RERA Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26/2007) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which law governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai?
- Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008) (Correct answer)
- Law No. 7 of 2006
- Law No. 27 of 2007
- Federal Law No. 5 of 1985
Correct answer: Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008)
Dubai's rental relationship is governed by Law No. 26 of 2007 (Tenancy Law), which was significantly amended by Law No. 33 of 2008. These laws define landlord-tenant rights, notice periods, rent increases, dispute resolution through RERA/RDC, and Ejari registration requirements.
Question 2: What is the minimum notice period a landlord must give a tenant to evict them for personal use of the property?
- 12 months written notice via notary public or registered mail (Correct answer)
- 3 months written notice
- 6 months verbal notice
- 30 days written notice
Correct answer: 12 months written notice via notary public or registered mail
Under Dubai's tenancy law (as amended), a landlord who wants to evict a tenant for their own use, a first-degree relative's use, or for demolition/major renovation must provide 12 months' written notice via registered notary or registered mail. The notice cannot be given mid-contract.
Question 3: According to RERA's rental increase calculator, when can a landlord increase rent?
- Only at contract renewal, based on market value comparison with the RERA Rental Index — increases are capped by percentage based on how far current rent is below market (Correct answer)
- At any time during the tenancy contract
- Every 6 months if market rents have increased
- Landlords can increase rent freely at each renewal without any cap
Correct answer: Only at contract renewal, based on market value comparison with the RERA Rental Index — increases are capped by percentage based on how far current rent is below market
RERA's decree (under Law 26/2007) allows rent increases only at renewal. The increase is capped based on how far current rent is below RERA index value: if below 10% of market — no increase allowed; 11–20% below — max 5% increase; 21–30% below — max 10%; 31–40% below — max 15%; 40%+ below — max 20%.
Question 4: What is the role of the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai?
- Adjudicate landlord-tenant disputes including eviction cases, rent increase disputes, and contract violations (Correct answer)
- Register tenancy contracts (Ejari)
- Issue RERA broker licenses
- Set mandatory rental prices for all properties in Dubai
Correct answer: Adjudicate landlord-tenant disputes including eviction cases, rent increase disputes, and contract violations
The Rental Dispute Center (RDC), part of the Dubai Courts system and supervised by RERA, is the exclusive tribunal for resolving landlord-tenant disputes in Dubai. This includes eviction cases, unlawful rent increases, maintenance disputes, and deposit refund claims. RDC decisions are judicially binding.
Question 5: A tenant in Dubai fails to pay rent for three months. What is the landlord's legal recourse?
- File a case at the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) for eviction and outstanding rent recovery (Correct answer)
- Immediately change the locks without any legal process
- Disconnect utilities to force the tenant to leave
- Deduct the unpaid rent from the security deposit automatically
Correct answer: File a case at the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) for eviction and outstanding rent recovery
Under Dubai tenancy law, a landlord cannot take self-help remedies (changing locks, cutting utilities) against a non-paying tenant — this is illegal. The correct process is to file an eviction case at the RDC. The RDC will issue an order, and enforcement is through the Courts execution department.
Question 6: What notice period must a tenant provide to vacate a property at the end of a lease in Dubai?
- 90 days prior notice (if not stated in the contract, 90 days is the standard practice requirement) (Correct answer)
- 7 days notice
- 30 days notice
- No notice required; just vacate on the contract end date
Correct answer: 90 days prior notice (if not stated in the contract, 90 days is the standard practice requirement)
Dubai tenancy law implies a 90-day notice period for a tenant who wishes not to renew. If neither party gives notice, contracts typically auto-renew on the same terms. The specific notice period may be set in the contract; 90 days is the standard market practice and legally defensible.
RERA Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26/2007)
Which law governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai?