Tenant Rights in Dubai — What the Law Says

Dubai tenancy law provides strong protections for tenants under Law No. 26 of 2007 (amended by Law 33/2008). Here are your key rights as a tenant in Dubai.

Rent increase rules

Your landlord cannot increase rent arbitrarily. The RERA Rental Increase Calculator sets the maximum allowable increase based on how far your current rent is below the market average. Maximum increase: 20% (only if your rent is 40%+ below market). No increase is permitted if your rent is within 10% of the market rate.

Eviction rules

Your landlord can only evict you for specific legal reasons: non-payment of rent (after formal notice), use of property for illegal activities, subletting without permission, or if the owner requires the property for personal use (with 12 months notice via notary). Verbal eviction notices have no legal standing.

Security deposit

Your landlord must return your full security deposit within 30 days of lease end, minus documented deductions for actual damages (not normal wear and tear).

Maintenance obligations

The landlord is responsible for major maintenance and structural repairs. Tenants are responsible for minor repairs unless the lease specifies otherwise.