Renting in Dubai & Ejari: Tenancy Contracts, Security Deposits, RERA Index & Tenant Rights

Dubai Tenancy Framework & RERA Regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007)

Residential leasing in Dubai is regulated under Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008) and overseen by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). The legal framework provides strong tenant protections against arbitrary rent hikes and unlawful evictions.

The Ejari Registration Step-by-Step

Once you sign the unified tenancy contract with the landlord, the lease must be registered on Ejari:

• Required Documents: Original signed unified tenancy contract, tenant’s Emirates ID copy, landlord’s passport/Emirates ID copy, and title deed copy.
• Registration Fee: Approximately AED 175 to AED 220 through the Dubai REST app or authorized typing centers.
• Instant DEWA Link: Registering your Ejari automatically creates or transfers your DEWA electricity and water utility file.

RERA Rental Increase Calculator Caps

Under Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013, landlords cannot arbitrarily raise rents. Rental increases must adhere to the RERA Rental Index:

• 0% Increase: If existing rent is up to 10% less than average market value.
• 5% Increase: If existing rent is between 11% and 20% less than market value.
• 10% Increase: If existing rent is between 21% and 30% less than market value.
• 15% Increase: If existing rent is between 31% and 40% less than market value.
• 20% Maximum Cap: If existing rent is more than 40% less than market benchmark.