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KK Sarachandra Bose Partner/ Corporate, Commercial and Contract Lawyer with Dar Al Adalah, Dubai. He can be contacted on Tel: 3355577; mobile phone: 6245087 and fax: 3354000. Readers may e-mail their questions to ktedit@emirates.net.ae or send it to Khaleej Times Dubai P.O. Box 11243.

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New landlord has to honour old tenancy contracts

Q1) I have been staying in an apartment here for the past 32 years. Recently, my rent was increased by 5 per cent. I am currently paying Dh42,000 annually. Now the building in which my flat is located will be sold to another company. Is the new landlord entitled to increase my rents again?

A1) As per the law, the new landlord buys the building with its liabilities as well, and therefore, the new landlord is bound to honour the tenancy contracts issued by the previous landlord and has to adhere to the laws thereto. Therefore, the new landlord will not be justified in increasing the rent and you may file complaint at the Dubai Rent Committee for redressal if he does so.

Q2) I work as a heavy duty driver with a construction company here. My basic salary is Dh2,600 plus an allowance of Dh500. My total salary is Dh3,100, with family accommodation. Is it possible to get a resident visa for my family, including two children and my wife? I have nearly 20 years' experience of working in Dubai.

A2) First, you should know this has nothing to do with your experience. It is only a matter of residency rules and regulations.

To sponsor one's family, a salary of Dh3,000 with accommodation provided by the company, or Dh4,000 without accommodation is a must, and has to be stated so in the Labour Contract.

As such, if your total salary of Dh3,100 with accommodation is mentioned in your labour contract, you can sponsor your family.

Compiled by Ahmed Shaaban

• UAE