Dubai tenant guide
Your rights as a Dubai tenant
Dubai's tenancy law gives renters real, enforceable protections. Here are the ones that matter most — and where each comes from.
Reviewed by the DubaiRentCap team · Last updated
Your rent is capped
A landlord can't raise your rent freely. Decree 43 of 2013 ties the maximum increase to how far your rent sits below the market average — from 0% up to a hard ceiling of 20%. Check yours with the Rent Increase Calculator.
You get 90 days' notice
Any change to the rent or terms at renewal needs 90 days' written notice. Without it, the contract renews unchanged — see the 90-day notice rule.
You can't be evicted on a whim
During the contract, a landlord can only seek eviction on specific legal grounds (such as non-payment after a formal notice). To evict at the end of the term to sell or to use the property personally, they must give 12 months' notice through a notary public or registered mail, stating the reason.
Your deposit is refundable
The security deposit is held against damage, not as extra rent. You should get it back when you leave, minus the cost of any genuine damage beyond fair wear and tear — see security deposit rules.
Your contract must be registered
Registering on Ejari is mandatory and protects you: it's required for DEWA, visas, and to bring any case to the Rental Disputes Center.
Maintenance is usually the landlord's
Unless your contract says otherwise, major maintenance is the landlord's responsibility. Get the split written into the tenancy contract so it's not argued later.
Where to get help
The Rental Disputes Center (RDC), part of the Dubai Land Department, resolves landlord–tenant disputes. Keep your paperwork — it's what wins cases.
Common questions
Can my landlord evict me to sell the property?
Only with 12 months' notice served through a notary public or registered mail, stating the reason (sale or personal use). They cannot evict you at will mid-contract.
Who pays for maintenance in Dubai?
Unless the contract says otherwise, major maintenance is the landlord's responsibility. Minor day-to-day upkeep is often the tenant's. Always confirm in writing in the contract.
What can I do if my landlord breaks the rules?
Try to resolve it in writing first, then file at the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) with your Ejari, contract and evidence. Most rental cases are heard quickly.