How a tenancy contract works in Dubai

Dubai rentals are governed by Law No. 26 of 2007 (and its amendments). Contracts are written, fixed-term, and registered with the Dubai Land Department through Ejari.

The standard structure

• Term: 12 months, renewable.
• Payment: typically 1, 2, 4, 6, or 12 cheques — fewer cheques usually means a lower headline rent.
• Security deposit: usually 5% of annual rent for unfurnished, 10% for furnished. Refundable at end of tenancy.
• Agency fee (if going through a broker): usually 5% of annual rent, paid by the tenant once at signing.

What's negotiable

• The number of cheques.
• Move-in date (within reason).
• Inclusions — chiller fees, maintenance responsibility, parking, garden upkeep.
• Notice period for non-renewal (statutory minimum is 90 days, but in practice it's often longer).

What isn't negotiable

• The legal rent-increase rules (RERA Rental Index — see the dedicated FAQ).
• The eviction-notice rules under Law 33 of 2008.
• Ejari registration — required regardless of any private agreement.

Read the full contract, including the Arabic version (legally controlling). For non-Arabic readers, paying for a quick legal translation is cheap insurance.

Sources: Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 and Law No. 33 of 2008.