Tenancy Contract
Tenancy Contract: The legally binding rental agreement between Dubai landlord and tenant, required to be registered on Ejari.
What is Tenancy Contract?
A Tenancy Contract is the legally binding rental agreement between a Dubai landlord and tenant, governing the property occupancy. Standard duration is 12 months (rolling renewal); shorter durations (3–9 months) are common for serviced apartments and short-term lets. The contract specifies: monthly or annual rent, payment frequency (typically 1, 4, 6, or 12 post-dated cheques), security deposit (typically 5% of annual rent for unfurnished, 10% for furnished), maintenance responsibilities, and notice periods. RERA mandates Ejari registration within 30 days of signing — fee AED 220. The standard Dubai tenancy contract template is published by RERA and used by most brokers; custom contracts can deviate but must comply with Dubai Tenancy Law (Law No. 26 of 2007). Disputes are resolved at the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC).
Example
A tenant signs a 12-month tenancy contract for a Marina 1BR at AED 110,000 annual rent, paid in 4 post-dated cheques of AED 27,500. The 5% security deposit (AED 5,500) is paid upfront. Both parties register the contract on Ejari (AED 220 fee paid by landlord). The DEWA account is opened in the tenant's name with the Ejari certificate.
FAQ — Tenancy Contract
How many cheques is standard for Dubai rent payment?+
Varies by market conditions. In tight markets (current Marina/Downtown), 1–2 cheques is common. In cooler markets, 4–12 cheques is negotiable. Cheque frequency is purely commercial — the landlord may charge a small premium for more cheques.
Can a Dubai landlord increase rent during a tenancy contract?+
No — rent can only be increased at the START of a renewal contract, capped by the RERA rental index. Mid-contract increases are illegal. The landlord must give 90 days' notice before contract end to propose any change.
Related terms
Last refreshed: 2026-05-26