Lynn66 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Lynn66

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Latest post on 05 January 2015 - 11:19
I have a friend who is needing some accounting help for a few hours a week. If interested, please let me know and I can give more details.
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Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 21:30
Bump
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Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 19:00
Preparing to take cover as I type - Part of me is hoping that Dubai doesn't win the Expo and that is not correct - I should be 100% behind it as I love living here and as a family, we have not known anything else...... my reason is that I am worried that we will no longer be able to afford to live in and enjoy this city we love and my daughter has known as "home" since she was born. We are ordinary folks - not living the high life, just getting by and enjoying being here, particularly the safety aspect of living here - and it just saddens me that if Dubai wins the expo the greed machine will kick in and spoil it - Not being negative - just offering another side of the coin.
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Latest post on 02 November 2013 - 11:14
Rosyapple...... Your first line is the most idiotic and ignorant thing I have ever heard. yes, it's great fun to pack up your house every other year! look for somewhere else to live and have to pay some idiotic useless moron of an agent for doing sod all but most importantly having to move your children away from what they consider their home and all their wee friends and start again....... no not stressful at all........ Seriously! Moving frequently is not as stressful as people make it out to be and is one of the downsides with renting along with the benefits of no mortgage or significant losses when the market falls. I am both a landlord and a tenant and I think the laws need to be fine tuned to work for both landlords and tenants. It's a unique market due to the volatility in prices hence rents will always reflect that. No point in comparing to Europe....it's not the same market. I bought a house this summer to live in but I have to carry on renting for another 18 months because the tenant is entitled to 12 months notice after the end of the contract. And my mortgage exceeds rent by 100k a year. I knew the rules when I bought the property and I am abiding by them but that doesn't make it fair, particularly as the tenant has already had 4 years in that house. edited by rosyapple on 01/11/2013
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Latest post on 27 October 2013 - 21:30
How do you book a table
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Latest post on 21 September 2013 - 14:37
Have a friend coming out on holiday with her son who is 15 and thought about going to Ferrari world. We have a 6 yr old daughter and just wondered if there was enough for both of them to be entertained there.
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Latest post on 19 September 2013 - 09:08
Lynn, Thank you Littlelou, this is my undersandidng as well, however there is that grey area about whether it applies when you have signed the non-renewable contract. Yes I agree Emlsnre - best thing to do is head off to the rent committee to discuss our personal situation. The landlord's notice must also be notarized and he must prove that he does not own a suitable alternative property for the purpose of his moving in. He also cannot relet the property to anyone for residential purposes for 2 years following your move-out date or else you can take him to the rent committee and he will have to compensate you. Hope this helps!
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Latest post on 18 September 2013 - 13:39
I've been watching this thread with interest as we are in the same situation. Our landlord sent via registered post a years notice to vacate stating the reason that he wanted to move in. we then signed a non-renewable contract (I wish we knew we could have refused to sign it). My question therefore is - as he has stated the reason for notice is him wishing to move in - if he doesn't adhere to that and rents the villa again, do we have any comeback or is the fact that we have a non-renewable contact seal our fate and we have to packup and ship out....... .. I WANT TO LIVE IN A VILLA FOR MORE THAN 2 YEARS......". AAAAAGH!!!
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Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 13:47
PS. I should add that I'm now thoroughly depressed after reading this thread..... Where's the bar??
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Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 13:21
One thing that would have improved the situation is forcing owners to pay the agents commision, right now, there are owners who want to evict a tenant every year, do no maintenance, eat up the deposit, and rent the place for 40% more, which I am sure they would not do if they had to shell out the agent's fees every time. Many owners also have a distorted view of reality; an Uncle abroad asked me about property here and how he was planning to invest as he "heard" that rents increase 30% every year. Also, there are owners who bought on cash who can afford to keep properties empty for months so supply-demand does not exactly work like it should. I completely agree and have said the exact same thing for years - it's infuriating. I'd love to return to Bonny Scotland but unfortunately no work there for DH's line of work... So we're a bit stuck. I am happy in Dubai and the only downside for me is the rental situation and having to move house every 2 years... And moving my wee girl away from her friends!! edited by Arch on 10/09/2013
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Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 18:57
We have friends out here on holiday, they come every year (stay at hotel). Anyway every time they come they always treat us to a really lovely dinner at usually very expensive places (They are on a whole different financial level than us). We feel terrible that they pay each time, my friends dh just disappears and pays the bill. anyway we would like to take them out for dinner this year and I'm looking for recommendations for a nice, classy restaurant that is not overly expensive. Any suggestions much appreciated. Thanks
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Latest post on 16 June 2013 - 09:58
Apart from Azure Spa are there any other companies that offer home services and also do the one for girls.
