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

What is the maximum number of post-dated cheques a landlord can legally request in Dubai?

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.

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?

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.

Can a landlord evict a tenant during the term of a valid tenancy contract in Dubai?

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.

What are a landlord's obligations regarding maintenance and repairs under Dubai rental law?

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.

A tenant in Dubai makes unauthorized modifications to a property (e.g., builds an internal wall). What can the landlord do upon discovery?

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.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can request under Dubai rental practice?

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.