Dubai tenancy renewal: 90-day notice required for rent or term changes
If the landlord or tenant wants to change the rent or any other contract term, they must give at least 90 days' written notice before the tenancy expires.
The analysis — automated & source-checked
- Applies to
- Real estate · UAE
- What to do
- Tenants and landlords must initiate the renewal process about 3 months before contract expiry. Any party proposing changes to rent or terms must serve 90 days' written notice. After agreeing on terms, both parties must sign the renewal contract and register it with Ejari within 14 days of the new term starting.
Renewing a tenancy contract in Dubai requires both parties to follow legal deadlines and procedures. If either the landlord or tenant wants to change the rent or any contract term, written notice must be given at least 90 days before expiry. Without notice, the tenancy automatically renews on the same terms under Article 6 of Dubai tenancy law.
Rent increases are capped by the RERA rental index under Decree No. 43 of 2013. The allowed increase depends on how far the current rent is below the market average, ranging from no increase allowed (up to 10% below average) to a maximum 20% increase (more than 40% below average). As of January 2025, the comparison uses Dubai's Smart Rental Index, which rates individual buildings, meaning identical apartments can have different lawful ceilings.
Once both parties agree on renewal terms, the contract must be signed and registered with Ejari through the Dubai REST app (AED 177.75) or a trustee centre (approximately AED 220) within 14 days of the new tenancy period beginning. The unified tenancy contract format from the Dubai Land Department should be used. Required documents include the signed renewed contract, Emirates ID and passport copies, title deed and previous Ejari certificate, and a recent DEWA bill.
If no agreement is reached on renewal terms, the Rental Dispute Centre can resolve the dispute. A landlord cannot end a tenancy simply because the term expires; eviction is only possible on four grounds: sale, personal use, demolition, or major renovation, each requiring 12-month notice through proper legal channels.
Source
Reported by: Mondaq 22 Jul 2026 Read the original ↗ More from Mondaq →
Quick answers
What do I need to do?
Tenants and landlords must initiate the renewal process about 3 months before contract expiry. Any party proposing changes to rent or terms must serve 90 days' written notice. After agreeing on terms, both parties must sign the renewal contract and register it with Ejari within 14 days of the new term starting.
Who reported this?
Mondaq (UAE).
When was it announced?
22 Jul 2026.
Where can I read the original?
Read the original at Mondaq: https://www.mondaq.com/landlord-tenant-leases/1821204/how-to-renew-a-tenancy-contract-in-dubai-%7c-rules-fees-timeline
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