Navigating Dubai’s rental market? Arm yourself with these 7 essential laws that could save you thousands and prevent legal headaches. Whether you’re renting an apartment or villa, these 2025 rules are your ultimate protection.
1. The 90-Day Notice Rule (Updated for 2025)
✅ What Changed: Landlords must now give 90 days written notice (up from 60 days) before:
- Increasing rent
- Terminating your contract
- Changing any lease terms
⚠️ Your Right: If they don’t comply, the notice is legally void. Always check the RERA Rental Index first.
2. Maximum Rent Increase Caps
Dubai’s RERA Calculator still determines legal increases, but 2025 brings new thresholds:
| Current Rent (AED/year) | Max Allowable Increase |
| Below 50,000 | 0% (Frozen till 2026) |
| 50,000-100,000 | 2-5% (Was 5-8%) |
| Above 100,000 | 1-3% (Was 5%) |
💡 Pro Tip: If your increase exceeds this, dispute it at DIFC Rental Dispute Center within 15 days.
3. The “3-Year Stability” Clause
New in 2025: If you’ve lived in the same property for 3+ years:
- Landlords cannot terminate just to re-rent at higher prices
- Must provide valid reasons (e.g., family moving in, major renovations)
- If caught lying: Fines up to AED 50,000
4. Security Deposit Rules
✅ Legal Limit: Still 5% of annual rent for unfurnished, 10% for furnished
🔥 2025 Change: Landlords must return deposits within 14 days (was 30) after move-out
Common Scams to Avoid:
- “Cleaning fees” exceeding AED 500
- Charges for “normal wear and tear”
5. Maintenance Responsibilities
| Landlord Pays | Tenant Pays |
| Structural repairs | Minor AC servicing |
| Plumbing leaks | Lightbulb changes |
| Elevator issues | Appliance misuse damages |
📌 Key 2025 Update: Landlords must fix AC breakdowns within 48 hours in summer (new penalty: AED 200/day after deadline).
6. Subleasing & Airbnb Laws
🚨 2025 Crackdown:
- Subleasing requires written landlord approval (verbal agreements no longer valid)
- Airbnb hosts must now register with DTCM and pay 10% tourism fee
- You can be fined up to 100,000 UAE dirhams if you run an illegal short-term rental
7. How to Break Your Lease Early
2025 Penalty Structure:
- 1-2 months’ rent if leaving within first year
- 1 month’s rent if after first year
- Zero penalty if:
- Landlord violates terms
- You’re relocating abroad
- Property becomes uninhabitable
Where to File Complaints in 2025?
- Dubai REST App (24/7 rental dispute submissions)
- DIFC Courts (English-friendly, faster resolutions)
- RERA Dispute Center (Al Manara, 8AM-2PM Sun-Thu)
Average Case Resolution: 14-21 days
Final Checklist Before Signing
✔ Verify property is RERA-registered (ask for TRN number)
✔ Take timestamped photos of all defects
✔ Ensure contract includes 2025 Ejari template
“Most tenants lose cases simply because they don’t document properly.”
— Ahmed Al Mehri, DIFC Housing Advocate
Contact Vista Oasis and enjoy your rent!
