أسئلة وأجوبة
Can a landlord increase the rent via a WhatsApp message without prior notice?
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been a tenant in a residential unit since 2023.
The real estate representative of the landlord sent a WhatsApp message stating that my rent is finalized at 24,200 AED, up from the previous contract amount of 22,000 AED, without any prior notice or email from the landlord.
Kindly guide me!
Dear Client,
As a tenant, you are entitled to receive formal written notice of any rent increase at least 90 days before the end of your current lease term, as per Dubai tenancy laws.
A WhatsApp message from the landlord’s representative without prior formal notice or email does not constitute proper notice.
You should respond by requesting official written communication regarding the rent increase and reference the legal requirement for a 90-day notice.
If the landlord does not follow proper procedures, you may file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre for resolution.
For more details, please contact us.
Regards,
Jui Dongare
Senior Legal Manager
MBG Legal Services
Dear Questioner,
The landlord's action of informing you about a rent increase of AED 2,200 without providing a 90-day written notice is a violation of your tenant rights under Dubai tenancy law.
Verify if the proposed rent increase aligns with the RERA rental index. If the current rent is already in line with the average rent in the area, the landlord might not be able to increase it.
If you need further clarification, kindly share your WhatsApp number.
