Dubai · Tenancy contract
What your tenancy contract must include
A complete, registered contract is your strongest protection as a tenant. Here's what it must contain — and what makes it official.
Reviewed by the DubaiRentCap team · Last updated
The essential clauses
- Full names of the landlord and tenant (and agent, if any).
- The property details and Ejari / premises (DEWA) number.
- The annual rent and how it's paid (number of cheques).
- The start and end dates.
- The security deposit and its refund terms.
- Who pays for maintenance, DEWA and chiller/cooling.
- Renewal and termination terms (notice, early-exit penalty).
Attestation = registration on Ejari
People often ask about “attestation”. In Dubai the step that makes a residential tenancy official is Ejari registration with RERA — there's no separate notarial attestation for a standard lease. Registration is what lets you connect DEWA, sponsor a visa, and enforce the contract at the Rental Disputes Center.
What makes it enforceable
A contract is only as strong as your ability to rely on it. Use the standard Unified Tenancy Contract, make sure every clause above is filled in, and register it on Ejari. An unregistered or vague contract is the weakest position to be in if a dispute arises.
Next steps
See the contract anatomy and where to get the official form, estimate your move-in costs with the upfront-cost calculator, and check next year's increase with the Rent Increase Calculator.
Common questions
What must a Dubai tenancy contract include?
The parties' names, the property and its premises (DEWA) number, the annual rent and payment schedule, start and end dates, the security deposit and refund terms, who pays for maintenance and utilities, and renewal/termination terms.
Does a tenancy contract need to be attested?
In Dubai the equivalent step is registration on Ejari — that's what makes the contract official with RERA. An unregistered contract is hard to enforce and won't support DEWA or visas.
Is a handwritten or side agreement valid?
Use the standard Unified Tenancy Contract and register it on Ejari. Unregistered side-agreements are risky and difficult to rely on in a dispute.