Discover Everything About the Tenant Rights in Dubai

Finding success in your Dubai rental agreement requires a basic understanding of all RERA tenancy contract regulations. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency manages all relations between tenants and landlords in Dubai through its RERA system, which protects tenant rights and ensures landlord accountability. Let’s take a closer look at Tenant rights in Dubai and more.

RERA Rules for Tenants

The RERA tenancy law contains Tenant rights in Dubai. It defines four primary laws:

Law No. (26) of 2007

In Dubai, the relationship between landlords and tenants is governed by Law N.26. The Dubai rental property market operates smoothly because of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency’s well-defined contractual terms.

Law No. (33) of 2008

This law governs the landlord-tenant relationship in Dubai and modifies some of the provisions of Law No. (26) of 2007. The landlord or tenant must also use Ejari to register the tenancy agreement with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Thanks to this law, the property won’t be rented twice.

Decree No. (26) of 2013

This law concerns the Rent Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC), which was established to resolve all kinds of rental issues in Dubai.

Article 6 of Law (26) of 2007

This article states that if the Dubai tenancy contract ends, the tenancy term will automatically be extended for an additional year (whichever is less) on the same terms and circumstances. The tenant stays in the property without the landlord objecting.

Decree No. (43) of 2013

This law for Tenant rights in Dubai controls rent increases.

The Terms of Dubai’s RERA Tenancy Law

• Dubai rental property operations benefit from specific contractual requirements for landlord-tenant interactions that the Real Estate Regulatory Agency established under Law No. 26 of 2007.
• Article 4 of Law (33) of 2008 requires the landlord or tenant to use Ejari to register the tenancy agreement with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). This prevents the unit from being leased twice.
• According to Article 6 of RERA’s Tenancy Law (26) of 2007, the term of tenancy will automatically be extended for an additional year (whichever is less) on the same terms and conditions if the tenant stays in the property after the tenancy contract in Dubai expires and the landlord does not object.
• The tenants rights to occupy the property will not be affected by the transfer of property ownership to a new owner, as stated in Article 28 of Dubai’s property rent law. The tenants’ rights to occupy the property will not be affected by the transfer of property ownership to a new owner, as stated in Article 28 of Dubai’s property rent law.

Changing The Contract’s Terms

• Article 14 of the Dubai Tenancy Law requires the landlord or tenant to give their opposite party ninety days’ notice starting from the agreed contract termination date to amend the contractual terms.
• During these three months, both parties must disclose to the other party their desired changes regarding rent rates, contract duration, and terms of inclusion or removal.

Ending A Dubai Tenancy Contract

• According to Article 7 of Dubai’s RERA tenancy regulation, a valid rental agreement cannot be unilaterally ended by the landlord or the tenant throughout its duration unless both parties agree.
• Article 27 states that the tenancy agreement remains in effect even if the landlord or the tenant dies. In these situations, the tenancy relationship is passed on to the party’s heirs, and the agreement remains enforceable unless they want to end it. If they decide to terminate the agreement, the heirs must provide notification within 30 days or before the contract expires, whichever comes first.
• Any RERA property rent law does not particularly govern the early termination of tenancy contracts in Dubai. If tenants choose to terminate their rental agreement, they must abide by the early termination clause of Dubai tenancy legislation. Without such a provision, the landlord may request payment to terminate the lease early.

Notice of Vacating to the Landlord

• According to Law No. (33) of 2008, the tenant is exempt from giving tenant leaving notice​ before leaving the property when the lease expires. Law No abolished the requirement to provide landlords in Dubai with a 90-day notice to vacate. (33) of 2008.
• The conditions of your tenancy agreement, which can require a specific notice time if the contract is not renewed, take priority. If you violate this lease provision, the landlord may demand payment as a penalty for failing to give the required notice.
• The landlord must return the security deposit to the renter upon the tenant’s leaving, either in whole or the leftover amount after deductions. Make sure you understand how to obtain your landlord’s security deposit.

Dubai’s Tenancy Law Regarding Evictions

According to Law No. (26) of 2007’s Article 25, which Law No modified. (33) of 2008, the landlord may, in some circumstances, demand that the tenant vacate the property before the end of the lease. This comprises:

1. The tenant must pay rent within 30 days of receiving a formal landlord notice.
2. A renter cannot sublease property unless the landlord authorizes it in writing.
3. Any immoral or unlawful actions conducted by the tenant on the property or permitting others to carry out these activities.
4. A tenant who damages property or lets others do so improperly endangers its security function.
5. The rented property has a different use than the original rental purpose established by the tenant.
6. The tenant acquires 30 days after receiving written notice from the landlord to uphold the rental agreement conditions and legal requirements.
7. If a commercial tenant has stopped operations for 30 consecutive or 90 non-consecutive days without providing a good cause, the landlord has the right to demand eviction.
8. If the property must be demolished by the government agency responsible for the emirate’s urban development.