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Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 09:18
Anyone had a spa party there, is it good for 6 year olds. Thanks
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Latest post on 11 June 2013 - 08:21
Bumpity bump
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Latest post on 03 June 2013 - 18:04
lynne66 - is that just north of Dornoch?? Yes it is. Went there almost 30 years ago, it'll be interesting to see what it's like.
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Latest post on 02 June 2013 - 21:57
Well we are off to "Grannies Heilan Hame" up the north of Scotland. Cheesy caravan park with cheesy entertainment although great for a 6 year old but great location for touring. Canny wait :-)
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 14:22
Exactly, it is what it is - Greed!!! I'm all for paying a reasonable yearly increase on rent, but what sticks in my throat is the blatant c**p I get told - me having to shell out on movers, me having to pay an agency fee when they've I've found the property and they've done sod all to earn and the most important thing - me having to uproot my child every 1-2 years from what she thinks is her home, leave all her wee friends behind and start anew. And before anyone gives me the whole "if you're not happy then leave" party line - I'm already aware of that........... Doesn't mean I have to like it though! <em>edited by Lynn66 on 22/05/2013</em>
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 10:35
the prices are still rising - So some folks must be paying these ridiculous high rents. Until landlords are forced to pay any monies for new tenants ie., the agency fees instead of the tenant, things will never change. Ask the landlord to put his hand in his pocket every year for a new tenant and then things MAY change.
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Latest post on 20 May 2013 - 07:44
Oh my goodness, I can't believe how common this is. I've ever only had this happen to me once but I still remember it as clearly as it was last week. I remember feeling pinned down but very awake and then I saw a couple of nurses walking in my room and they were in 1930's /1940's uniform. I later found out that where I lived used to belong to the old hospital that had been next door (new houses built on the site now). It really was the strangest thing but weirdly comforting to me that it's almost common.
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Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 13:11
Is there really any need for these posts to turn into an abusive slanging match, kinda takes away from the whole point of the original post
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Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 11:58
I agree that it's one of those weird things that happens here, had it many many many times with my DD, got very annoyed when they used to just lift her up - she is blue eyed and was very blonde then. But some folk do take very innocent pictures..... I had a maid in cleaning the other day, someone I'd never met before and she took a picture of the cat!!!! It was the most most boring picture in the world... What on earth??? However I believe every parent has the right to object to something which they are not comfortable with.
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Latest post on 29 April 2013 - 16:00
For my lovely girl :) Thanks desert rose. . Do I know you?
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Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 17:28
Thank you for all replies and recommendations. I am still hping that it is just that she is still young and I was very concerned to read about possible recommendations to a psychologist, I don't that is quite necessary just yet for trouble reading and writing. thanks again.
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Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 11:39
Thanks, Yes her teachers are aware of the issues.
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 14:35
I don't have a maid, so it's just an idea. To Safeguard you as a sponsor could you have some kind of document drawn up stating that under no circumstances isyour maid allowed to do part time work and if found to do so, she is liable for all fines etc. Might not be worth the paper it's written on, but just an idea - shame there is no official form to state that.
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 09:58
Thanks both, DH is taking part in the race and me and DD were going to go and support him if there was enough to keep her occupied, but I'm thinking the pools etc, might not be in use until the race is over. Does look great for the older ones though.
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Latest post on 23 April 2013 - 07:51
Hi. I was recently in an accident in Sharjah, the other driver got a white sheet and he was completely at fault, he ran into me on a roundabout - so unfortunately I do think the blame has gone to you.
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Latest post on 22 April 2013 - 13:52
Bump
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Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 10:12
Also, I certainly wouldn't be signing any Vacation Notice, if he wants you out he has to give you 12 months notice to vacate and his reasons for doing so, ie., either to move in himself or to sell the property. You don't have to sign anything and I wouldn't.
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Latest post on 02 April 2013 - 15:51
Any recommendations for tonight around the marina / JBR way - but not the Westin! Thanks
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 14:59
Its just very frustrating all round this will be our 4th move and its my daughter i feel for, she will have to leave friends and neighbours and make new friends yet again. Nothing has been learned here.
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Latest post on 25 March 2013 - 14:32
We're on The Villa too, just before the end of our first year, we got the usual b/s about change of job, need the house back etc etc. - werent given 60 days notice, then he tried an increase, again no, we were still just in the bracket. Then we got the years notice stating he wants it for his own use and the 'non renewable' contract. I just absolutly detest the greed of this place, there has been absolutely no improvement on facilities here and our courtyard has still not been landscaped. It is my understanding that if the landlord rents the house out again we can sue him for costs does anyone know the status on that.
