Rental Laws in the UAE: Tenant and Landlord Rights Explained

 

UAE boasts one of the most lucrative real estate markets, featuring an expansive variety of properties that allure millions of tenants, investors, and landlords. The Dubai Rental Law No. 33 of 2008 governs the relationship between landlords and renters in Dubai, minimizing the possibility of issues between them. This law mandates them to enter into a written tenancy contract registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). The RERA Dubai Tenancy Law constitutes the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants as follows:

 

Tenant Rights in the UAE

 

Tenant Rights in Dubai aims to safeguard the interests of the tenants and make sure that they are not exploited on any basis. Comprehending these rights will help you prevent disputes with your landlord. It will also make sure that you are treated fairly, especially in critical cases, such as property damage, unpaid rent, and security deposit. Though there are numerous tenant rights in the UAE, below are the key rights that every renter must be aware of:
 

• Right to Maintenance and Repairs: The landlord must maintain the leased property so that it may not affect the tenant's use of the property. Moreover, the landlord is held liable for any defect, damage, deficiency, and wear and tear to the leased property for reasons not attributable to the renter.
• Right to Peaceful Enjoyment: The tenant has the right to enjoy leased property. This means that the landlord must hand over the leased property in good condition, enabling the renter to use it for the purpose stated in the tenancy contract. 
• Right to Essential Services: If the landlord disconnects utility services, such as water and electricity, to the leased property, the tenant may contact the police station, which governs the area where the leased property is situated. They may also file a claim with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in case of any damage.
• Security of Tenure: Tenants cannot be evicted unless their lease term is completed. However, if they breach the agreement in any regard, the landlord has the full right to evict them. The landlord must provide a 12-month written notice for eviction when the lease term ends.

 

Landlord Rights in the UAE

 

Most landlords neglect to read the rental laws and rights that Dubai provides, which often leads to extreme trouble, especially in cases such as eviction, property damage, and rent increases. Being aware of your rights will enable you to manage your property effectively, protect your interests, and handle inappropriate tenants effortlessly and without any stress. Here are some of the most landlord rights in UAE, aiming to minimize landlord and tenant quarrels and enable them to manage their property conveniently:
 

• Rental Income Right: Landlords have the right to receive rental income from their tenants and charge rent as per the prevailing market rates and the tenancy agreement terms. Moreover, they can increase the rent once the tenancy period ends, not exceeding 20% of the current rental value.
• Right to Eviction: Landlords have the right to evict renters who violate the tenancy agreement's terms and conditions, such as damaging the property. You must serve them with a notice and follow the Dubai eviction process to evict them.
• Inspection Right: You possess the right to inspect your property regularly and adequately as a landlord to check its current condition and maintenance level. You must inform the renters at least 24 hours before your visit.
• Right to Terminate the Tenancy Agreement: The landlord has the right to terminate the tenancy agreement after the end of the agreed term. You can apply for a court order to evict the tenants if they refuse to vacate the property after the end of the tenancy period.