RERA Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26/2007) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum number of post-dated cheques a landlord can legally request in Dubai?
- There is no legal maximum; the number of cheques is a matter of negotiation, though 4 cheques per year is common (Correct answer)
- A maximum of 1 cheque per year is mandated
- A maximum of 12 monthly cheques is the legal maximum
- Only 2 cheques are permitted under RDC rules
Correct answer: There is no legal maximum; the number of cheques is a matter of negotiation, though 4 cheques per year is common
Dubai law does not set a statutory maximum on the number of cheques. Market practice varies from 1 (single annual cheque) to 12 (monthly). Fewer cheques generally mean lower rent; more cheques allow tenants to manage cash flow. This is negotiated in the tenancy contract.
Question 2: A landlord in Dubai wants to increase a tenant's rent by 20% at renewal. The RERA index shows the unit is 15% below market. What is the maximum legal increase?
- 5% — because the current rent is 11–20% below the RERA index value (Correct answer)
- 20% as requested by the landlord
- 15% because that matches the market gap
- No increase is allowed as rent is above market
Correct answer: 5% — because the current rent is 11–20% below the RERA index value
Under RERA's rent increase regulation: if current rent is 11–20% below the RERA index, the maximum allowable increase is 5%. The landlord's desired 20% exceeds this cap, regardless of market movement. The tenant can challenge excessive increases at the RDC.
Question 3: Can a landlord evict a tenant during the term of a valid tenancy contract in Dubai?
- Only in limited circumstances (non-payment, property use violations, unauthorized subletting) with proper legal process (Correct answer)
- Yes, with 30 days written notice for any reason
- Yes, if offering a 1-month rent-free period as compensation
- No, a valid contract cannot be terminated by the landlord for any reason
Correct answer: Only in limited circumstances (non-payment, property use violations, unauthorized subletting) with proper legal process
During a valid tenancy contract term, a landlord can only seek eviction through RDC for specific legal grounds: non-payment, use of property for illegal purposes, unauthorized subletting, or endangering the property. Notice to vacate for personal use requires waiting until contract end plus 12 months' notice.
Question 4: What are a landlord's obligations regarding maintenance and repairs under Dubai rental law?
- Landlord is responsible for major structural repairs and maintenance; tenant is responsible for minor day-to-day maintenance as agreed in the contract (Correct answer)
- Tenants bear all maintenance costs regardless of the type of repair
- Landlords must pay for all repairs including minor items
- Maintenance is shared equally between landlord and tenant by law
Correct answer: Landlord is responsible for major structural repairs and maintenance; tenant is responsible for minor day-to-day maintenance as agreed in the contract
Dubai's rental law places responsibility for major structural repairs (plumbing, electrical, structural) on the landlord. Minor maintenance (lightbulbs, minor fixes) is typically the tenant's responsibility as agreed in the contract. The boundary is usually defined in the tenancy agreement.
Question 5: A tenant in Dubai makes unauthorized modifications to a property (e.g., builds an internal wall). What can the landlord do upon discovery?
- Require restoration to original condition and claim damages, or file at RDC for eviction if terms are breached (Correct answer)
- Accept the modifications as permanent improvements
- Seek automatic eviction without any legal process
- Deduct modification costs from future rent
Correct answer: Require restoration to original condition and claim damages, or file at RDC for eviction if terms are breached
Unauthorized modifications typically constitute a breach of the tenancy contract. The landlord can demand restoration to the original condition, claim the cost of restoration, or file at the RDC for eviction for material breach of contract. The landlord cannot self-help evict.
Question 6: What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can request under Dubai rental practice?
- 5% of annual rent for unfurnished properties; up to 10% for furnished properties (market standard, not a legal cap) (Correct answer)
- 1 month's rent regardless of furnishing
- No limit; landlords can demand any amount
- 2 months' rent for all properties mandated by RERA
Correct answer: 5% of annual rent for unfurnished properties; up to 10% for furnished properties (market standard, not a legal cap)
There is no statutory maximum security deposit amount in Dubai law. Market practice is 5% of annual rent for unfurnished and up to 10% for furnished properties. The amount is negotiable. Security deposits must be refunded within a reasonable period after vacating, less legitimate deductions.
RERA Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26/2007) 2
What is the maximum number of post-dated cheques a landlord can legally request in Dubai?