Ending Tenancy Contract Guide
Step-by-step guide for ending tenancy contract
Step-by-step guide for ending tenancy contract
1. Register Your Tenancy with RERA
To avoid the risk of a property being rented out to more than one tenant at the same time, it’s essential to register your tenancy agreement with RERA. Without registration, any disputes you may face won’t be handled by the Dubai Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.
2. Disputes Over Rent Increases
If you and your landlord can't come to a mutual agreement on any proposed rent increase before contract renewal, you have the right to escalate the issue to the Rental Dispute Centre. Keep in mind, you’ll be charged a 3.5% non-refundable fee based on the annual rent, with a minimum of AED 500 and a cap of AED 20,000.
3. Fix Any Damages Before Leaving
Before handing over the property, make sure all damages are repaired. If not, the landlord is legally allowed to deduct repair costs from your security deposit.
4. 90-Day Notice for Non-Renewal or Rent Change
Unless otherwise agreed in the contract, either the tenant or landlord must provide 90 days’ notice if they do not wish to renew the lease. This same notice period also applies if the landlord wants to increase the rent, according to RERA regulations.
If no written or electronic notice is given, the lease will automatically renew under the same terms and rental price as the previous year.
For early termination, the tenant is generally required to give three months' written notice and pay two months' rent as an early exit penalty starting from the date of vacating.
5. 12-Month Eviction Notice
If a landlord intends to sell the property, move in personally or let a first-degree relative move in, or plans to demolish or reconstruct the building, they must serve a 12-month written notice in advance. This notice must be sent through notary public or registered mail, and it cannot be negotiated or shortened.
6. Clearing Utilities
As a tenant, there's no requirement to renew your DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) account annually. However, when vacating the property, it’s your responsibility to settle all utility bills (including chiller and gas) and provide the landlord or agent with clearance documentation.
7. Maintain Records of All Communication
Always keep copies of emails, messages, and letters exchanged with your landlord or agent. If things escalate, having this documentation will be crucial in filing a complaint with RERA or the Rental Dispute Centre.
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