Landlords' Responsibilities in Dubai

Landlords in Dubai must comply with specific obligations to ensure a positive tenant relationship, including:

• Providing a written lease agreement registered with RERA.
• Ensuring the property is safe, well-maintained, and habitable.
• Supplying a copy of the title deed or ownership documents.
• Maintaining consistent rent throughout the lease term.
• Respecting the tenant’s right to peaceful property use.

Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities

Tenants have defined rights and obligations, such as:

• Paying rent and utility bills on time.
• Seeking written approval before subletting.
• Making property alterations only with landlord consent.
• Returning the property in its original condition.
• Expecting a secure and livable environment.

Security Deposit Rules

Dubai law mandates a security deposit before tenancy begins:

• Capped at 5% of the annual rent.
• Returned within 14 days post-lease.
• Deductions for unpaid bills or damage must be documented.

Tenancy Contracts in Dubai

Key Terms

Rental agreements must follow RERA guidelines and include:

• Agreed rent and payment terms.
• Security deposit details.
• Maintenance responsibilities.
• Subletting rules.
• Renewal and termination clauses.

Tenants should review terms thoroughly and seek legal advice if unclear.

Contract Termination

Contracts can end due to:

• Completion of the lease term.
• Mutual agreement.
• Contract breaches.
• Rent non-payment.

Early termination may incur penalties. Clarify terms to avoid surprises.

Legal Eviction Process

Landlords must follow a legal process to evict tenants:

• Provide written eviction notice with a valid reason.
• File a case with the Rent Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC).
• Attend an RDSC hearing to present evidence.
• Enforce eviction via Dubai Courts if required.

Tenants should understand their rights under RERA laws.

Resolving Rental Disputes

RERA Mediation

Tenants can file complaints with RERA, which mediates disputes.

Vacating Notice

Tenants must give written notice before vacating:

• Three months for annual leases.
• One month for monthly leases.

The notice must include the reason for vacating.

Settlement Process

If mediation fails, cases go to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDC):

1. File a complaint with evidence.
2. Attempt mediation.
3. Attend a hearing if unresolved.
4. Enforce the RDC ruling.

Ejari Registration

Ejari is a mandatory system that records tenancy contracts:

• Required by Dubai’s 2007 rental laws.
• Can be done via Dubai REST app or authorized centers.
• Required documents: contract, Emirates IDs, title deed, DEWA bill.

Ejari ensures legal protection and supports dispute resolution. Non-compliance may result in fines.

Rent Control & Market Rules

Rent Increase Limits

RERA enforces rental caps:

• No increase if rent is 46%+ below market rate.
• 10% if 36%-45% below.
• 15% if 26%-35% below.
• 20% if up to 25% below.

Rent indexes are updated quarterly.

Market Impact

These rules promote stability and fairness in the rental market.

Commercial Lease Considerations

Commercial rentals differ from residential ones:

• Longer lease terms, often 5+ years.
• No fixed rent caps; increases are negotiated.
• Tenants handle most maintenance; landlords handle structure.
• Termination requires written notice for non-compliance.
• Deposits are higher, covering multiple months.

Understanding these differences ensures successful commercial agreements.