Important tips for tenancy contract renewal in Dubai
Is your tenancy agreement ending soon? Before you renew your tenancy contract, assessing your situation and determining whether this is still the right home for you is a good idea. Choosing to stay where you are or searching for a new home is a big decision. So, to help you make the right choice, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider before tenancy contract renewal in Dubai.
LIST OF THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TENANCY CONTRACT RENEWAL IN DUBAI
When renewing the tenancy contract for your rental properties in Dubai UAE, here’s what you need to remember.
YOUR FUTURE PLANS
Before signing the renewed contract, it’s best to consider your plans and determine whether the property continues to fit your requirements. You might want to reconsider your accommodation if you wish to start a family, switch jobs, or even move back to your home country.
If the situation seems unpredictable, you can look at alternative housing options in Dubai’s thriving rental market. For instance, if you’re looking to move out of the country soon, you could switch to a short-term rental instead of the traditional long-term annual lease. You can easily find apartments in Dubai for monthly rent that offer greater flexibility.
YOUR BUDGET
What you can afford is perhaps the most obvious factor when renewing a lease agreement. But it is easy to overlook the budget sometimes. The annual rent takes a big chunk from your pay cheque, so it’s essential to consider your budget before renewing your Dubai tenancy contract. If you want to tighten your budget in the coming months, move to a more affordable home in the same neighbourhood instead.
On the other hand, it’s a good idea to reassess the rental value of your current home. Visit Bayut’s market trends section, which provides key insights about the rental property market. It’s best to keep track of the price trends to negotiate better with your landlord before your rental contract renewal.
Remember that under Dubai tenancy contract renewal rules, your landlord must give you at least a 90-day notice before the contract expiry for changing the terms, including the rental amount. If there is no tenancy renewal agreement, notice of non renewal of tenancy contract is mandatory and should be notified at least 60-days prior to contract expiry.
YOUR LEASE TERMS
Before renewal of tenancy contract in Dubai, make sure you know the changes to your lease terms. This could be anything from introducing parking fees to changes in building rules, such as pets not being allowed.
It’s generally advisable to ask your landlord directly as the 90-day notice period approaches. To avoid unpleasant situations later, make sure the new lease terms suit your requirements before the tenancy contract renewal.
Also, consider whether you can negotiate additional amenities in your new lease terms when it’s time for your rental contract renewal. This includes access to shared facilities such as a gym and pool, additional parking spaces or regular maintenance.
This one should be near the top of the list of things to consider before tenancy contract renewal in Dubai.
EVALUATE RENT APPRAISAL
Next on our list of tenancy contract renewals in Dubai is rent appraisal. It’s common for landlords to increase the rent during the rental agreement renewal process. Read our guide to using the RERA Rental Increase Calculator to see if the asked increase is as per the RERA calculations. Remember, landlords have to adhere to the RERA Price Index.
If a rent increase is inevitable, see if you can avoid this by agreeing to a longer tenancy term. If you’ve had a good relationship with your landlord, do ask if you can get fee reductions or waivers when you renew the tenancy contract in Dubai. A good relationship between tenant and landlord can solve many potential issues, including tenancy extension agreement.
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
It would be best if you also discussed the need for any repair and maintenance work with your landlord. The landlord can refuse contract renewal if the place needs a major renovation and maintenance. A compensation amount may be asked of the tenant. However, to do so, a technical report issued by Dubai Municipality has to be submitted.
EJARI REGISTRATION
Wondering how to renew a tenancy contract in Dubai? When a tenancy agreement is renewed, you must register the new contract with Ejari. Registration of the renewed contract with the EJARI can be done by the landlord, the tenant or the designated property management company. Renewing your tenancy contract with EJARI is essential to avoid inconvenience or conflicts later.
Check out the tenancy contract in the Dubai guide for more information on tenants and landlord rights and obligations.
LIFESTYLE MATTERS
Before your tenancy contract renewal in Dubai, reflect on how your time in your current home has been so far. What may have seemed like the perfect home when you first signed the lease may not be the most suitable in the current scenario.
While minor inconveniences are usual, reconsider your rental contract renewal if you’re struggling with reaching your workplace, lack of amenities or noisy surroundings.
