No one can deny that the rental market in UAE is booming; it caters to residents and expatriates with its wide range of housing options. To maintain a balanced relationship between landlords and tenants, the UAE tenancy law must be followed. Whether you’re living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, understanding these laws is critical for ensuring a smooth and fair tenancy experience.
Explore the rights tenants have across the UAE and insights into regulations specific to each emirate.
Tenant Rights in Dubai
The UAE tenancy law in Dubai is governed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), ensuring transparency and fairness between landlords and tenants.
1. Rules for Rent Increases
Rent increases in Dubai are strictly regulated:
- Notice Period: Landlords must give 90 days written notice before increasing rent. Without the notice, the existing rent will remain unchanged for the next lease term.
- RERA Rent Calculator: To verify the legality of rent hikes, tenants can use the RERA Rent Calculator. This tool determines permissible increases based on the property’s location and market conditions.
2. Eviction Rules
Illegal rent increases and evictions in Dubai are dealt with strict actions. Evictions must comply with specific legal procedures:
- 12-Month Notice: The landlords have to provide a written notice of eviction, notarised or sent by registered mail, that should be 12 months.
- Valid Reasons: Eviction is only allowed for reasons such as property sales or the landlord’s personal use.
- Re-Lease Restrictions: If a tenant is evicted for personal use, the landlord is prohibited from re-letting the property for two years. Violations can result in tenant compensation through the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC).
3. Dispute Resolution
Tenants can file complaints with the RDSC for issues like wrong evictions, unauthorised rise in rents or landlord negligence. The committee is there to resolve disputes legally within no time.
Tenant Rights in Abu Dhabi
Rental laws in Abu Dhabi are well-defined and regulated under Law No. 20 of 2006. They offer immense protection to tenants while bringing fair play in the market.
1. Written Contracts and Rent Payments
- Mandatory Contracts: All residential agreements for tenancy must be accompanied by documentation to the municipality in Abu Dhabi and should be executed in writing. These contracts carry terms such as rent, duration and maintenance requirements.
- Payment Terms: Tenants must pay rent in Abu Dhabi within 21 days of the due date for residential properties.
2. Rent Increases
The law caps annual rent increases at 5%, but this percentage can be modified by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Disputes over rent hikes can be resolved by the Rental Disputes Committee, which determines fair market rates based on similar properties in the area.
3. Eviction Rules
UAE tenancy law is applied to the evictions in the interest of promoting stability in the tenancies:
- Notice Period: A verbal notice lasting two months is regarded as adequate for landlords who intend to commence legal eviction of their tenants after the contractual tenancy period.
- Grounds for Eviction: Some reasons could be the need to demolish the property, make serious renovations, or personal use of the landlord. If such reasons are not put into action, the tenants can ask for compensation.
4. Maintenance Obligations
The primary obligation of the landlords is to do major reparations that would make the property habitable. The tenants can do minor repairs unless the lease states otherwise.
Tenant Rights in Sharjah
Sharjah’s rental laws were established under Law No. 2 of 2007 and updated in 2024, prioritising long-term stability and tenant protections.
1. Rent Increases
Sharjah offers tenants extended rental stability:
- Three-Year Freeze: Rent cannot be increased during the first three years of a tenancy.
- Subsequent Increases: once the rental freeze is over, landlords are free to raise rent in intervals of two years and there are no restrictions on the amount. However, they must be under rent patterns in respect of similar properties in the area.
2. Eviction Rules
- Three-Year Protection: All tenancy agreements shall be in writing and registered with the Sharjah Municipality. These contracts include terms such as the rent, the term and maintenance obligations.
- Notice Period: Three months’ notice in writing is appropriate in instances when the property is required for personal use or has to be demolished.
- Family-Only Zones: Some zones, for example, Al Majaz and Al Nahda, have been designated for families which do not allow bachelors to rent.
3. Occupancy Limits
Sharjah has placed a cap on the number of people who are allowed to be in different types of rentals so as not to overcrowd.
- Studio Apartments: Up to 3 occupants
- 1-Bedroom Apartments: Up to 4 occupants
- 2-Bedroom Apartments: Up to 6 occupants
Common Tenant Responsibilities Across the UAE
Regardless of the emirate, tenants are expected to follow UAE tenancy law. They must:
- Pay rent on time as late payments can lead to eviction or legal action.
- Use the property for its intended purpose as stated in the contract.
- Adhere to occupancy rules as specified in the tenancy agreement.
- Tenants are responsible for minor repairs, while landlords handle major maintenance unless otherwise agreed.
FAQs
No, as per UAE tenancy law, landlords in Dubai and Abu Dhabi must provide written notice (90 days in Dubai and two months in Abu Dhabi). In Sharjah, rent increases are not allowed during the first three years of a tenancy.
Landlords cannot evict tenants mid-lease unless the tenant violates the contract, such as by failing to pay rent or using the property for prohibited activities.
Subletting is generally prohibited unless explicitly stated in the lease agreement and approved by the landlord. Violations can lead to eviction.
UAE tenancy laws are comprehensive, helping tenants safeguard their rights, avoid disputes and enjoy a secure tenancy. If conflicts arise, rental dispute committees serve as efficient platforms for resolution, ensuring tenants and landlords adhere to fair practices.
Stay informed and proactive to make the most of your rental experience in the UAE. Meanwhile, explore these properties for rent in UAE to find your dream residence.
