Your Rights as a Dubai Tenant

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), your landlord can only evict you for specific legal reasons. They cannot simply decide they want you out.

Legal grounds for eviction:

• The owner wants to sell the property — requires 12 months' written notice
• The owner wants to use it personally or for a first-degree relative — requires 12 months' notice
• The property needs major renovation that can't be done while occupied — requires 12 months' notice
• The tenant has not paid rent within 30 days of written notice
• The tenant has subleted without permission
• The tenant has caused significant damage to the property

What to do:

• Demand the eviction notice in writing via notary public or registered mail
• Verify the notice period is correct (12 months minimum for most cases)
• If you disagree, file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC)
• Do NOT vacate until the legal process is complete or you agree to leave

Rent increases in Dubai are strictly regulated by RERA Decree No. 43 of 2013. Your landlord cannot increase your rent by any amount they choose.

Key rules:

• Landlord must give 90 days' written notice before any increase
• Increase is capped based on how your rent compares to market rate
• If your rent is within 10% of market rate, no increase is allowed
• Maximum possible increase is 20% (only if rent is 40%+ below market)

Your security deposit (typically 5% of annual rent) must be returned when you vacate, minus any legitimate deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Your rights:

• Deposit must be returned within 30 days of vacating
• Landlord can only deduct for actual damage, not normal wear and tear
• Deductions must be itemised with evidence (photos, receipts)
• Painting and minor scuffs are generally considered normal wear

What to do:

• Take dated photos/video of the property when you move in AND out
• Send a formal written request for deposit return
• If refused, file a case at the RDSC — filing fee is 3.5% of annual rent (min AED 500)

Under Dubai tenancy law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition. They must handle structural repairs and major maintenance.

Landlord is responsible for:

• Structural repairs (walls, roof, plumbing, electrical)
• AC system maintenance and major repairs
• Pest control for building-level infestations
• Common area maintenance

Tenant is typically responsible for:

• Minor day-to-day maintenance (lightbulbs, small fixes)
• Damage caused by the tenant or their guests
• Keeping the property clean and in good condition

If your landlord refuses to fix issues:

• Document everything in writing (email/WhatsApp to landlord or agent)
• Give reasonable time for repairs
• If urgent (no AC in summer, water leak), contact Dubai Municipality
• File with RDSC if landlord continues to refuse

Breaking a lease early in Dubai can be costly. Your options depend on what's in your tenancy contract.

Typical penalties:

• Most contracts require 2 months' rent as a penalty
• Some contracts specify remaining rent is due (negotiate this)
• Check your contract for an early termination clause

Tips:

• Always negotiate an early termination clause before signing
• Try to negotiate directly with your landlord first
• Offer to help find a replacement tenant
• If your landlord has breached the contract, you may have grounds to terminate without penalty

Contract renewal in Dubai should be straightforward, but there are important things to know.

Key facts:

• If neither party gives notice, the contract typically auto-renews on the same terms
• Any changes (including rent increases) require 90 days' notice
• Ejari must be renewed annually — this is required by law
• Your landlord cannot refuse to renew without legal grounds for eviction

Renewal checklist:

• Check the RERA calculator for any proposed increase
• Renew your Ejari registration
• Update DEWA registration if needed
• Review and negotiate any changed terms