Your Guide to Signing a Tenancy Contract in Dubai 2025

Renting a home in Dubai may seem as simple as signing a contract and moving in, but it’s not always that straightforward. Behind the paperwork lies a complex web of rules, rights, and responsibilities that every tenant and landlord should be aware of.

With the Dubai rental market booming in 2025 and new tools like the Smart Rental Index in place, it's very crucial for you to understand what you’re signing.

Whether you’re a new resident in the city or you’ve been in Dubai long enough, moving to your dream home comes with its challenges. This is your ultimate go-to guide to renting in Dubai and the tenancy contract UAE. It is written most easily for you to understand.

Knowing Your Rights

Over the past few years, Dubai has seen a surge in rental demand, and with that comes endless rental disputes. From disagreement over security deposits to a sudden unfair rental hike, and so on.

Tenants find themselves in a compromising position and a sticky situation that can not be avoided if they don't know their rights. This guide isn't about laws; it's about knowing how you can live peacefully in Dubai.

What is Tenancy Contract in Dubai?

A tenancy agreement Dubai is a legally binding document that makes the landlord and the tenant come into an agreement. It outlines all the terms related to the lease, including rent amount, duration, payment schedule, maintenance responsibility, and much more.

But the important factor is, your tenancy contract is only valid if it's registered through Ejari. Dubai’s official rental contract registration system is governed by RERA.

If it's not Ejari registered, you may have a hard time resolving this dispute or getting services like a DEWA connection. The first rule when you rent in Dubai is to register the lease with Ejari. Secondly, how to get a tenancy contract in Dubai? When you work with a real estate agency, they can help you with a detailed guide.

Rights as a Tenant Before Signing a Rental Contract

Tenants in Dubai have protection through a strong legal framework, but you must know how to use it.

Here are a few of the important rights that you should know for your rental properties in Dubai UAE.

Right to a Written & Registered Lease

Make sure your tenancy contract in Dubai is 100% Ejari registered; without this, your lease holds no value.

Entitled to Get Your Security Deposit

Unless there is serious damage to your property beyond the regular problems, your landlord must give you your deposit. If they don't, you can file a complaint through the Rental Dispute Settlement Center.

You can't Get Evicted Without a reason

Eviction laws in Dubai protect the tenants from unfair removal. Unless you haven't paid the rent or you’ve violated any terms, the landlord will give you a 12-month legal notice for eviction.

Protection from Illegal Rent Hikes

Landlords are instructed to follow the Smart Rental Index Dubai and notify tenants about 90 days in advance of any proposed increase.

Right to peaceful enjoyment of the property.

You won't get an unscheduled visit or a disconnection of utility. If your landlord does this, it will be considered illegal, and you can make a complaint to DLD.

Smart Rental Index in Dubai 2025

One of the most important updates of the year is the launch of the Smart Rental Index RERA, a data-driven tool by DLD to control and guide rent increases fairly.

The landlords initially would randomly increase the rent, but now they need to check the Smart Index.

With this, they can compare the current rent to average market values based on building, location, and unit type.

• If your rent is close to the market value, there won’t be any increase.
• If it is lower than average, the landlord might increase it

Responsibilities of Landlords in Dubai

While tenants in Dubai will take care of paying the rent on time and keeping the property in place, landlords also have the right.

• Handover clean and labelable property in a suitable condition for tenants.
• Handle maintenance issues like plumbing, electricity, and AC malfunctioning, depending on the contract.
• Provide timely notice for changes like renovation, entry into the unit, as well as eviction
• Respecting the privacy of tenants and avoiding any unreasonable interference

2025 is different; authorities are now stricter with landlords in terms of breaking the rules. It will lead to penalties, fines, and blacklisting, in some occasion temporary lease bans.

The Checklist Before Signing

Before you grab the pen and sign the deal for your tenancy agreement for rentals in Dubai, wait. There are a few things to check about your tenancy contract in Dubai.

• Make sure it's mentioned about your rent amount, payment method, is it bank transfer or a cheque.
• Security deposit terms and conditions.
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Renewal conditions and the lease duration
• Penalties of early termination from both parties
• Clauses about eviction and rent increases
• Find a reliable real estate agency in Dubai that can guide you throughout the process.

In Case of Disputes?

1. Firstly, you’re in Dubai, you’re in safe hands, breathe.
2. Secondly, Dubai has a proper system in place, start communicating, talk about it, and keep everything in writing.
3. Third, learn RERA rules and the Smart Rental Index, as well as the Tenancy contract in Dubai, well.
4. Fourth, you need to file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre if the matter isn't sorted.

• You will need your lease, proof of payments, communication history, and so on.
• Filing fees are typically 3.5% of the annual rent
• Cases usually get resolved within 75 days.

Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Signing

Renting in Dubai can be an amazing experience if you know your rights! As long as you’re aware of it from the start, you will have a smooth and secure tenancy contract in Dubai.

This isn't just a piece of paper, but your protection that you can leverage for our peace of mind.

Before you sign, take a moment, read the print, ask your question, and most importantly, know your rights.

Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, this isn't just about rental; this is about building a trusted relationship.