Signing a tenancy contract takes a moment, but its terms stay with you for a year or more. Many of the disputes we see could have been avoided by a careful reading before signing. Here are seven points that deserve your attention, whether you are a tenant or a landlord.
Seven points before you sign
- Ejari registration: make sure the contract is registered with Ejari. Registration protects both sides and is asked for by many services, including electricity and water.
- Who the landlord is: ask for proof that the person signing with you is the owner or their authorised agent.
- Rent and payment: check the number and dates of the cheques, and what happens if a payment is late.
- Increases on renewal: rent increases are capped by limits set by Dubai’s official rental index, and any change to the contract’s terms must be notified to the other side at least ninety days before it ends.
- Maintenance: say in the contract who is responsible for major and minor maintenance, and how quickly repairs are made.
- The security deposit: write down its amount, the conditions for getting it back and the condition of the property at handover, ideally recorded with photos.
- Eviction: a tenant can only be evicted at the end of the contract for reasons set by law, such as the landlord wanting to live in the property or sell it, and with formal notice that can be as long as twelve months.
If a dispute starts
Start with written communication, and keep copies of every message and receipt. If settlement fails, rental disputes in Dubai go to a specialist body for settling tenancy disputes, with its own fees and procedures that we explain before you decide.
When to talk to a lawyer
Before signing a long or commercial contract, and when you receive a notice to vacate or an increase you don’t understand. Reviewing a contract before signing costs far less than a dispute afterwards.
