Dust-up at the development as buyers are locked out of their homes
Police called in dispute with contractors at Living Legends
Homeowners are often presented with flowers or a bowl of fruit when handed the keys to their new dream home.
That has not been the case with buyers at the Living Legends development, who have faced gangs of labourers blocking their entry or the locks to their homes have been changed without warning.
Trouble broke out over the weekend as labourers hired by contractor Delta Emirates were embroiled in scuffles between on-site security and residents who were hoping to move in to their villas.
One security guard who was protecting residents claims to have been struck with a metal bar and needed hospital treatment. Developer Tanmiyat Global is at loggerheads with Delta Emirates over a financial dispute. Commercial arbitration is taking place.
That row has led to lorryloads of workers surrounding properties that have been bought to stop owners from entering.
Police were called, but told residents they were powerless because it was a civil dispute.
An engineer who bought his villa for Dh3.2 million, has been trying to move in since July 13.
“I have every right to be in my property, and ask any unauthorised people there to leave,” said the father of two. “Instead, my house has been vandalised and they have cut off the power. It is intimidating to be confronted by these gangs of men. We have had little protection.”
He has paid more than Dh100,000 in deposit and moving fees, but remains locked out of his home. He said Delta Emirates demanded he sign a contract absolving it of responsibility in any snagging issues, or routine maintenance.
“My transaction was with Tanmiyat, not Delta Emirates, so I refused to sign this document. Then they changed the locks and said there was no way I could move in. It was bullying tactics,” he said.
“I was homeless as I had planned to move in with my wife and two children. Our
rented flat in Jumeirah Lakes Towers was all packed up, and we had paid a removal company to come and take our stuff.
“Then I found out we couldn’t move in. I had paid everything up front and completed all the paperwork. I don’t want to move in and risk putting my family in danger until it is resolved.”
He is paying Dh20,000 a month in mortgage payments and more for rent, and has had to change the locks twice since
taking ownership last month, but still cannot get moved in.
The contract for construction work on the Living Legends development passed to Beijing Emirates, taking over from Delta Emirates, in June this year.
Saleh Tabakh, chief executive of Delta Real Estate, the commercial arm of the Tanmiyat Group that has been selling the properties, said they have suspended sales until the issues are resolved.
“We can offer 10 security guards, but they are no match for 500 labourers,” he said. “On Tuesday, two foremen beat up a guard because he tried to stop the locks being changed.
“Our client has paid all the fees, and signed all the contracts. There are no defaults and he has gone to Dewa [Dubai’s energy provider] to set up the supply in his name, so he should have been able to move in.
“We have no idea why they are doing this. It is not the first case, there have been many others. Yes, there is a dispute, but that shouldn’t stop these people from moving in.”
Delta Emirates said there is no contract or a direct relation between them and the villa buyers, and denied preventing legitimate access to homes.
Muhammad bin Odah, chief executive officer, reassured homeowners the issues are being sorted out and cut short his holiday after being called by police about the disturbances.
“Any client who has signed the paperwork and wants to move in can do so,” Mr bin Odah said.
“We’ve come to an agreement in which we will reduce the security people on site who have been causing these problems.
“From Tuesday morning, all labourers and security staff will be reduced to just what is needed – instead of hundreds there will be just a few.
“We have reached an agreement now that should stop any problems happening again. There will be much less people on site, and no more shouting or fighting.”
One security guard who was protecting residents claims to have been struck with a metal bar and needed hospital treatment