When the tenancy contract expires, the landlord may also request eviction by the RERA tenancy contract guidelines if:

1. The landlord plans either property demolition or reconstruction.
2. Major property maintenance work demands prompt action since it cannot proceed with tenants living inside.
3. The real estate property owner plans to put it up for sale.
4. The property is intended for the landlord’s personal use or even for first-degree relatives.

In such circumstances, the landlord must provide the other party with written notice via public notary or registered mail for 12 months.

Tenant Rights and General Obligations in Dubai

When searching for rental houses in Dubai, you should be aware of Tenant rights in Dubai and the following RERA tenancy contract regulations:

• Article 19: Dubai requires renters to pay their rent on the scheduled due dates. The renter lacks authorization from the landlord to perform maintenance, construction, or modifications of any kind on the property.
• Article 21: When the lease ends, the renter must give back the property in an unchanged state, but they are not responsible for regular deterioration.
• Article 22: States that renter responsibility includes payment of all required government taxes and fees unless the landlord and tenant establish alternative arrangements.
• Article 23: Unless the parties agree differently, the tenant cannot remove any improvements made to the property after vacating it.

Landlords’ General Obligations in Dubai

The RERA property rent law imposes the following duties on Dubai’s landlords.

1. Article 15:

The landlord remains accountable for maintaining property quality and providing full usage access as described by lease terms.

2. Article 16:

Under the duration of the lease, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property’s condition and addressing all structural defects that occur from regular use.

3. Article 17:

The landlord cannot make any changes to the leased property that would prevent the tenant from using it to its full potential.

4. Article 18:

If necessary, the landlord must give the renter the official licenses and/or permissions needed to perform any construction or renovation work on the property.

Tips for Tenants to Protect Their Rights in Dubai

In Dubai, if you’re a renter, you can have to deal with complicated technical complaints against your landlord, like:

1. Inadequate care of the property.
2. Postponed requests for maintenance or repairs.
3. Appliances that are broken or not working.
4. Property management that is unresponsive or uncooperative.
5. Community facilities such as parks, gyms, and swimming pools are of poor quality.
6. Uncomfortable building construction or renovations that keep you from enjoying the rental property.
7. Poor waste management or inappropriate disposal of waste.
8. Central air conditioning problems.
9. Issues with drainage and plumbing systems.
10. You cannot appreciate the rental home because of the subpar building materials utilized in its construction.
11. The presence of external noise or inadequate soundproofing and insulation.
12. Inadequate parking facilities or no parking spaces.
13. Issues with the water supply’s quality.
14. Lack of privacy as a result of other structures or apartments nearby.
15. Noncompliance with fire safety rules.

You may think about pursuing any of the following additional legal actions:

1. Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC):

Under government authority, the Dubai Land Department established RDSC for tenant rights Dubai. It operates as a state organization that helps resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Customers can submit their landlord disputes to the RDSC when they differ on rent increases and eviction matters.

2. Dubai Police:

Individuals who experience harassment or illegal activities from their landlord or other persons should register complaints with the Dubai Police.

Before contacting the authorities with your complaint, you must try dispute resolution directly with your landlord. When you fail to settle a complaint, it should be submitted to the relevant authorities.

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Conclusion

You have certain fundamental rights as a renter in Dubai. These include an explicit leasing agreement, quiet enjoyment, upkeep, open and honest rent negotiations, and effective conflict resolution.

Keep yourself updated on tenancy legislation and your rights. Preserve detailed documentation while communicating directly with your landlord, and check your written agreement often. Responsible preparation and ongoing information will create a smooth rental experience in Dubai.

FAQs

What is the new rent law in Dubai?

Dubai’s rent law follows Decree No. (43) of 2013, which regulates rent increases based on the RERA Rental Index to prevent arbitrary hikes.

How long can a tenant stay in Dubai after the lease expires?

If the landlord does not object, Article 6 of Law (26) of 2007 allows the lease to automatically renew for the same period (or up to one year) under the same terms.

What is the maximum rent increase per year?

The RERA Rental Index caps rent increases between 5% and 20%, depending on how much lower the rent is compared to the average market rate.

What is the legal notice to a tenant in Dubai?

Landlords must provide 12 months’ notice via notary public or registered mail for eviction or non-renewal and 90 days’ notice for rental changes.

What is the penalty for early termination of a tenancy agreement?

There is no specific RERA law on early termination, so penalties depend on the lease contract terms, typically two months’ rent as compensation.