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Renting Property

Tenant Rights in the UAE

Know your rights as a tenant.

Updated: September 2026 4 min read

Tenants in Dubai have the right to a unit handed over in good condition, maintenance by the landlord, uninterrupted services, rent increases only at renewal within the Decree 43/2013 limits, eviction only on grounds set by law, and the deposit back when the lease ends. Law No. 26 of 2007 sets these out.

Your main rights as a tenant in Dubai

  • The unit must be handed over in good condition that allows full use (Article 15).
  • The landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairing defects, unless agreed otherwise (Article 16).
  • The landlord may not make changes that stop you using the unit (Article 17), or cut off services or disturb your use of it (Article 34).
  • Your security deposit is refunded when the lease ends (Article 20).
  • A sale of the property doesn't cancel your lease (Article 28).
  • Rent can only rise at renewal, with 90 days' notice and within the Decree No. 43 of 2013 brackets.

Your obligations in return

  • Pay rent on the agreed dates and look after the unit (Article 19).
  • Return it in the condition you received it, except ordinary wear and tear (Article 21).
  • Pay fees and taxes due to government entities for using the unit (Article 22).
  • Don't sublet or assign the lease without the landlord's written consent (Article 24).

Protection from eviction

A landlord can only evict on the grounds listed in Article 25. To evict at the end of the lease for sale, own use, demolition or major renovation, 12 months' notice through a notary public or registered mail is required. See Eviction Rules Explained.

How to enforce your rights

Raise the issue with the landlord in writing first. If that fails, file with the Rental Disputes Center, which has exclusive jurisdiction over Dubai rent disputes under Decree No. 26 of 2013. Its mediation stage aims to settle a case within 15 days. You need your Ejari-registered contract.

Checklist to protect yourself

  • Register the lease on Ejari and keep the certificate.
  • Send every request and notice in writing, and keep copies.
  • Photograph the unit at move-in and move-out.
  • Check the rental index before agreeing to any increase.
  • Keep receipts for every cheque and payment.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for maintenance in a rented property in Dubai?

The landlord, unless you agreed otherwise. Under Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairing defects (Article 16) and must hand over the unit in good condition that allows full use (Article 15).

Can my landlord cut off electricity or water?

No. The landlord may not cut off services or disturb your use of the unit (Article 34), or make changes that stop you using it (Article 17), under Law No. 26 of 2007.

Where can a tenant complain about a landlord in Dubai?

Raise the issue with the landlord in writing first. If that fails, file with the Rental Disputes Center, which has exclusive jurisdiction over Dubai rent disputes; its mediation stage aims to settle a case within 15 days, and you need your Ejari-registered contract.

What are a tenant's obligations in Dubai?

Pay rent on the agreed dates, look after the unit and return it in the condition you received it, except ordinary wear and tear. You must also pay government fees due for using the unit and not sublet or assign the lease without the landlord's written consent.

Sources

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