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Latest post on 10 March 2013 - 12:06
Thanks Nscm - yes it does appear to be a rather grey area. we have only lived in the property for just over 1 year, then at the end of that year, L/L gave us notice, it was formal notice by way of registered mail. I think I'll register the contract at RERA then they will be able to advise. I am so fed up of moving every couple of years and I just think it's so unfair, particularly for my young daughter who has many friends there, very unsettling for her. I don't mind paying a reasonable increase But not 50-60,000 dhs - that is just sheer greed.
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Latest post on 06 March 2013 - 09:32
This greed makes me sick. how can anyone, particularly people with kids ever be settled when greedy landlords and agents too are trying to throw us out and our kids have to be once again moved, leave their friends behind and be unsettled - and I don't know about anyone else but the housing allowance came down with the recession and that sure as heck hasn't jumped back up - so who can afford these ridiculous over exaggerated rises in rent. I know the rent committe has some control over existing contracts but something more has to be done to stop, perhaps some kind of cap on how much a certain area can be let for - but then I'm sure that's against some kind of freedom of choice thingy!!
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Latest post on 25 February 2013 - 13:13
Thanks for reply. I considered yearly licence fee of 22,000 AED to be expensive and this is before all other expenses ie. Medical, TPL insurance, Office space/desk are even added on.
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Latest post on 11 February 2013 - 21:11
I have been trying to grow out the blonde to return back to being a redhead darkish red however my dh tells me that the back of my head looks as if I have a skull cap on. So my question is - is there some kind of dye out there that would cover the blonde, maybe blend it in, so it doesn't look too terrible until it grows to an ok length where I can cut it.
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Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 21:05
Bump
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Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 09:43
Thanks for all advice. Following on, I wrote to LL saying that he was 1. Not entitled to any increase, as stated on the rent calculator and 2. He hadn't given us the required notice. This was a week ago and he has still not replied. Our contract expires in 2 weeks time - so any thoughts as to what we do now, I have been told that I can arrange the contract to be done myself and take that and the cheque to the rent committee and leave it there for him. ??????
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 07:56
Yes, i see it's a bit of a grey area, however am I correct that any changes should have been notified to us within 90 days of contract renewal.
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Latest post on 03 January 2013 - 07:17
Thanks Gege DXB. I have also heard this about the 2 year rule no longer applies, can anyone clarify this. I've tried getting on to the rental increase calculator but with no success just to check what it says. Our L/L is coming round today so I want to have my facts in order. Again many thanks all.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 15:56
Thank you HCTS. That's very helpful, would you believe our L/L is actually a lawyer... Beggars belief!!
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 15:24
Change of route now, have just had an email back from landlord saying that he is happy to renew but with a 5% increase - As this is only our first year, am I correct in saying that he is not entitled to any increase in the rent. He believes the property prices have risen by 28% in this area, even if that was the case is he entitled to raise it. Thank you so much for all your responses, much appreciated - and im reallannoyed as it's stress you just don't need.
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Latest post on 02 January 2013 - 14:52
It's the standard contract on the front then has the quoted text on the addendum on the back. No it doesn't state non renewable, my only concern is because the addendum states we both have to agree so I wondered if this was a get out clause.
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Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 07:51
Hass to be Beaches for me... Gets me very time.
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Latest post on 27 December 2012 - 11:20
Parents are leaving on Sunday, dad has been in hospital with pneumonia, mum not keeping too great so not been the best of holidays and this is very likely to be their last holiday overseas - So looking for a nice restaurant somewhere perhaps with a view of the sea or close to it to go for dinner on Friday night and preferable but not necessary if they have vouchers in the fine dining entertainer. Thanks all and Happy New Year.
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Latest post on 16 December 2012 - 22:40
I'm not sure as my parents only have travel insurance and we will pay then claim for reimbursement when they return home.
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Latest post on 10 December 2012 - 11:43
Anyone?
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Latest post on 25 November 2012 - 12:02
Do you check that the metre readings on your bills relate to the readings on the actual metres for your property. It seems to vary month to month. The charges are estimated remotely I am told so there is little that can be done about it. Even over the summer when we weren't here, the bill was the same amount!!!!!! But do they ever correct the estimate? Surely in the end you should only pay for your actual consumption? No, not that I am aware. We have had some shocking bills 5000 -6000 AED and even when we shut EVERYTHING off during August, still got the same bill. There is no correction
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Latest post on 19 November 2012 - 11:09
Our friends are organizing a brunch at the warehouse and I'm wondering if is suitable for my parents 75 years old and my DD who is 5. before I commit I'd like some thoughts/opinions on it. TIA
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Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 12:14
Living in the Villa, most mornings whislt out with the dog, I get treated to the UAE aerial display team practicing their routines - amazing. It's great chocs isn't it. My wee one and I try and guess what letters they will do for the day...... Although they are quite good at the love hearts!!!!