Tenant rights in Dubai: All your essential questions answered
- Rent Increase and Regulations
- Eviction Process
- Maintenance Responsibilities
- Security Deposit
- Lease Termination
- General Enquiries
Are you renting a property in Dubai? Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-term resident, understanding your rights as a tenant is crucial. Let’s dive into the tenant rights in Dubai FAQs, covering everything from rent increases to lease terminations.
Rent Increases and Regulations
Can my landlord increase the rent whenever they want?
Dubai prioritises tenant protection with strict rent regulations. Landlords cannot arbitrarily raise rents. Instead, rent increases are allowed only once a year and must be communicated 90 days before the lease renewal.
Also, landlords must adhere to RERA’s guidelines when raising rents. Increases are capped at 20% (maximum) based on a comprehensive assessment of the rental index and current market rates. This ensures that rent increases are reasonable and fair to tenants.
What if my landlord demands an illegal rent increase?
One of the frequently asked questions about tenant rights in Dubai is regarding the increase in illegal rent. If the landlord continues to insist on an unreasonable rent increase, politely remind them of the RERA guidelines.
To provide concrete evidence, refer to the RERA Rent Increase Calculator to demonstrate the maximum permissible increase based on current market rates. If the landlord persists, consider filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center to resolve the issue fairly and legally.
Eviction Processes and Tenant Protections
Can my landlord evict me without notice?
Evictions in Dubai are not arbitrary. Landlords cannot evict tenants without a valid reason. Allowable grounds include non-payment of rent after a 30-day notice, illegal subletting, using the property for unlawful purposes, major renovations or demolition with a 12-month notice.
How much notice should I receive for eviction?
The required notice period for eviction varies based on the reason. Generally, landlords must provide 12 months’ written notice. However, for non-payment of rent or breaches of contract, a shorter notice period of 30 days is sufficient. If the tenant fails to rectify the breach within 30 days, the landlord can proceed with eviction.
What are the grounds on which a landlord can legally evict a tenant?
Landlords in Dubai can terminate a tenancy agreement for specific, legitimate reasons. These include the intention to sell the property, requiring the premises for personal use, or undertaking major renovations or demolitions. Non-payment of rent is another valid ground for eviction.
However, landlords must provide a written notice outlining the reason for the eviction, which should be delivered via registered mail or through a notary public. Tenants have the right to contest any eviction notice they deem unjustified.
Maintenance Responsibility
Who’s responsible for property maintenance?
One of the most important things to consider when renting a property in Dubai is maintenance and who’s responsible for it. Ideally, the landlord has to pay for all maintenance costs exceeding AED 500. Moreover, landlords are accountable for major repairs like structural issues and plumbing and electrical systems.
On the other hand, tenants are responsible for minor upkeep tasks such as changing light bulbs and unclogging drains. This division of responsibilities helps ensure the property is maintained efficiently and fairly.
What if my landlord refuses to do the necessary repairs?
If you encounter issues with your landlord, don’t hesitate to take action. Document the problem with photos and videos, and send a written request to your landlord. If you receive no response, contact RERA for mediation.
However, if the discussion isn’t successful, you can file a complaint with Dubai’s Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (previously known as RERA Rent Committee). Here is how to file a rental dispute in Dubai.
Security Deposit Rules
What is the rule regarding security deposit in Dubai?
One of the popular tenant rights in Dubai FAQS is regarding security deposits and here’s what the rule says:
The security deposit is a crucial aspect of any tenancy agreement in Dubai. Landlords are restricted from collecting more than 10% of the annual rent as a deposit. Upon lease termination, landlords must return the deposit within 14 days, deducting only for legitimate reasons such as unpaid rent or property damage. These regulations safeguard tenants’ financial interests and ensure a fair tenancy experience.
What should the tenant do if the landlord does not return the security deposit?
If a landlord wrongfully refuses to return the security deposit, tenants can seek redress through the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDC). By providing evidence such as the tenancy contract and relevant receipts, tenants can strengthen their claim.
All communication with the landlord should also be presented to support their case. Dubai’s robust legal framework safeguards the rights of both landlords and tenants, ensuring a fair and transparent process for the return of security deposits.
Can the landlord keep the security deposit if the tenant is evicted?
No, the landlord is not supposed to keep the security deposit. The security deposit in Dubai has to be returned to the tenant after the expiry of the tenancy contract, either in full or whatever is left after maintenance.
For more information on security deposit, check our guide on getting a full security deposit refund in Dubai.
Lease Termination Rights
When it comes to tenant rights in Dubai FAQs, lease termination is a well-searched topic. Here’s what you need to know about lease termination rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Dubai:
Can I terminate my rental contract early?
The tenancy laws in Dubai do not dictate the specifics of the early termination of tenancy contracts in Dubai. However, if the tenant chooses to vacate the property before the end of the contractual term, the landlord has the right to refuse the remaining rent refund.
The only way this can be avoided is if the original rent contract has an exit clause that addresses the early termination of tenancy in Dubai and clearly outlines the required notice period and the amount of penalty to be charged.
What is the notice period for terminating a lease early in Dubai?
The notice period and any associated penalty for early termination of a tenancy contract in Dubai are determined by the specific terms outlined in the agreement. If the contract doesn’t include a termination clause, the tenant must provide at least 60 days’ notice before terminating the lease. The amount of any penalty is at the landlord’s discretion.
General Enquiries and FAQs about Tenant Rights in Dubai
Want to know more FAQs about tenant rights in Dubai? Here are some popular general queries that tenants seek answers to.
Who needs to sign the rent contract in Dubai?
Once you have drafted the tenancy contract, the parties need to sign it in front of a witness to make the agreement valid. The Dubai Land Department considers the following groups of people to be official signatories for rent contracts in Dubai:
- The landlord
- The tenant
- A legal representative of the landlord with a Power of Attorney
- Licenced property management companies
Please note that a Power of Attorney in Dubai is valid for two years. It must be re-stamped at the Dubai Courts to extend its validity beyond this period. Only DLD-licensed property management companies are authorised to sign tenancy contracts for the properties they manage.
Are there any hidden costs of renting in Dubai?
There may be some additional charges for renewing a rental contract in Dubai. Here’s a handy guide to the hidden costs of renting in Dubai.
Can a landlord enter the property in the absence of the tenant?
No, they cannot. Once the property is leased, the landlord can only enter the premises with the tenant’s permission, unless the tenancy contract includes an access clause that allows otherwise.
The tenant’s consent is required even if the landlord wishes to sell the property and conduct property viewings. A 24-hour notice is also required for the viewings to take place after the tenant grants permission.
What are the consequences if a tenant does not pay the rent?
Non-payment of rent is a serious matter in Dubai and can have significant consequences. Tenants must prioritise timely rent payments to avoid legal repercussions.
If a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord has the right to file a complaint with the RDC. The RDC may issue an eviction order and require the tenant to pay outstanding rent, legal fees and other penalties as determined by the court.
There we have it! Everything about tenant rights in Dubai FAQs. If you want to know about other regulatory frameworks in Dubai, check out our guide on Ejari registration.
If you want to be completely prepared before jumping into any tenancy contract, our guide on Dubai tenancy laws outlines major points for your consideration.
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