Rental & Lease

As a tenant in Dubai, your rights are protected by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) and the Dubai Rental Law. Key rights include the right to occupy a property that is in good, habitable condition, protection from unlawful eviction, and regulation of rent increases according to the RERA rent index. Importantly, all tenancy contracts must be registered on the Ejari system to be legally valid and enforceable.

No, a landlord in Dubai cannot evict you without a valid legal reason as stipulated by the Dubai Rental Law. Valid reasons for eviction include non-payment of rent, subletting without permission, using the property for illegal purposes, or if the landlord intends to sell the property, demolish it, or use it for personal or family use. In most cases, the landlord must provide you with 12 months’ written notice sent via registered mail or notary public before the eviction can take effect.

Rent increases in Dubai are strictly regulated by the RERA rent increase calculator. The amount of any permissible increase depends on how your current rent compares to the average market rate for similar properties in your area. If your rent is already at or above the market rate, no increase is allowed. The calculator provides a sliding scale, with larger increases permitted only when the current rent is significantly below market value. Landlords must give at least 90 days’ written notice for any proposed rent increase.

The Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) is the specialised judicial body in Dubai that handles all disputes between landlords and tenants. It provides a streamlined legal process for resolving issues such as unpaid rent, eviction notices, security deposit disputes, and maintenance disagreements. If you cannot resolve a dispute directly with your landlord or tenant, you must file a case with the RDC to legally enforce your rights.

Under Dubai law, a landlord can only deduct from your security deposit for valid, documented reasons, such as repairing damages that go beyond normal wear and tear. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you should first send a formal written demand letter requesting its return. If the landlord still refuses, you can file a case at the Rental Dispute Centre to recover the amount. Keep all evidence of the property’s condition, including photos and the check-out inspection report.

Generally, the landlord is responsible for major maintenance and structural repairs, including issues with the building’s structure, major air conditioning problems, and significant plumbing issues. The tenant is typically responsible for minor upkeep, routine maintenance, and repairs caused by their own negligence. The specific division of responsibilities should be clearly outlined in your tenancy contract, so it is important to review this carefully before signing.

Ejari is the official online registration system for all tenancy contracts in Dubai, managed by the Dubai Land Department. Registering your tenancy contract on Ejari is mandatory and legally required. An Ejari certificate is necessary to connect DEWA (electricity and water) services, obtain a residency visa sponsored by a family member, and file a case at the Rental Dispute Centre. A tenancy contract that is not registered on Ejari may not be legally enforceable.

Early termination of a tenancy contract in Dubai is generally only possible if there is an early termination or break clause included in the agreement, or if both the landlord and tenant mutually agree to end the contract early. If no such clause exists and the landlord does not agree, the tenant is typically liable to pay a penalty, which is often equivalent to two months’ rent, or may be required to fulfill the entire remaining term of the contract.

If either the landlord or the tenant does not wish to renew the tenancy contract upon its expiration, they must provide at least 90 days’ written notice to the other party before the contract’s expiration date, unless a different notice period is specified in the contract. Failure to provide adequate notice may result in the contract being automatically renewed under the same terms.

A rent dispute lawyer in Dubai can provide expert legal advice on your rights and obligations under the Dubai Rental Law, represent you in negotiations with your landlord or tenant, and prepare and file your case at the Rental Dispute Centre on your behalf. They ensure all legal procedures are followed correctly, help gather and present evidence effectively, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your dispute, whether through settlement or adjudication.