UAE’s emirate Dubai is one of the city’s that follows strict rental and tenancy laws. Being a hub of commerce and business where people from all over the world reside, Dubai practices stern laws that must be complied with in any cases. To regulate complex concerns the authorities have appointed Rental Dispute Settlement Center at Dubai Land Department (DLD) to resolve issues and complaints.
1- Rent Calculation
Dubai’s rental properties are said to increase at various times of the year depending on the situation and season. However, to regulate the constant fluctuation, the RERA Rent Calculator is widely used to access the average rents in the area. The data added to the weblink is frequently updated by Ejari and gives tenants if their rents are falling within the rental index.
Link – https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/rental-index/rental-index/#/
If there are concerns about the hiked prices and the landlords and property owners fail to comply with the rental standards then complaints are registered with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center at DLD for further inquiry.
The RERA Rent Calculator works on the following guides:
2- Amending Rental Agreements
Another concern which is majorly highlighted is the sudden increase in rents after the tenant has completed their designated contract. This usually happens when the tenants are unable to make quick moves and are stuck in a property as it may be convenient for their work space. Landlords and property owners are advised to stick to the RERA Rental Index to calculate renewals and updated rent costs.
- For rental leases typical residential lease terms are at one year while commercial lease terms are one year onwards.
- Rental hikes are supposed to be informed 90 days prior to the tenant. If any of the party wishes to change the terms of the contract a 90 period notice must be given prior to the change.
- Incase of contract expiration, if no changes are made, the contract is carried forward by another year automatically under the same terms and conditions.
3- Maintenance of Rental Properties
- Dubai’s property rule gives the landlord the task to handle all maintenance issues. It is considered to be their responsibility unless the parties have mutually agreed otherwise.
- Minor maintenance charges can be handled by the tenants if mentioned on the contracts. The maintenance decisions are not forcefully appointed to a single party and can be changed with mutual understanding.
- Rental advances cannot be used for maintenance purposes when the tenant leaves a property. It should only be used for unpaid dues or many services provided in the contract.
4- Contract Termination
The rental agreement is a binding contract which must be respected by both the parties (tenant and the landlord)
- If both parties agree, the contract may be terminated. Either party individually holds no rights to terminate the agreement.
- Incase of the landlord’s passing, the agreement stays valid and the transfer of ownership automatically goes to the property owner’s heir.
- Contract Termination must be relayed via a 90 day notice given to the tenant. Otherwise if there is an early termination clause mentioned in the contract, it can be done earlier than 90 days.
5- Property Eviction
Evicting a tenant from the property should have some solid ground before filing the complaint. Eviction can only be catered if the tenant; Has not paid the rent after a 30 day written notice to clear dues.
- Subleases the property without knowledge and approval of the landlord.
- Misuses the property for illegal or inappropriate activities which are prohibited by law.
- Makes alteration to the property without the knowledge or approval of the landlord.
