Rental

Advice and representation for landlords and tenants before Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center.

Rental relationships require clear contractual terms and a proper understanding of the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. We advise property owners, tenants, developers and asset managers on residential and commercial tenancy matters across the UAE.

Our work includes lease drafting and review, renewals, rent adjustments, maintenance obligations, security deposits, notices, subleasing, early termination and eviction. Where disagreements arise, we assist with negotiation, settlement, rental claims and the enforcement of tenancy-related decisions.

Rental rules, registration requirements and dispute forums vary according to the emirate, property and applicable jurisdiction. These factors are assessed at the outset so that notices, filings and enforcement measures follow the correct procedure, including matters before Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center where applicable.

What we do

• Rent arrears and payment claims — Claims for unpaid rent, bounced rental cheques and other sums due under the tenancy. We assess the payment record and the tenant’s ability to satisfy an order early, so that you are not funding an unenforceable claim.
• Eviction and vacant possession — Advice and proceedings concerning non-payment, unauthorised subletting, misuse, expiry, redevelopment, sale or intended occupation. Grounds and notice requirements differ, so we test the proposed route before notice is issued rather than after it is challenged.
• Rent increases and renewal disputes — Disputes over proposed rent increases, renewal terms, notice periods and the application of Dubai’s rental index. We compare the contractual position with the regulatory framework and advise whether the increase, refusal to renew or proposed amendment can be sustained.
• Security deposit claims — Recovery and defence of claims concerning deposits, deductions, damage, cleaning, reinstatement and outstanding utilities. We distinguish ordinary wear and tear from recoverable loss and build the evidence through inspection reports, photographs, invoices and handover documents.
• Repairs and maintenance disputes — Claims involving structural defects, essential services, recurring maintenance failures and responsibility for repair costs. We examine both the lease and the nature of the defect, because contractual wording does not always answer who must act or how urgently.
• Ejari and tenancy documentation — Advice on registration, renewal, cancellation and inconsistencies between the signed lease and Ejari record. We also address missing addenda, disputed signatures and unclear authority, because documentation problems often become procedural problems later.
• Rental Disputes Center proceedings — Claims, responses, urgent applications, appeals and enforcement before Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center. Our Emirati advocates prepare and present the case, coordinate Arabic translations where required and pursue execution once an enforceable order has been obtained.

Who we act for

Individual and institutional landlords, tenants, property investors, developers, family offices, asset managers, property management companies and commercial occupiers.

Common questions

Can my landlord increase the rent at renewal?

Only where the proposed increase complies with the applicable Dubai rental framework and the required notice has been given. The permitted increase depends on the current rent, the property and the result shown by the official rental index.

Can a landlord evict a tenant to sell the property?

Potentially, but the correct statutory ground and notice procedure must be followed. A sale does not automatically end the tenancy, and defective or premature notice may prevent the landlord from obtaining vacant possession.

What documents will you need from me?

The tenancy contract, Ejari certificate, addenda, payment records, cheques, notices, emails, messages, inspection reports and photographs. Send the complete record before reorganising it. Missing dates, informal variations and inconsistent documents are often central to the dispute.

How long does a rental dispute take?

The timetable depends on the claim, service, evidence, expert involvement, appeal and enforcement. Urgent applications may move quickly, while contested claims and execution can take longer. We give a realistic procedural plan once the documents have been reviewed.