Q: Hello, This is an inquiry related to rental renewal. I currently rent a 5 bedroom villa from a real estate company where I pay AED 192,500 and it is up for renewal on April 30. As per RERA calculator, the range for 5 bedroom townhouse/Villa is 140k to 170K, thus it indicates no increase. As per search portals, there is a big price range for similar villas, 220K to 300k+. I have given my legal notice for my intention to renew as per RERA calculator and my landlord has also given notice for renewal but indicating that it will be at a much higher rent, roughly above 250k; a 30%+ increase. I would like to resolve this amicably, but there is a big gap between our own expectations. As per law, what are my next steps? Sincerely,

Q: Hi, My villa is rented since August 2018 for 155000 pa, payment was agreed upon by 2 cheques, and Ejari was registered in 2018. In August 2020 (COVID Time), I was outside the UAE and the tenant asked me to lower the rent to 142000 and offered to pay monthly rental payments by bank transfer. Due to the COVID situation, I accepted his offer by email and since then, the tenant pays rent monthly through bank transfers. In April 2022 (which is 90 days to renewal in August 2022), I sent him an email to rent review as the rental value for my villa increased. However, the tenant did not agree and kept saying there is no rent increase for my villa. We exchanged several emails. and no conclusion. Now in October 2022, I have obtained a rental valuation certificate from DLD which states the current rental value is 200000. I will appreciate your advice about how to proceed with the rental increase, and what is my legal position in this issue. The tenancy agreement and Ejari are officially not renewed for the last few years.

Q: Hello, Where do I need to go in Dubai to file a complaint to RERA and contest a rent increase that is higher than the rental index? Which documents should I bring with me? Will it cost me 3.5 % of the rent? Do I need to pay the rent to Dubai Land Department? Many thanks

Q: Hi, I have been provided with a 90-day notice regarding my renewal but the amount was not mentioned (told over the phone that it will be 1000 more than the previous year). However, when I tried to renew my contract, they told me that the rent has been increased by 4200 more than the previous year. I have read somewhere that if I am not given a notice wherein the rental increase amount is not mentioned in a written document, I will be able to renew with the same contract as the previous year. How should I file for that?

Q: Hello, I'd like to ask: What if a landlord mistakenly mentioned the wrong increase percentage when sending the 90-day renewal notice to their tenant? The correct percentage should be higher according to the RERA Rental Index Calculator and the tenant is now refusing to accept this additional increase. Can the landlord still fight for it if the tenant insists on renewing through the DLD instead?

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.

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.