Dubai’s rental real estate market has shown an upward trajectory in previous decades, attracting investors from all across the globe. Amidst multiple reasons that contribute to the growth of the rental market, laws and regulations top the list. Dubai has strict rules and regulations when it comes to renting properties. From regulating landlord-tenant relationships to contract registration and eviction, Dubai has a set of rules and regulations for all.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the major Dubai rental laws and elaborate on the jurisdiction of these laws.
Dubai Property Rental Laws
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) is a regulatory branch of the Dubai Land Department catering to the rental laws in the emirate. There are different Dubai rental laws that cover multiple aspects of the rental market.
Mentioned below is the list of major property rental laws in Dubai along with their scopes.
Dubai Rental Law No. (26) of 2007
The Dubai Rental Law No. (26) of 2007 addresses the tenant-landlord relationship in the emirate. The law deals with real property inclusive of agricultural lands but exclusive of hotel establishments.
The scope of Dubai Rental Law No. (26) of 2007 is as follows.
Lease Contract
- A written lease contract will be signed between the landlord and tenant documenting the transaction.
- The contract must include the owner’s name, contact number, type and area of property and rental payment methods. Here is the complete tenancy contract checklist that you must be aware of.
- In case, one of the parties refuses to renew the contract, they will be responsible for informing them within 90 days of contract expiry.
Rent
- It is prohibited to increase rent mentioned in the contract before 2 years.
- However, RERA can increase the rent, if necessary.
- The rent will be inclusive of amenities such as a swimming pool and gymnasium.
- The tenant should pay rent on agreed dates, or in 4 instalments/year.
Landlord’s Obligations
- The landlord must hand over the property in a liveable condition allowing the tenant to avail of it completely.
- Unless agreed, the landlord will be responsible for property maintenance during the tenancy term. For more information, read through our blog on, who is responsible for property maintenance in Dubai.
- The landlord must provide the tenant with all the necessary documents required for requesting approvals from the authorities.
Tenant’s Obligations
- The tenant must pay rent on the agreed dates. A security deposit is also required to be paid when entering the lease contract. The deposit will be returned on the expiry of the contract. Here is how you can receive a security deposit return from the landlord in Dubai.
- Without the landlord’s consent, no changes or restorations shall be made. Moreover, the property should be handed over in its original condition.
- Unless agreed, the tenant must pay all the additional charges.
- Sub-leasing in Dubai is prohibited without the landlord’s discretion.
Eviction Cases
- Landlords can ask tenants to evict property before the expiry of the contract under certain conditions. Here are all the cases that may lead to early eviction in Dubai.
- If a landlord asks a tenant to evict property for personal use, the property can not be rented to another tenant for at least 1 year.
Dubai Rental Law No. (33) of 2008
The Law No. (33) of 2008, regulates the tenant-landlord relationship, as per the RERA-registered contract.
Following are the different jurisdictions of the law.
Rental Increase
- The rent increase should be under the RERA rental increase limit.
- If renewing a tenancy contract all the terms and conditions including rent should be reviewed by both parties.
- In case of an amendment in the contract, the other party should be informed at least 90 days prior to the expiry of the contract.
Eviction
- For early property eviction, the landlord must send a tenancy eviction notice to the tenant through a Notary Public.
First Refusal
- The tenant has the right of first refusal in case a property is reconstructed or demolished or renovated or refurbished.
Dubai Rental Decree No. (43) of 2013 – Rent Increase
When a tenancy contract is renewed at the discretion of both parties, the rent will be increased as per the following conditions.
- No Rent Increase: If the rent of property has been boosted by 10%, no rent will be increased during contract renewal.
- 5% Increase: If the rent is 11% – 20% less than the average rental value of similar units, a 5% increase is permissible.
- 10% Increase: In the case of rent lower than 21% to 30% of the average, the landlord can increase rent by 10%.
- 15 to 20% Increase: The increase is 15% when the value is lower than 31% to 40%; whereas, it can be 20% if the value is less than 40%.
FAQs
What should I consider before renewing a tenancy contract?
Future plans, budget, lease agreement terms and maintenance are a few things to consider. Here is the complete list of things to consider before renewing a tenancy contract in Dubai.
How can I calculate my rent in Dubai?
Tenants can avail of RERA rent calculator to estimate the average rent of a property.
What are the RERA tenancy rules?
The RERA tenancy rules address different issues related to property rental. For more information, read through our blog on, RERA tenancy rules and regulations.
These were all the details regarding Dubai rental laws catering to multiple aspects of the rental market. The implementation of these laws facilitates both tenants and landlords. That said, it is one of the major reasons contributing to the positive growth of the real estate market. If you are also interested in availing of these positive trends, browse through these properties for sale in Dubai and find an appropriate unit for investment.
Besides, here is a comprehensive guide to renting in Dubai elaborating on all the steps and legalities.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more information on UAE rental laws.