You can move to another neighbourhood that better suits your lifestyle. For example, flats for rent in Dubai Sports City are ideal for sports enthusiasts, with gyms, cricket and football grounds nearby. On the other hand, apartments for rent in Downtown Dubai appeal to those who enjoy being close to trendy restaurants and attractions.
Your home is where you should feel most comfortable, and if that isn’t the case anymore, it’s something to consider when renewing your lease agreement in Dubai. If you decide to leave your current property, do what you can to get the maximum security deposit refund. There are a few things that you have to keep in mind if you opt not to go for lease renewal agreement.
CONDUCT RESEARCH
It’s also a good idea to check out other properties on the market before your tenancy contract renewal. Who knows, you might be able to find a better property at the same rate or a similar place without having to pay extra.
Changing your home can also result in a shorter commute to work or your child’s school, more storage space and quicker access to shopping malls or restaurants. Some residents also opt for upgrading from an apartment to a villa to enjoy more space and privacy.
You can browse our massive properties for rent in Dubai and discover sea-view apartments, family villas and charming townhouses that fall within your budget.
However, do factor in the extra money you have to spend on moving, furnishing and setting up your new home if you decide against renewing your tenancy contract. While you may find a home within a similar budget, these additional costs can make the entire moving process expensive.
ARE YOU READY TO INVEST?
If you’ve been dreaming about the exciting transition from being a tenant to a property owner in Dubai, you’re in luck. With high ROI and affordable prices, investing in Dubai’s real estate market is ideal for securing your future.
Just educate yourself on the buying property in Dubai advice to determine whether homeownership is the right choice for you.
FAQS ABOUT THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TENANCY CONTRACT RENEWAL IN DUBAI AND MORE
WHAT IS THE TENANCY CONTRACT RENEWAL FEE?
Read this guide to the tenancy renewal fee to ensure you don’t pay anything extra.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT TENANT’S RIGHTS IN DUBAI?
It is always helpful to fully understand your legal rights when renewing a tenancy contract in the UAE. Remember, the RERA tenancy laws in Dubai give detailed insights into rights regarding rent increases, evictions and changing of lease terms.
CAN MY LANDLORD RE-LET MT APARTMENT/VILLA AFTER EVICTING ME?
This depends on the reason given at the time of eviction.
- If the reason given for eviction is selling the property, moving in himself/herself or next of kin of first degree, the landlord cannot rent it again for at least two years.
- A landlord cannot evict a tenant to then re-let the property to someone else for a higher rent. If they do this, a penalty will be imposed (Unless the previous tenant signs an NOC).
IS BUYING HOME INSURANCE FOR TENANTS BENEFICIAL?
Home insurance for tenants offers peace of mind, as it will cover the cost of any accidental damages to the rental property or belongings.
BEFORE RENTING A PROPERTY IN SHARJAH WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
If you are considering renting villas in Sharjah, then here’s a list of things of important things you should know about Sharjah tenancy law.
HOW MUCH IS THE EJARI RENEWAL FEE?
Ejari registration renewal fee is AED 120 if you do it through the REST application or AED 215 + VAT if you opt to get it done through the Real Estate Services Trustees Centres.
HOW LONG CAN A TENANT STAY AFTER THE LEASE EXPIRES IN DUBAI?
Tenants cannot live in a property beyond the expiry of the lease. If a tenant refuses to move on, the landlord can issue an eviction notice.
CAN A LANDLORD REFUSE TO EXTEND A LEASE IN DUBAI?
Yes, landlords have the right to refuse to renew leases but one has to provide a valid reason and follow legal procedures.
People looking to rent properties in Abu Dhabi or rent a villa in Ajman must be aware of all these factors as well. While there are financial aspects when renewing your tenancy contract, you must consider factors that impact your daily life.
Those learning about how to renew tenancy contract in the UAE could also read Dubai tenancy law to ensure you complete the entire process without any errors.
Tenancy contracts typically last for one year in the UAE. We recommend taking some time to assess your financial situation and lifestyle to make the right decision when the time comes to renew your tenancy contract in Dubai. If you opt to not to continue, you can write a not renewing lease letter to your landlord too.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more helpful advice on renting a home in Dubai!
