RERA Tenant Rights — What Landlords Cannot Do
Legal rent increase limits, eviction rules, and how to dispute an unlawful increase.
Your Key Rights as a Tenant in Dubai
Right 1: Protection from Illegal Rent Increases
Rent increases are capped by the RERA index. Your landlord cannot increase rent beyond the calculator's maximum, even if the market has moved significantly. Use the RERA Calculator to verify.
Right 2: 90-Day Eviction Notice
If your landlord wants to reclaim the property (for personal use or demolition), they must give 12 months' written notice via notary public. For sale, the notice is 12 months. For non-payment, they can apply for eviction after 30 days of default.
Right 3: Ejari Must Be Registered
If your landlord refuses to register Ejari, you can register it yourself at any Ejari typing centre with the tenancy contract.
Right 4: Security Deposit Return
Your security deposit must be returned within 30 days of vacating, minus documented deductions for damage (normal wear and tear cannot be deducted).
Right 5: Habitable Property
Your landlord must maintain the property in a liveable condition. Major structural repairs and building systems are the landlord's responsibility.
How to File a Complaint
1. RERA Rental Dispute Centre (RDC): File online at rdc.gov.ae or visit in person
2. Filing fee: 3.5% of annual rent (min AED 500, max AED 20,000)
3. Timeline: Cases typically resolved in 1–3 months
4. Legal representation: Not required for basic disputes
Common Illegal Landlord Actions
- •Demanding more cheques than agreed mid-tenancy
- •Entering the property without 24 hours' notice
- •Cutting utilities to force a tenant out
- •Increasing rent without the RERA-stipulated notice period (90 days)