Dubai rental law requires landlords to issue a 90-day notice before any rent increase.
Question: I rented a villa last year, and when the tenancy renewal date approached, the landlord refused to provide the new Ejari contract, claiming that he wanted to increase the rent. As a result, I have been unable to fully use and benefit from the villa. The landlord has also filed a case with the Rental Dispute Centre seeking a rent increase. What should I do in this situation?
Advice: Under Dubai’s rental regulations, a landlord cannot increase the rent arbitrarily and must follow the required procedures, including providing the tenant with at least 90 days’ notice before the expiry of the tenancy contract if a rent increase is proposed.
The tenant should continue to maintain records of all communications with the landlord, including requests for the Ejari renewal and any refusal to issue the renewed contract. Since the matter has already been referred to the Rental Dispute Centre, the tenant should attend the hearings and submit all supporting documents, including the previous tenancy contract, payment records, correspondence with the landlord, and evidence showing the impact of the landlord’s refusal to provide the renewed Ejari.
The Rental Dispute Centre will review the case and determine whether the proposed rent increase complies with Dubai’s rental laws. The tenant may also seek legal advice to ensure their rights are properly represented during the proceedings.
Answer: The tenant may submit a counterclaim before the Rental Disputes Centre requesting renewal of the tenancy contract and issuance of the Ejari at the existing rental amount. The tenant may also seek compensation for any losses or damages caused by the landlord’s refusal to renew the Ejari, provided that sufficient evidence is presented to prove the financial impact and losses resulting from being unable to fully use and benefit from the villa.
Pursuant to Article (15) of Law No. (33) of 2008, which amended certain provisions of Law No. (26) of 2007 regulating the landlord-tenant relationship in the Emirate of Dubai, the landlord is required to hand over the leased property in a condition that enables the tenant to fully benefit from the purpose of the tenancy contract.
The tenant’s possession of a registered Ejari contract issued by the relevant authorities is essential to obtaining the full benefits of the leased property, as it is required for various transactions and services.
Furthermore, under Article (14) of the same law, the landlord may not increase the rent unless the tenant has been notified of the proposed increase at least 90 days before the expiry of the tenancy contract, unless the parties have agreed otherwise. Any rent increase must also comply with the applicable rental increase regulations and limits established by the Dubai Land Department.
