What is a Tenancy Agreement in Dubai? A Comprehensive Guide

Learn everything about a tenancy agreement in Dubai, including legal requirements, rights and obligations of tenants and landlords, Ejari registration, renewal, and termination policies.

Article Overview

Introduction

1. What is a Tenancy Agreement in Dubai?

2. Key Components of a Tenancy Agreement

A. Tenant and Landlord Details

B. Property Details

C. Rent Amount & Payment Terms

D. Security Deposit

E. Maintenance & Repairs Responsibilities

F. Ejari Registration Requirement

G. Renewal, Rent Increase & Termination Policies

3. Ejari Registration: Why Is It Important?

A. Benefits of Ejari Registration

B. How to Register Ejari?

4. Tenancy Contract Renewal and Rent Increase Rules

A. How to Renew a Tenancy Contract in Dubai?

B. RERA Rent Increase Calculator

5. How to Terminate a Tenancy Agreement in Dubai?

6. Tenant and Landlord Rights Under Dubai Rental Law

7. Investing in Rental Properties in Dubai

8. Get Expert Real Estate Support with GoDubai Portal

Conclusion

Introduction

A tenancy agreement in Dubai is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant, outlining the terms and conditions of renting a property. Whether you're looking for apartments for rent in Dubai, villas for sale in Dubai with rental potential, or commercial properties in Dubai, understanding the tenancy contract is crucial for a smooth leasing process.

Dubai's rental market is governed by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) and the Dubai Tenancy Law (Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments in Law No. 33 of 2008), ensuring transparency and protection for both parties.

This guide covers everything you need to know about tenancy agreements in Dubai, from key clauses and Ejari registration to renewal policies, dispute resolution, and termination procedures.

1. What is a Tenancy Agreement in Dubai?

A tenancy agreement is a legal document that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. It includes key details such as:

• Rental amount and payment schedule
  
  

• Duration of the tenancy
  
  

• Security deposit amount
  
  

• Responsibilities for maintenance and repairs
  
  

• Rules on subletting
  
  

• Renewal and termination clauses
  
  

In Dubai, all tenancy agreements must be registered with Ejari, ensuring compliance with RERA regulations and providing legal protection in case of disputes.

🔗 Dubai Land Department (DLD) Official Website

2. Key Components of a Tenancy Agreement

A standard Dubai tenancy contract includes the following essential clauses:

A. Tenant and Landlord Details

• Full name, nationality, and contact details of both parties.
  
  

• Emirates ID (for residents) or passport details (for foreign landlords or tenants).
  
  

B. Property Details

• Complete address of the rented unit.
  
  

• Type of property (studio apartments for rent in Dubai, townhouses for sale in Dubai, etc.).
  
  

• Size and specifications.
  
  

C. Rent Amount & Payment Terms

• Agreed annual rent and payment schedule (e.g., quarterly post-dated cheques).
  
  

• Any additional service charges (if applicable).
  
  

D. Security Deposit

• Typically 5% for unfurnished and 10% for furnished properties.
  
  

• Refund conditions at the end of the tenancy.
  
  

E. Maintenance & Repairs Responsibilities

• Landlord's responsibility for structural repairs.
  
  

• Tenant's responsibility for minor wear and tear.
  
  

F. Ejari Registration Requirement

• Mandatory for legal recognition and utility connections.
  
  

🔗 Ejari Registration Guide

G. Renewal, Rent Increase & Termination Policies

• Renewal procedures and notification period.
  
  

• Rent increase limits based on RERA’s Rental Index.
  
  

• Notice period for termination (usually 90 days before contract expiry).
  
  

🔗 RERA Rental Index

3. Ejari Registration: Why Is It Important?

Ejari is the official online rental contract registration system under Dubai Land Department (DLD). It is mandatory to register all tenancy contracts in Dubai via Ejari, ensuring legal protection.

A. Benefits of Ejari Registration

✔ Legal Proof – A valid rental contract recognized by Dubai Courts.
✔ Avoids Rental Disputes – Protects both tenants and landlords.
✔ Essential for Utility Activation – Required for DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) connection.
✔ Visa and Sponsorship Purposes – Needed for family residency visas.

B. How to Register Ejari?

1. Prepare Documents:
   
   

   • Original tenancy contract
     
     

   • Emirates ID (tenant)
     
     

   • Title Deed (landlord)
     
     

   • Security deposit receipt
     
     

2. Submit via Ejari Portal or Approved Centers
   
   

3. Pay Registration Fee (AED 220 – AED 250)
   
   

4. Receive Ejari Certificate
   
   

🔗 Register Ejari Online

4. Tenancy Contract Renewal and Rent Increase Rules

A. How to Renew a Tenancy Contract in Dubai?

• 90-day notice period: The landlord must inform the tenant 90 days before expiry if any changes will be made.
  
  

• If neither party gives notice, the contract automatically renews under the same terms.
  
  

• Renewal requires Ejari renewal and fee payment.
  
  

B. RERA Rent Increase Calculator

RERA regulates rent increases through the Dubai Rental Index, which sets rent caps based on market rates.

• No increase if the rent is within 10% of market price.
  
  

• 5% increase if the rent is 11-20% below market rate.
  
  

• 10% increase if the rent is 21-30% below market rate.
  
  

• 15% increase if the rent is 31-40% below market rate.
  
  

🔗 Check Rent Increase with RERA Calculator

5. How to Terminate a Tenancy Agreement in Dubai?

A tenancy contract can be terminated by mutual agreement or due to specific legal reasons:

✔ Landlord must give 12 months’ notice for eviction if they plan to:

• Sell the property.
  
  

• Move in themselves.
  
  

• Renovate or demolish the unit.
  
  

✔ Tenant must give 90 days’ notice before moving out.

Failure to follow the correct process may lead to a dispute with RERA’s Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC).

🔗 File a Rental Dispute

6. Tenant and Landlord Rights Under Dubai Rental Law

🔗 Dubai Rental Law Overview

7. Investing in Rental Properties in Dubai

For investors looking at rental income opportunities, Dubai offers high ROI (Return on Investment) in areas such as:

✔ Dubai Marina Apartments for Sale – 6-7% ROI.
✔ Affordable Apartments in Dubai – Strong demand from expats.
✔ Short-Term Rentals in Dubai – Profitable in tourist areas.

🔗 Investment Properties in Dubai

8. Get Expert Real Estate Support with GoDubai Portal

Need help with renting or investing in Dubai? GoDubai Portal connects you with:

✔ Verified property listings (apartments, villas, commercial spaces).
✔ Legal experts for tenancy contracts and Ejari registration.
✔ Market insights on Dubai Real Estate trends.

🔗 Subscribe to GoDubai Portal for expert guidance.

Conclusion

A tenancy agreement in Dubai is a legally binding contract that protects both tenants and landlords. From Ejari registration to rent renewal policies, understanding the legal framework helps ensure a hassle-free rental experience. Whether you're renting a home or investing in rental properties, staying informed about Dubai real estate market regulations is essential.