Renting & Landlords
Ejari, rent increases, eviction, RDC disputes.
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
Can my landlord evict me during the tenancy contract?
No — under Article 25 of Dubai Tenancy Law (Law 33 of 2008), a landlord can only evict mid-contract for specific grounds: non-payment after 30 days' notice, subletting without permission, using the property illegally, or causing damage. Personal reasons such as wanting to sell are not valid grounds until contract expiry with 12 months' written notice.
Source: RERA Tenancy LawHow much can my landlord legally increase my rent by?
RERA's Rental Increase Calculator determines the maximum increase based on the gap between your current rent and the area market average. If your rent is within 10% of market, no increase is allowed. Increases are capped at 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% depending on how far below market you are. Use the DLD's RERA calculator to check your exact figure.
Source: RERA Rent CalculatorWhat is Ejari and do I need it?
Ejari is Dubai's mandatory tenancy registration system managed by DLD. Every residential rental contract must be registered. It costs AED 220 plus AED 10 knowledge and innovation fees. Without Ejari you cannot set up DEWA utilities, get a driving licence address change, or enrol children in public school. Your agent or landlord can register it.
Source: DLD EjariCan I pay rent in monthly instalments in Dubai?
Monthly payment is increasingly available but at landlord's discretion. Most landlords in Dubai still prefer 1, 2, 4, or 6 post-dated cheques per year. Monthly is more common in serviced apartments and some new developments. Expect to pay a 5–10% premium for monthly flexibility. Some landlords accept bank transfers instead of cheques.
What happens if my rent cheque bounces in Dubai?
Since the 2020 penal code reform, a bounced cheque is no longer automatically a criminal offence — it is now a civil matter unless fraudulent intent is proven. The landlord can file a civil claim. You may still face a ban on issuing cheques. Practically, your landlord will likely file an immediate RDC case and may begin eviction proceedings.
How do I file a rental dispute in Dubai?
File with the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) inside DLD headquarters. Fee is 3.5% of annual rent, capped at AED 35,000 for the claimant. Bring your Ejari, tenancy contract, passport copy, and evidence. Most straightforward cases resolve in 30–60 days. A mediator session is held first before a judge. Both parties must appear or appoint a legal representative.
Source: RDC at DLDIs the real-estate agency fee legally allowed in Dubai?
Yes — agency fees are legal and typically 5% of annual rent or AED 5,000, whichever is higher, paid once. The fee can be split between landlord and tenant or paid solely by one party depending on negotiation. There is no law fixing who pays; it is contractual. Always get a receipt and confirm the agent holds a valid RERA broker card.
Source: RERA BrokersWho is responsible for maintenance and repairs — landlord or tenant?
Dubai practice (and most contracts) puts minor repairs under AED 500–1,000 on the tenant and major works on the landlord. UAE Civil Code (Article 879) makes the landlord responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition. Always document repair requests in writing. If landlord refuses, file at RDC for an order to repair.
Can a landlord refuse to allow pets in my apartment?
Yes. Most Dubai tenancy contracts include a no-pets clause and landlords can enforce it. If you have a pet, negotiate before signing and get written permission. Some landlords accept an extra refundable pet deposit of AED 2,000–5,000. Check community rules too — some master developments (like some Emaar communities) have their own pet policies.
How much notice do I need to give my landlord before leaving?
90 days written notice is required to vacate at the end of your tenancy contract under Dubai Tenancy Law. Notice must be sent by registered mail or notarised letter — a WhatsApp message does not count legally. If you fail to give proper notice, you may owe rent for the notice period even if you leave.
Source: RERA Tenancy LawIs the RERA rental increase calculator legally binding?
Yes. Courts and RDC treat the RERA Rental Increase Calculator as the legal benchmark. If your landlord issues an increase that exceeds the calculator's figure, you can refuse to pay the excess and file at RDC. Print your RERA calculator result as evidence. The calculator is updated annually based on RERA index surveys.
Source: RERA Rent CalculatorCan I sublease or Airbnb my Dubai apartment?
Subleasing without landlord written consent is illegal and a valid eviction ground. Short-term rental via Airbnb requires a DTCM (Dubai Tourism) holiday home operator licence plus landlord consent. Fines for unlicensed short-term rental can reach AED 100,000. Many community rules also prohibit it regardless of licence status.
Source: DTCM Holiday Homes