O: +971 4 427 9812 [email protected] www.lyhplaw.com D Thank You! DMCC Knowledge Series
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