Renting as a tenant
6 questions · Contracts, deposits, rent increases, eviction notices, disputes.
How a tenancy contract works in Dubai
Standard contracts are 12 months, paid in 1–4 cheques. Ejari registration makes the contract enforceable.
Security deposits: typical amounts and how to recover them
5% of annual rent for unfurnished, 10% for furnished. Document condition on day one to get it back without a fight.
Rent increases & the RERA Rental Index
Increases are capped by how far below market average your current rent is — 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%. The Rental Index sets the ceiling.
Eviction notices: when can a landlord legally evict?
For non-payment, a short notice. For sale or personal use, 12 months' notarised notice is required by law.
Resolving disputes via the Rental Disputes Centre
The RDC is a court within the Dubai Land Department. File online, pay the case fee, and most disputes resolve in weeks.
Sub-letting: what's allowed and what isn't
You need written permission from the landlord. Without it, the landlord can evict for breach.