Rental Disputes and Tenant Rights in Dubai 

Learn about rental disputes and tenant rights in Dubai, including eviction rules, rent increase limits, and how to file complaints with RERA’s Rental Dispute Settlement Center.

Article Overview

1. Overview of Tenant Rights in Dubai

Key Tenant Rights in Dubai:

2. Common Rental Disputes in Dubai

3. Legal Rent Increases: How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent?

4. Eviction Rules: When Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant?

5. How to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai

Step 1: Try to Settle the Issue Amicably

Step 2: File an Official Rental Dispute Case

Step 3: Attend the RDSC Hearing

6. Security Deposit Rules in Dubai

7. Responsibilities of Landlords & Tenants in Dubai

8. FAQs on Rental Disputes in Dubai

Can a landlord evict a tenant without reason?

Can rent be increased in the middle of a contract?

What if a landlord refuses to return my deposit?

9. Why Use GoDubai Portal for Rental & Legal Assistance?

1. Overview of Tenant Rights in Dubai

Dubai’s rental laws are regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under Law No. 26 of 2007 and Law No. 33 of 2008. These laws protect both tenants and landlords, ensuring fair practices in rental agreements.

Key Tenant Rights in Dubai:

✔ Right to a Legal Tenancy Contract – All rental agreements must be registered with Ejari.
✔ Right to Fair Rent Increases – Rent hikes must follow RERA’s Rental Index.
✔ Right to Property Maintenance – Landlords must handle essential repairs.
✔ Right to Eviction Protection – Landlords can’t evict tenants without legal justification.
✔ Right to File a Rental Dispute – Tenants can file complaints at Dubai’s Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC).

🔗 RERA Rental Laws

2. Common Rental Disputes in Dubai

✔ Unfair Rent Increases – Landlords must follow RERA’s rental cap rules.
✔ Illegal Evictions – Landlords must give 12 months’ written notice before evicting for personal use.
✔ Security Deposit Issues – Landlords must return deposits without unreasonable deductions.
✔ Non-Payment of Rent – Tenants have a 30-day grace period to settle unpaid rent.
✔ Maintenance & Repair Disputes – Landlords must handle structural repairs, while tenants handle minor fixes.

🔗 Check RERA Rent Increase Calculator

3. Legal Rent Increases: How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent?

Dubai’s rent increases are strictly regulated by RERA’s Rental Index.

🔗 Use the RERA Rent Calculator

4. Eviction Rules: When Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant?

Under Law No. 33 of 2008, landlords can only evict tenants for valid reasons:

✔ Selling the Property – 12 months’ notice must be given via a notary public.
✔ Personal Use – The landlord or family must live in the property for at least 2 years.
✔ Major Renovation or Demolition – A government permit is required.
✔ Non-Payment of Rent – If a tenant fails to pay rent within 30 days of notice, eviction is possible.

🔗 Dubai Rental Law Eviction Rules

5. How to File a Rental Dispute in Dubai

Tenants and landlords can resolve disputes through Dubai’s Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC).

Step 1: Try to Settle the Issue Amicably

✔ Communicate with the landlord/property manager.
✔ Refer to Ejari contract and RERA regulations.

Step 2: File an Official Rental Dispute Case

✔ Register the dispute at RDSC (Rental Dispute Settlement Center) in Deira, Dubai.
✔ Submit documents: Ejari, Emirates ID, tenancy contract, proof of payment, and dispute details.
✔ Pay a fee of 3.5% of the annual rent (min AED 500, max AED 20,000).

Step 3: Attend the RDSC Hearing

✔ A judge reviews the case and issues a legally binding decision.
✔ Appeals must be filed within 15 days of the ruling.

🔗 File a Rental Dispute Online

6. Security Deposit Rules in Dubai

✔ Standard Deposit Amount – Usually 5% of annual rent for unfurnished, 10% for furnished properties.
✔ Landlord’s Obligation – Must return the full deposit unless there are damages beyond normal wear & tear.
✔ Tenants’ Rights – Can file a dispute if landlords unfairly withhold deposits.

🔗 Ejari & Rental Deposit Rules

7. Responsibilities of Landlords & Tenants in Dubai

🔗 Dubai Rental Responsibilities Guide

8. FAQs on Rental Disputes in Dubai

Can a landlord evict a tenant without reason?

No, eviction must follow legal reasons and proper notice periods.

Can rent be increased in the middle of a contract?

No, rent can only be increased upon renewal and must follow RERA rules.

What if a landlord refuses to return my deposit?

File a complaint with RERA or RDSC for resolution.

🔗 Dubai Rental Dispute Settlement Center

9. Why Use GoDubai Portal for Rental & Legal Assistance?

✔ Access Expert Legal Guidance on Rental Disputes.
✔ Find Verified Properties & Fair Market Rent Estimates.
✔ Stay Updated on RERA Regulations & Tenant Rights.

🔗 Subscribe to GoDubai Portal for legal support and rental assistance.