Renting a property in Dubai? Whether you’re new to the area or have been here for a while, it’s important to know your rights as a tenant. In this FAQ, we’ll cover everything from rent increases to lease terminations.
Can my landlord increase the rent whenever they want?
Dubai prioritizes tenant protection with strict rent regulations. Landlords cannot arbitrarily raise rents. Instead, rent increases are allowed only once a year and must be communicated 90 days before the lease renewal.
Landlords must adhere to RERA’s guidelines when raising rents. Increases are capped at 20% (maximum) based on a comprehensive assessment of the rental index and current market rates. This ensures that rent increases are reasonable and fair to tenants.
What should I do if my landlord demands an illegal rent increase?
One of the common inquiries about tenant rights in Dubai pertains to illegal rent increases. If the landlord insists on an unreasonable rent hike, gently refer to the RERA guidelines.
For solid evidence, use the RERA Rent Increase Calculator to show the maximum allowable increase based on current market rates. If the landlord continues to insist on a higher increase, you may want to consider filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center to address the matter in a fair and legal manner.
Can my landlord evict me without giving me notice?
In Dubai, landlords cannot evict tenants without a valid reason. Acceptable grounds for eviction include non-payment of rent after a 30-day notice, illegal subletting, using the property for unlawful purposes, and major renovations or demolition with a 12-month notice.
How much notice should I receive for eviction?
The notice period required for eviction varies based on the reason. In general, landlords must provide 12 months’ written notice. However, for non-payment of rent or breaches of contract, a shorter notice period of 30 days is sufficient. If the tenant fails to rectify the breach within 30 days, the landlord can proceed with eviction.
What are the reasons a landlord can legally evict a tenant?
In Dubai, landlords can terminate a tenancy agreement for specific, legitimate reasons. These reasons include the intention to sell the property, needing the premises for personal use, or undertaking major renovations or demolitions. Additionally, non-payment of rent is another valid ground for eviction.
However, landlords must provide a written notice outlining the reason for the eviction. This notice should be delivered via registered mail or through a notary public. Tenants have the right to contest any eviction notice they deem unjustified.
Who is responsible for property maintenance?
When renting a property in Dubai, it is essential to understand who is responsible for maintenance. The landlord is typically responsible for paying all maintenance costs exceeding AED 500. This includes major repairs such as structural issues, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Tenants, on the other hand, are responsible for minor upkeep tasks such as changing light bulbs and unclogging drains. This division of responsibilities helps ensure that the property is well-maintained in an efficient and fair manner.
What should I do if my landlord refuses to make the required repairs?
If you have problems with your landlord, don’t hesitate to take action. Document the issue with photos and videos, and send a written request to your landlord. If you don’t receive a response, contact RERA for mediation.
If the discussion isn’t successful, you can file a complaint with Dubai’s Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (previously known as RERA Rent Committee). Here’s how to file a rental dispute in Dubai.
What are the rules concerning security deposits in Dubai?
One of the frequently asked questions about tenant rights in Dubai is regarding security deposits. Here’s what the rule says:
The security deposit is an important part of any tenancy agreement in Dubai. Landlords are not allowed to collect more than 10% of the annual rent as a deposit. When the lease ends, landlords must return the deposit within 14 days, deducting only for valid reasons such as unpaid rent or property damage. These regulations protect tenants’ financial interests and ensure a fair tenancy experience.
What should a tenant do if the landlord does not return the security deposit?
If a landlord unfairly withholds a security deposit, tenants can seek help from the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDC). By providing evidence such as the tenancy contract and relevant receipts, tenants can strengthen their case. All communication with the landlord should also be documented to support their claim. Dubai’s strong legal framework protects the rights of both landlords and tenants, ensuring a fair and transparent process for the return of security deposits.
Can the landlord keep the security deposit if the tenant is evicted?
No, the landlord is not supposed to retain the security deposit. The security deposit in Dubai must be refunded to the tenant after the expiration of the tenancy contract, either in full or minus any maintenance costs.
When it comes to frequently asked questions about tenant rights in Dubai, one of the most popular topics is lease termination. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant when it comes to terminating a lease in Dubai:
Can I terminate my rental contract early?
The tenancy laws in Dubai do not specify the details of early termination of tenancy contracts. If a tenant chooses to vacate the property before the end of the contracted term, the landlord has the right to refuse a refund for the remaining rent.
The only way to avoid this is if the original rent contract has an exit clause that addresses early termination of tenancy in Dubai. This clause should clearly outline the required notice period and the amount of penalty to be charged.
What is the notice period for terminating a lease early in Dubai?
The notice period and any associated penalty for early termination of a tenancy contract in Dubai are determined by the specific terms outlined in the agreement. If the contract doesn’t include a termination clause, the tenant must provide at least 60 days’ notice before terminating the lease. The amount of any penalty is at the landlord’s discretion.
Here are some common questions that tenants in Dubai often have about their rights. If you want to learn more about FAQs on tenant rights in Dubai, you’ve come to the right place.
Who needs to sign the rental contract in Dubai?
After drafting the tenancy contract, the parties should sign it in the presence of a witness to validate the agreement. The Dubai Land Department recognizes specific groups of people as official signatories for rent contracts in Dubai.
- The landlord
- The tenant
- A legal representative of the landlord with a Power of Attorney
- Licenced property management companies
Please take note that a Power of Attorney in Dubai is valid for two years. To extend its validity beyond this period, it must be re-stamped at the Dubai Courts. Only property management companies licensed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) are authorized to sign tenancy contracts for the properties under their management.
Can a landlord enter the property when the tenant is not present?
Once a property is leased, the landlord can only enter with the tenant’s permission, unless the tenancy contract includes an access clause that allows otherwise. The tenant’s consent is required even if the landlord wishes to sell the property and conduct property viewings. Additionally, a 24-hour notice is required for viewings to take place after the tenant grants permission.
What are the consequences if a tenant fails to pay the rent?
Remember, it is essential to pay your rent on time in Dubai to avoid serious consequences. If a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord can file a complaint with the RDC. The RDC may issue an eviction order and require the tenant to pay outstanding rent, legal fees, and other penalties determined by the court. If you want to know more about tenant rights in Dubai, check out our guide on Ejari registration.
