RERA Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26/2007)

Question 1

Which law governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

12 months written notice via notary public or registered mail

Answer

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?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Adjudicate landlord-tenant disputes including eviction cases, rent increase disputes, and contract violations

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

File a case at the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) for eviction and outstanding rent recovery

Answer

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.

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RERA Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26/2007)