Landlord & Tenant Lawyer in Dubai
Most landlord-tenant problems in Dubai are prevented, not litigated — a properly drafted tenancy contract and correct Ejari registration resolve more disputes before they start than any amount of after-the-fact advocacy.
The relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai is governed by Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, which sets out notice periods for non-renewal, permitted grounds for eviction, and the parties' respective obligations — a framework that applies regardless of what a particular tenancy contract says, where the contract conflicts with it.
The firm advises landlords on drafting compliant tenancy contracts, structuring notice periods correctly for eviction on grounds such as sale of the property or personal use, and ensuring rent increases stay within the bands permitted under the RERA rental index — and advises tenants on their rights regarding notice, maintenance, and lawful subletting.
Many disputes that eventually reach the Rental Disputes Center originate in a poorly drafted or incomplete tenancy contract — getting the contract and its notices right at the outset is often the most effective way to avoid a dispute altogether.
How We Advise on Landlord-Tenant Matters
- Relationship ReviewThe lawyer reviews the tenancy contract, Ejari registration, and any prior correspondence between the parties.
- Compliance CheckRent levels, notice periods, and contractual terms are checked against Dubai's landlord-tenant legislation and the RERA rental index.
- Contract Drafting or ReviewA new tenancy contract is drafted, or an existing one reviewed, to close gaps that commonly lead to disputes.
- Notice PreparationWhere a notice — non-renewal, rent increase, or an eviction ground — is required, it is drafted and served correctly.
- NegotiationMany landlord-tenant issues are resolved through direct negotiation once the legal position is clear.
- Escalation if NeededWhere a dispute cannot be resolved directly, it is prepared for filing with the Rental Disputes Center.
When You Need a Landlord & Tenant Lawyer
- You are a landlord preparing a new tenancy contract and want it properly drafted.
- You need to serve a valid eviction or non-renewal notice and want to get the timing and grounds right.
- You are a tenant unsure whether a proposed rent increase is lawful.
- You want to sublet your unit and need to understand your obligations to your landlord.
- A maintenance responsibility dispute has arisen and you want it resolved before it escalates.
- You are renewing a long-standing tenancy and want the contract brought up to current legal standards.
Services We Provide
- Tenancy contract drafting and review for landlords and tenants
- Eviction and non-renewal notice preparation
- Rent increase compliance advice under the RERA rental index
- Subletting and unauthorized-use advice
- Ejari registration guidance
- Maintenance and repair obligation clarification
- Pre-dispute negotiation between landlords and tenants
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a valid eviction notice include?
It generally must state the specific legal ground for eviction, comply with the applicable notice period — commonly 90 days, or 12 months for grounds such as sale or personal use — and be served through a notary public or registered mail where the law requires it.
Can my landlord evict me to sell the property?
Sale of the property is a recognized ground for eviction, but it requires 12 months' advance notice served through the correct legal channel, not merely a verbal or informal request.
Am I allowed to sublet my rented unit?
Subletting generally requires the landlord's written consent; subletting without it is typically a breach of the tenancy contract and can itself be grounds for eviction.
How is a fair rent increase calculated?
It is based on the gap between the current rent and the RERA rental index average for comparable units in the same area, with wider gaps permitting larger increases up to the caps set by Decree No. 43 of 2013.
Do I need a lawyer to draft a standard tenancy contract?
Standard leases can be handled without one, but contracts involving longer terms, commercial premises, unusual break clauses, or specific landlord protections benefit significantly from legal review before signing.