Tenancy Laws in Dubai That Every Tenant Should Know

When it comes to renting a property in Dubai, there are numerous residential options to choose from. This obviously has one spoilt for choices, but can make the entire process quite overwhelming for many as well, since they find it hard to choose the right one for them. 

Even after you have found your dream home, the task isn’t over yet. Sealing the deal is one of the tenants’ biggest concerns, as the rental contracts are pretty technical. So, the best way of ensuring your safety is to consult reputable law firms in Dubai

Moreover, if you have any concerns, you must raise them at the time of signing of the contract or before that. Also, you should know about tenancy rights and laws governing them. This will help you stay protected against disputes arising between you and the landlord. 

Important RERA Laws That Every Tenant Should Know

RERA is the concerning authority in Dubai that deals with all the rules & regulations related to rental properties within the emirate. So, below we will discuss some important RERA laws that every tenant should know about:

Law no.26 of 2007 & law no.33 of 2008 

These laws deal with the relationship between the tenants and the landlords. It is applicable within the State of Dubai.

Decree no.26 of 2013

All the rental disputes can be solved under this law.

Decree no.43 of 2013

This law mainly deals with rental increments. According to this law, a rental contract must contain all the information of the tenant and landlord as well as the property. In addition, the purpose, terms of agreement, and decided rent should be mentioned in it.

The tenants or the landlord have to register the rental contract with RERA to prevent fraudulent practices. In case the rental agreement isn’t registered, the Dubai Rent Dispute Settlement Centre won’t resolve any arising dispute of that property.  

If a landlord wants to modify the rental agreement, they have to give prior 90 days written notice to the tenants. Typically, both parties agree on the payment of rent before signing the contract. However, if there was no prior agreement between the parties, tenants can pay the rent in annual or quarterly installments.

Article 28 of Property Law

Article 28 of Dubai rent law gives straightforward instructions to follow in case of the transfer of property ownership. As per this law, any transfer of ownership won’t impact the existing tenancy contract. Therefore, the tenants can continue staying in the same premises even after it’s being sold unless or until the contract expires.

Article 14 of Dubai Tenancy Law

In case both the tenant and the landlord want to modify the terms & conditions of the contract, they can do so under the light of article 14. This article states that in case of making amendments to the existing contract, the other party should be informed 90 days priorly.

Article 7 of RERA Tenancy Law

This article clearly defines that no one can nullify the tenancy contract during its tenure unless or until both the parties agree to it explicitly.

Similarly, article 27 of RERA tenancy laws specifically state that the contract won’t be nullified in case of the demise of the tenant or the landlord. Under such conditions, the tenancy rights are transferred to rightful heirs.  

Conditions for the Termination of Contract Before Expiry

A landlord may terminate the contract and demand eviction in the following scenarios:

  • The tenant fails to pay the rent for more than 30 days even after receiving written notice from the landlord.
  • Rents out or subleases the property without the consent of the landlord.
  • Causes damage to the property or tries to make changes in the property.
  • Fails to follow the clauses of the tenancy contract.
  • When the property requires repairs, the landlord can ask the tenants to temporarily evacuate the property.
  • Moreover, if the tenant is using the property other than the purpose mentioned in the contract, the landlord reserves the right to terminate the agreement.
  • In the case of commercial property, the landlord can cancel the contract and demand eviction if the business of the tenant is closed.

Just like the labour law UAE protects the workers in the UAE, the RERA protects tenants’ rights. So, in case your landowner is disturbing you, you can always contact RERA to seek help. 

About rj frometa

Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.

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