Q: Dear sir/madam, My landlord is asking for a rent increase exceeding RERA rental index guidance, and less than 90 days from the end of the existing lease. I have stated that renewal should take place at existing rent and existing terms since renewal notice was not sent at least 90 days before the end of the current term, however, I have agreed to increase the rent as per the RERA index in good faith. However, the landlord's agent is stating that the landlord can pull out a valuation from RERA and get a 20% increase (instead of 10% as currently asked, and 5% as per the RERA Index). What are my options?

Q: Hello Madame. My landlord sent me a notice to increase rent on the renewal of tenancy, 90 days in advance before the end of the contract. However, no rent increase is permitted as per RERA Rental Index, as such, I refused the increase and asked him to renew the tenancy at the same rent as last year. He refused and asked me to vacate upon tenancy completion which is on 14-Feb. Now, he is threatening to come to the house, and force me to vacate on 14-Feb. What are my legal options? I want to continue living in this house, and pay the same rent, as last year, as no increase is permitted as per RERA Rent Index.

Q: I currently live in a 3-BDR apartment with a renewable 1-yr lease term ending 24.9.22. The apartment is the penthouse of a hotel building, but it's an Ejari apartment and not a serviced hotel apartment, although owned by the same company. The annual rent is AED 165k. The landlord company has asked for an increase of AED 20k to AED 185k starting with the new lease term of 25.9.22. As this is below the average rent (AED 146k-179k) of similar 3-BDR apartments in Dubai Marina, the RERA rental index calculator stipulates no increase. The owner thinks that this is not a normal 3-BDR apartment but a penthouse and as such the RERA index for a 3-BDR apartment is not applicable. I would like to renew the lease but under the same conditions as today. How should I proceed? Can the owner simply deny the renewal under the existing conditions and ask me to vacate the apartment? Thank You Y.

Q: Hello, I own an apartment in Dubai which is currently rented at AED 96000 per year. The rental evaluation says the current rent is AED 130,000 per year. The rental index is below the current rent. Can you please guide me on what is the maximum increase I can ask the tenant for the rent this year? Thanks in advance. Regards, A.

An interview-format article covering the topic of residential retail properties pertaining to the liability for property maintenance and the repercussions of defaulting on rent payments in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

The relationship between tenants and landlords is regulated in Dubai by Law No. 33 of 2008 Concerning the Relationship Between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai. The arising rental disputes are referred to Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (“RDSC”) created by Decree No. 26 of 2013 to reconcile between the parties and reach an amicable settlement or seek a final judgment issued and enforced by the RDSC.

This Decree determines the maximum percentage of rent increase for real property in the Emirate of Dubai when renewing lease contracts.

The provisions of this Law apply to real property leased out in the Emirate of Dubai, including vacant and agricultural lands, but excluding hotel establishments and real property provided by natural or legal persons as accommodation to their employees at no charge.

Provisions of this Law supersede articles (2), (3), (4), (9), (13), (14), (15), (25), (26), (29), and (36) of Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai.