Be sure you are familiar with the tenancy contract rules set by RERA before you sign anything for your rental in Dubai. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) operates under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to protect tenants, maintain clarity in rental relationships and control rental and eviction activities in Dubai.
Here’s an outline of all the main parts of Dubai tenancy laws, including what is expected from you as a tenant and landlord.
RERA and Dubai Tenancy Law
RERA was set up to oversee fair and regulated activities in the Dubai real estate market. Key laws guide the rules that relate to renting in the emirate.
- Law No. (26) of 2007: Provides regulations for the main aspects of the relationship between landlords and tenants.
- Law No. (33) of 2008 adds more protections for tenants to the original Law No. (26).
- Decree Number (26), the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDC) was formed in 2013.
- Decree No. (43) of 2013: Specifies how rents can be raised according to market measures.
The Important Elements of Dubai’s Rental Law
Ejari Registration
Article 4 in Law No. (33) of 2008 requires every tenancy contract to be registered on Ejari. Because of this, only one lease can exist for each unit and it is recognized by the law.
Automatic Renewal
As per Article 6, if the tenant doesn’t object to the renewal and the lease runs out, the conditions in the contract extend for one year or the length of the initial lease, whichever is less.
Ownership Transfer
Article 28 ensures that tenants are protected when the property is sold. When ownership of the property changes, the tenant does not have their rights as a renter affected.
Changing or Updating the Terms Written in the Contract
Amending Contract Terms
Either the landlord or the tenant, according to Article 14, should give 90 days advance notice before the lease ends to make any changes.
Early Termination
There is no uniform early termination clause included in the renting laws of Dubai. Should your lease include this condition, make sure to follow it. Leaving the property too early could cause the tenant to face various penalties or have to pay some compensation to the landlord.
End of the Trust When Death Occurs
According to Article 27, even the death of an owner or renter does not end the tenant’s or landlord’s rights or obligations. The heirs will own the lease unless they break it by serving the landlord with a 30-day notice.
Providing vacating notice to the landlord
According to Law No. (33) of 2008, it is not necessary for tenants to notify the landlord before they move out at the contract’s end. Even so, you will have to provide notice as specified in the lease to keep from facing penalties.
The security deposit must be returned by the landlord when damages are not too significant.
The Dubai Tenancy Law Governs Eviction
Article 25 and Law No. (33) of 2008 control the process of eviction in the country. Under some circumstances, a landlord has the right to ask for early eviction.
- If you have not paid your rent within 30 days after receiving a written notice.
- There has been a sublet of the property without asking for permission.
- The tenant acts illegally or immorally in the property.
- When property is misused, it leads to damage to the building.
- After the property owner informs them, the tenant violates the lease agreement.
- Tenants closed their stores for no justified reason.
Eviction Upon Contract Expiry
Landlords might seek eviction for certain reasons.
- Putting the property on the market.
- Leaving the country to live closer to an immediate relative.
- Renovations or removal of houses.
Should landlords choose to do this, they must notify the tenants using registered mail or a notary for at least one year.
Rent Increases in Dubai
Rent increases in Dubai are subject to the rules set by Decree No. (43) of 2013.
- Under the contract, there is no rent increase in the first two years.
- Starting from that point on, your landlord may increase the rent only if it suits RERA’s standard and is within your rent range compared to others in the area.
Rent Increase Notification
Landlords are only permitted to impose a rent increase after giving their tenants written notice of at least 90 days.
Conclusion
Anyone renting a place in Dubai should first understand the rules of the RERA tenancy contract. If you know your rights, you can decide on things such as renewing the contract, increasing the rent, evicting a person and getting your security deposit back, without facing disagreements.
