Recent Rental Regulations in Dubai: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

Understanding the latest legal updates in Dubai’s dynamic property market

Dubai’s real estate landscape is constantly evolving, not just in terms of supply and demand, but also in its legal and regulatory framework. For tenants and landlords alike, staying informed about recent changes in rental laws is essential to ensure compliance and avoid costly disputes. In this article, we outline the most impactful rental regulation updates introduced in recent months — and what they mean for you.

1. Revised Rental Dispute Resolution Procedures

The Dubai Rental Disputes Center (RDC) has streamlined its processes to resolve conflicts more efficiently. As part of the emirate’s digital transformation strategy, the following changes are now in effect:

• Mandatory online filing for most rental disputes, improving transparency and speed.
• Shorter resolution times, especially for cases involving overdue rent and eviction notices.
• Remote hearings available for landlords and tenants, including expatriates living abroad.

These adjustments make it easier to handle disputes without the delays and complexity that once characterized the process.

2. New Guidelines on Rental Increases

While the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) rental index remains the main reference for price adjustments, recent revisions have clarified how and when rent can be raised:

• Notice period enforcement: Landlords must provide tenants with a written notice 90 days prior to the lease renewal if they plan to increase the rent.
• Stricter adherence to index values: Rental hikes must fall within the permitted range based on the RERA index for similar units in the area.
• Tenant protection from excessive hikes: Any increase beyond the indexed range can be challenged at the RDC.

This aims to protect tenants from abrupt and unjustified rent hikes, ensuring more stability in the market.

3. Security Deposit and Refund Policies

Recent guidelines have addressed common complaints regarding deposit handling:

• Transparency in deductions: Landlords must now itemize deductions and provide justifications.
• Refund timelines enforced: Security deposits must be returned within a reasonable timeframe (typically 14–21 days), unless otherwise stated in the lease.
• Tenant rights to dispute deductions: Tenants can now file disputes if they believe deductions were unfair.

This ensures fair treatment and clearer expectations during move-out procedures.

4. Rules on Subletting and Short-Term Rentals

To align with Dubai’s expanding tourism sector and the rise of platforms like RentingProp.com, subletting and short-term rentals have come under tighter scrutiny:

• Written consent from landlords is now required for any subletting arrangement.
• Licensing for short-term rentals must be obtained from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism.
• Violation penalties: Tenants who sublet illegally risk fines and termination of the lease.

This clarifies responsibilities and prevents misuse of residential units.

5. Enhanced Tenant Rights During Evictions

Dubai’s updated tenancy laws emphasize due process and fairness in eviction scenarios:

• Eviction notice protocol: Landlords must serve a 12-month notice (notarized or delivered via court) if they intend to reclaim the property for personal use or sale.
• Protection against retaliatory eviction: Tenants reporting maintenance issues or legal complaints are safeguarded against retaliatory actions.
• Grace periods for vulnerable tenants: Special consideration may be granted for elderly or disabled tenants during eviction.

These measures reinforce tenant security while respecting landlord rights.

Conclusion

Navigating the rental landscape in Dubai requires more than just finding the right property — it demands an understanding of the latest legal context. These regulatory updates are designed to promote transparency, fairness, and professionalism in the leasing process. Whether you’re a first-time renter, a long-term tenant, or a property owner, staying informed is your best protection.

At RentingProp.com, we make sure our users have access to the most up-to-date insights and listings — so you can rent, lease, or invest with clarity and confidence.