The appropriate rental property at the right price can be difficult to find. So, if you locate a nice place, make sure you understand the rules before signing a contract.

RERA, Dubai's real estate regulating organization, defines the roles and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Laws No. 26 of 2007, No. 33 of 2008, and Decree No. 2 of 2011 are among them.

We created this FAQ for you to assist you understand where you stand and what your legal rights are. Here's what you need to know.

 

How many checks are generally required?

Rent is commonly paid with post-dated cheques in one or four installments in Dubai. This is set to change, since the Dubai Land Department has stated that tenants will soon be able to pay with internet banking rather than PDCs.

 

How can you bargain for a lower price?

In general, a lump sum payment for the entire amount will earn you the best rate. If that is not an option, paying with fewer cheques or making a larger first payment will offer you a better bargain. If neither of those options works, try asking for a free month or two of rent on top of your 12-month lease.

 

Is it legal for the landlord to require a security deposit?

Landlords in Dubai can, and commonly do, require renters to pay a security deposit at the start of a leasing arrangement. This is normally 5 to 10% of the overall rental. It should be noted that this must be returned to the tenant, in whole or in part, upon quitting the premises.

 

Who pays for repairs if something in the property breaks during my tenancy?

The property owner is responsible for all maintenance and repairs. Unless otherwise provided. Before you sign your lease, make sure to read the fine print. For example, a landlord may only fund substantial repairs or those that surpass a specific price.

 

Are there any terms I can utilize if I need to break my contract?

Check to see if your contract contains an exit or early termination clause. Without this, your landlord may seek recompense. Some contracts may have break clauses that require you to pay your landlord a number of months' rent as a penalty for quitting early.

 

Can my landlord evict me before the end of my lease?

No, a landlord can only order you to leave after giving you a 12-month written notice via registered mail or notary public.

 

My landlord wants to raise my rent. How much can they lawfully increase it by?

The DLD Rental Index creates a baseline rental cap and maps out maximum permissible rent increases. If your rent falls below this threshold, your landlord may raise it in accordance with the RERA rate. Any increase in the landlord must be communicated to you 90 days in advance.

Because my landlord has not paid the service charges, I am unable to access the community amenities of my building. What can I do?

The first step in resolving this issue should be to contact your landlord directly. In the event of nonpayment, you may be able to seek legal recourse. The Dubai Rental Disputes Settlement Centre can be reached at 600 555 556.

All of the rental properties I'm interested in appear to be selling swiftly. How can I be confident that if I put a deposit down on a house, no one will undercut me 24 hours later?

As soon as your deposit is received, the property should be booked for you and removed from the market. To be completely guaranteed, though, it is best to sign a contract as soon as possible.

 

I am a tenant in Dubai, and my landlord wants me to leave

Rents are rising, and landlords are considering evicting renters who refuse or are unable to pay the increases. Tenants who have lived in Dubai before 2008 will recognize the current residential property condition.

On the one hand, it's simple to see how this would irritate tenants. On the other hand, if you are a landlord, it could be equally frustrating. If you were one, you would naturally want a higher return on your assets, especially if your property is rented at a lower-than-market rate.

Tenants and landlords are at odds, and if prices rise, so will the tension, therefore both sides must be willing to compromise.

A tenant should keep in mind that getting evicted by your landlord is rarely personal. Many property owners in Dubai are investors looking for the highest potential return. Consider what you would do if you were in their shoes.

Even yet, there are just a few scenarios in which a landlord can legally evict a tenant. Landlords must be informed of the appropriate legislation in order to avoid legal issues while evicting a tenant.