My landlord appears to have disappeared, or at least he is not answering any emails or phone calls. The date to pay our rent has just passed, and I don't know what to do. I have a cheque for six months of rent ready to give to him, but am concerned there will be a problem if I can't hand it over. What I should do? PM, Dubai
The law states that if rent is not paid within 30 days of the due date, the tenant can be evicted for non-payment, even if they have tried to contact the landlord. The solution is to contact Real Estate Regulatory Agency and explain the situation. You will then need to take the rent cheque to them with full details and a copy of last year's tenancy agreement. They will hold the cheque until the landlord responds. This will be deemed to be payment of the rent, and the tenant will not be considered to be in default.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years of experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice
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