Sell Smart, Stay Legal: The Laws for Real Estate Agents in Dubai

What are real estate agents in Dubai legally responsible for, and what happens when a property deal goes wrong? In this episode of Lawgical, U.S.-qualified lawyer Ludmila Yamalova explores the legal framework governing real estate agents in the UAE, with a particular focus on Dubai. She explains the duties agents owe buyers and sellers, the limits of their role, and how disputes over commissions, deposit cheques, and property transactions can arise.

Drawing on practical examples and court cases, Ludmila discusses:

The different layers of UAE and Dubai laws governing real estate brokerage.

Licensing requirements and the consequences of unlicensed brokerage.

Disclosure duties, conflicts of interest, and representing one or both parties.

RERA Forms A, B, F, I, and U, and the importance of written brokerage agreements.

Commission entitlement, payment terms, and disputes when transactions fall through.

How MOUs, booking forms, emails, and WhatsApp messages can form part of a contractual arrangement.

Property advertising permits, QR codes, and social media requirements.

Due diligence before marketing or investing in off-plan properties.

Agents’ responsibilities when holding deposit cheques and handling payment instructions.

Brokerage liability, employment disputes, and where complaints may be resolved.