UAE Tenancy Renewal Rules 2025: Rent Increase, Notice & Your Rights

Understanding tenancy renewal rules in the UAE is critical for both tenants and landlords. With rent prices fluctuating in 2025, knowing the legal notice periods, rent increase caps, and your rights under UAE tenancy law can save you thousands of dirhams and prevent unnecessary disputes.

UAE Tenancy Renewal Laws Overview

Tenancy in the UAE is governed by emirate-specific laws:

  • Dubai: Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008) and RERA regulations
  • Abu Dhabi: Law No. 20 of 2006 and subsequent amendments
  • Other emirates: Federal Law and emirate-specific regulations apply
  • All tenancy contracts in Dubai must be registered with Ejari (the official rental registration system)
  • RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) oversees landlord-tenant disputes in Dubai

Notice Periods for Non-Renewal

Both landlords and tenants must give proper notice before ending a tenancy:

  • Dubai: Landlord must give 12 months' written notice to evict (for personal use, sale, or major renovation)
  • Tenant must give 90 days' notice before contract end if not renewing
  • If a landlord fails to give 12 months' notice, the tenant has the right to renew at the same rent
  • Notice must be sent via registered mail or notarised notice to be legally valid
  • Abu Dhabi: 3 months' notice required for annual contracts from either party

Rent Increase Rules & RERA Calculator

Rent increases in Dubai are strictly regulated by the RERA Rent Index:

  • A landlord can only increase rent if the current rent is below the RERA market rate for that area
  • If your rent is up to 10% below market rate — no increase allowed
  • If your rent is 11–20% below market rate — maximum 5% increase
  • If your rent is 21–30% below market rate — maximum 10% increase
  • If your rent is 31–40% below market rate — maximum 15% increase
  • If your rent is more than 40% below market rate — maximum 20% increase
  • Check the RERA Rent Calculator at dubailand.gov.ae to verify any proposed increase

Steps to Take if Your Landlord Refuses Renewal or Raises Rent Illegally

If your landlord refuses to renew or demands an illegal rent increase:

1Confirm your Ejari registration is current
2Use the RERA Rent Calculator to verify whether any increase is legal
3Send a written counter-notice rejecting the illegal increase via registered mail
4File a complaint with the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai at rdc.dubai.gov.ae
5For Abu Dhabi disputes, contact the Abu Dhabi Rent Disputes Committee
6Keep all receipts, messages, and the original tenancy contract as evidence
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord evict me without 12 months' notice in Dubai?

No. In Dubai, a landlord must provide a minimum of 12 months' written notice (via registered mail or notary) to evict a tenant for personal use, sale, or demolition. Without this notice, you have the right to continue your tenancy at the same rent.

What if my landlord demands a rent increase higher than RERA allows?

You can legally refuse the increase if it exceeds the RERA Rent Index cap. File a complaint with the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai. The RDC can issue a binding decision on the permitted rent amount.

Do tenancy renewal rules apply to commercial properties in Dubai?

RERA rent increase caps apply primarily to residential properties. Commercial tenancies fall under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 but rent increases are more freely negotiated. Always review your specific contract terms.

What is Ejari and do I need it for renewal?

Ejari is the official tenancy contract registration system in Dubai. All tenancy contracts — including renewals — must be registered. Unregistered contracts may not be enforceable in court and can cause issues with DEWA, visa renewals, and other services.

Can a landlord sell the property while I am renting in the UAE?

Yes, a landlord can sell the property. However, the new owner must honour the existing tenancy contract. If the new owner wishes to evict you for personal use, they must still give 12 months' notice from the date of the title deed transfer.

Official Resources

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General information only. Not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed UAE lawyer.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about UAE law and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify with official government sources. For specific legal matters, consult a licensed UAE lawyer. This platform is not affiliated with any UAE government entity.