In accordance with the Emirate’s rental regulations, tenants in Dubai must ensure that they fulfill all duties, whether they are moving into a new home or leaving their current property.
Law No. (26) of 2007, which governs the interaction between landlords and tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, contains precise rules that both landlords and tenants must abide by. These are the six key guidelines that you must follow when it comes to tenants’ obligations:
1. Pay rent on due date, ensure you maintain the property
Every tenant is required to pay rent on time, in accordance with the amount and due date specified in the rental agreement.
Additionally, while renting the property, the renter must keep it in good condition and refrain from making any alterations or improvements without the landlord’s consent. If you do intend to perform any remodeling, you need also make sure that it is done by experts. This is due to the fact that the landlord may dismiss the tenant without giving a “statutory notice period” and instead do an immediate eviction if a remodeling project causes harm to the property or affects its original structure and design.
Article (19)
The tenant must pay the rent on due dates and maintain the Real Property in such a manner as an ordinary person would maintain his own property. Without prejudice to the tenant’s obligation to carry out the restorations that have been agreed upon or which are customary for tenants to undertake, the tenant may not make any changes or carry out any restoration or maintenance works to the Real Property unless so permitted by the landlord and after obtaining required licenses from the competent official entities.
2. Pay a security deposit
When a tenant signs a lease agreement, a security deposit is required. However, this deposit is recoverable, and the leasing law also requires landlords to return the money once the rental agreement has ended.
Article (20)
When entering into a lease contract, the landlord may obtain from the tenant a security deposit to ensure maintenance of the real property upon the expiry of the lease contract, provided that the landlord undertakes to refund such deposit or remainder thereof to the tenant upon the expiry of the lease contract.
You have the right to file a lawsuit against your landlord if they are withholding or refusing to return your security deposit. A petition known as a “Writ of Payment” may be submitted to the Dubai Land Department.
3. Hand over the property to the landlord in the same condition that it was received
The property must be returned to the landlord in the same condition that it was in when the renter signed the lease. However, there are exclusions for uncommon situations and sporadic wear & tear. However, the landlord must define in the rental agreement what constitutes “regular wear and tear.”
Article (21)
Upon the expiry of the term of the lease contract, the tenant must surrender possession of the real property to the landlord in the same condition in which the tenant received it at the time of entering into the lease contract except for ordinary wear and tear or for damage due to reasons beyond the tenant’s control. In the event of dispute between the two parties, the matter must be referred to the tribunal to issue an award in this regard.
Also Read: Tenants should know these 9 rules when renting in Dubai
4. Pay any fees or taxes to government departments
In addition to paying their rent, tenants in Dubai also have to fulfil any other obligations outlined in their lease.
Article (22)
Unless the lease contract states otherwise, the tenant must pay all fees and taxes due to government entities and departments for use of the real property as well as any fees or taxes prescribed for any sub-lease.
The housing fee is an illustration of a government charge that Dubai renters must pay. According to the lease agreement, Dubai Municipality imposes a housing fee that is equal to 5% of the rent. Every electricity bill you receive from Dewa includes a reference to it.
5. Do not remove any alterations when you are handing over the property
Even if they created the modification, tenants are not allowed to take it with them when they leave the leased space. Article 23 of Dubai’s Rental Law states: “Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, upon vacating and surrendering possession of the real property, the tenant may not remove any leasehold improvements made by the tenant.”
The term “leasehold improvement,” as used in this article, refers to any renovation or alterations made to the property while it was under lease that enhance its appearance.
According to this [Article], even if the tenant makes alterations with the landlord’s consent, the changes to the property’s design and construction shouldn’t be taken out after the tenant vacates the premises.
6. Do not sub-let the property without the landlord’s approval
Without the landlord’s written permission, a renter is not permitted to rent out a spare room or the full apartment to another person.
Article (24)
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties to the lease contract, the tenant may not assign the use of or sub-lease the real property to third parties unless written consent of the landlord is obtained.
It’s crucial to make sure that you don’t make any alterations to the residential unit without your landlord’s permission even if you do receive official permission to sublet the flat from your landlord. You still need a letter of no objection from your landlord even if you are temporarily renting out the home as a vacation rental.
In addition to making it difficult for you to work professionally with your landlord, breaking these guidelines may result in your eviction.