Q: Dear All, My rent renewal is due in April 2023 and currently paying AED 143000. The RERA Rental Index calculation shows an increase of 10%. The landlord sent a letter (90 days prior) along with a DLD valuation certificate attached stating that the rent will be increased to AED 220,000 (a 50%+ increase) based on the assessment of the property. Are there any options available to be able to contest this sizeable increase? (RDC will state that the landlord can use the valuation certificate to increase the rent now). Many thanks for your help.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I recently purchased a property with a sitting tenant who has a tenancy contract expiring on 20/08/2023. The current rent is 35,000 AED per annum. If I wish to increase the rent, can I give the tenant a 90-day notice and increase the rent to (a) the free market rate, (b) the RERA index range, or (c) just the RERA prescribed percentage (5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%), based on the difference between the current rent and RERA index?

Q: Hi, I am an owner of an apartment in Dubai. It has been rented out for the past 2 years. The market rate of rent has now increased, however, the RERA index has not changed in the past 3 years. I gave my tenant a 90-day notice notifying him of an increase in rent, however, he is not accepting and will only pay as per the RERA index. The matter is now with the RDC, where he has filed a case against me. The RDC session is scheduled for next week. If I provide a DLD rent valuation certificate, will the RDC consider my request, or will they stick to the RERA index? In case the tenant wins the verdict, will I have to pay any legal fees? Regards,

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.