The Dubai government has put key regulations in place to safeguard the interests of tenants and landlords in the real estate sector. Both parties must understand these rental laws to ensure a smooth and transparent renting process. Here’s a detailed look into the tenancy rules in Dubai that can help you stay informed and avoid potential conflicts.

Dubai Tenancy Laws

Understanding Dubai’s Rental Laws

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) governs Dubai’s rental laws, providing a framework that establishes tenants’ and landlords’ rights and obligations. These laws, governed by Law No. (33) of 2008, which amends Law No. (26) of 2007, apply to any leased property in Dubai. However, properties provided free of charge for employee accommodation are excluded from this law.

For those new to Dubai, familiarizing yourself with these laws can help you confidently navigate the rental process and minimize disputes.

Tenancy Contracts

According to Article 4 of Law No. (33) of 2008, the tenancy contract formalizes the relationship between the landlord and the tenant. It must clearly outline all terms to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.

A valid tenancy contract in Dubai should include:

• Details of the leased property
• Purpose of the tenancy
• Duration of the contract
• Agreed rent
• Payment methods
• Name of the property owner (if different from the landlord)

Once signed, the contract must be registered through Ejari, RERA’s online system for recording tenancy agreements and helping manage leases. Any changes to the contract should also be made via Ejari. To avoid complications, ensure all steps are followed before finalizing a contract.

Rent Regulations

As per Article 9 of Law No. (33) of 2008, the rent amount should be clearly stated in the contract. If the amount is not specified, the tribunal may determine a fair rent based on the rates of comparable properties in the area. You can also use RERA’s rental calculator to estimate rental rates, which provides average prices across various parts of Dubai.

Several factors influence rent, including:

• Dubai’s economic conditions
• RERA’s set percentage for rent increases
• Property condition
• Comparable rents in the area

According to Article 13, both parties may agree to amend the contract, whether to adjust rent or alter other terms. However, if no agreement is reached, the tribunal will determine the appropriate rent based on Article 9. Additionally, Article 14 requires a 90-day notice period for any desired amendments before the contract expires.

Eviction Rules

Wondering if your landlord can evict you before your lease ends? The short answer is no. However, Article 25 of the law specifies conditions where eviction may occur before the tenancy contract expires:

Eviction of Tenants:

• Failure to pay rent within 30 days of receiving a formal notice
• Subletting the property without written permission from the landlord
• Using the property for illegal activities or purposes other than those specified in the contract
• Leaving the property unoccupied for 30 consecutive days or 90 non-consecutive days within a year without prior notice
• Damaging the property
• Violating local planning or construction laws
• If the property becomes unfit for use, verified by a report from Dubai Municipality
• Failure to fulfill any contractual obligations within 30 days of receiving notice

Eviction by Landlords: A landlord can request eviction in the following circumstances after the tenancy contract expires:

• If the property requires demolition or extensive maintenance, verified by Dubai Municipality
• If the landlord or a close relative needs the property for personal use, provided they do not own another suitable property
• If the landlord wishes to sell the property

In these cases, the landlord must provide a 12-month notice before eviction after the contract’s expiry.

Tenant Obligations

Dubai’s tenancy laws also outline several obligations for tenants, as detailed in Articles 19-24:

• Article 19: Tenants must pay rent on time and maintain the property well. Any restoration or alterations require prior approval from the landlord and the necessary licenses.
• Article 20: A security deposit may be required to ensure the safety of the property, which must be returned upon lease expiry.
• Article 21: Tenants are responsible for returning the property in its original condition, except for damage caused by natural wear and tear.
• Article 22: All taxes and fees related to the property must be paid to the relevant government departments.
• Article 23: Tenants may not remove any improvements made to the property unless agreed upon with the landlord.
• Article 24: Subleasing the property is only permitted with written consent from the landlord.

To Sum Up!

Understanding your rights and obligations is crucial when renting in Dubai. These tenancy rules ensure transparency and protect tenants and landlords from potential disputes, making the rental process smoother for everyone involved.

FAQ’s

1. Can I Evict My Tenant in Dubai?
   Yes, as a landlord, you may evict a tenant once the contract expires. Article 25 also allows landlords to evict tenants before the contract expires under specific conditions.
2. What is the Notice Period for Tenants to Vacate a Property in Dubai?
   Tenants must be given a 12-month notice to vacate the property, ensuring they have ample time to find alternative housing.