Everything you need to know before signing a contract

Before you sign your tenancy contract, ensure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as the regulations in Dubai. Equally, make sure it’s clear what obligations are those of your landlord. Failing to pick up on ambiguities or errors within your tenancy contract can potentially cause you headaches in the future. 

Here’s all you need to know about Dubai Tenancy Law to ensure you are well informed and adequately protected.

What are landlord and tenant rights?

When it comes to renting property in Dubai, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) has set definitive laws to regulate the relationship between the landlord and the tenant, and clearly outlines the division of responsibilities in order to minimize disputes and misunderstandings.

Landlord’s rights

• The landlord is required to hand over the property to the tenant in Dubai in good, livable condition, as specified in the contract. However, in rare cases, the tenant may agree to lease the unfinished property and complete it himself. Who is liable for the costs of such completion is stated in Article 15. 

• The landlord is responsible for undertaking all property maintenance works and repairs that can compromise the tenant’s living conditions during the term of the contract, unless the two parties agree otherwise, as stated in Article 16. 

• The landlord must not make any changes or renovations to the property that would affect the tenants full use, as intended. However, if the tenant agrees to the landlord’s renovation request, the landlord may proceed, as stated in Article 17. 

Tenant’s rights

• If the tenant wishes to undertake any kind of renovations to the property, the landlord must grant permission and obtain any required licenses from official entities, if needed as stated in Article 19.

• The tenant pays a refundable security deposit at the time of renting the property. In the case the landlord denies refunding the deposit, in full or part, due to any unfair deduction claims for the damage of the property, the tenant can seek the help of the rent dispute committee to resolve the issue, under Article 20. 

• The tenant must return the property to the landlord in the same condition as received at the time of entering into the contract. Ordinary wear and tear or damage due to reasons beyond the tenant’s control may be exempted. In the event of any disagreement between the two parties, the matter may be brought to the dispute committee, as stated in Article 21.

• The tenant is responsible for settling all charges and taxes levied by government entities and departments for the use of the property, as well as any fees or taxes prescribed for any sub-lease unless it is agreed otherwise in the tenancy contract, as stated in Article 22. 

• Upon vacating and returning possession of the property to the landlord, the tenant should not remove any leasehold improvements made by him, as stated in Article 23.

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