Dubai Rental Law 2026: What Every Tenant and Landlord Must Know
Dubai Rental Law 2026: What Every Tenant and Landlord Must Know
Dubai’s rental market is governed by Law No. 26 of 2007 (the Dubai Tenancy Law) and its subsequent amendments, administered by RERA, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
RERA Rental Increase Caps 2026
Dubai caps annual rent increases based on the RERA Rental Index:
11-20% below market average: Maximum 10% increase
21-30% below market average: Maximum 15% increase
31-40% below market average: Maximum 20% increase
Above market or at market rate: Maximum 5% increase
Security Deposit Rules
Under Dubai tenancy law, the security deposit is capped at 5% of annual rent (or one months rent) for residential properties. The deposit must be returned within 30 days of tenant vacating, minus any legitimate deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Procedures
Landlords in Dubai can only evict tenants under specific legally enumerated grounds: 3 months notice for owner wanting to sell or occupy, 3 months for major renovation requiring vacating, 30 days after proving tenant contract violation, and 90 days if landlord does not wish to renew at end of tenancy term.
Self-help evictions (changing locks, cutting utilities) are illegal in Dubai and can result in criminal penalties for landlords.
Tenant Rights Under Dubai Law
Tenants have the right to receive written notice before any rent increase, challenge excessive rent increases at RERA Rental Dispute Center, request repairs from landlord within 30 days of written complaint, withhold rent if repairs are not made (after proper notice), and privacy — landlord must provide 24 hours advance notice before entering property.
Dubai Rental Law FAQ
How much notice does a landlord need to give to evict a tenant in Dubai?
90 days for non-renewal at end of term, 3 months for owner occupation or sale, and 30 days for tenant contract violations. All notices must be served through registered post or notarized email.
Can a landlord increase rent more than the RERA cap?
No — the RERA Rental Index caps are legally enforceable. Landlords who demand increases above the permitted cap can face fines of up to AED 50,000.
What happens if a tenant refuses to pay rent in Dubai?
Landlords can file a rental dispute with RERAs Rental Dispute Center. Eviction for non-payment typically takes 30-60 days through the formal legal process.
Is there rent control in Dubai?
Dubai does not have hard rent control — rents are market-driven. However, the RERA Rental Index establishes maximum permitted increases based on comparison to market average.
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