Rental Disputes

Rental relationships are regulated by each emirate, and disputes are heard by specialised local bodies rather than the ordinary courts: in Dubai, the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre; in Ajman, the emirate's rental dispute resolution body.

Eviction only on legal grounds. In Dubai, a landlord can seek eviction only on the grounds the law lists. Some grounds apply during the lease, such as non-payment; others, such as personal use or sale, apply at the end of the lease and require twelve months' notice through a notary public or registered mail.

Rent increases. Rent increases on renewal are limited by rules linked to the official rental index, and must be properly notified. Whether an increase is permitted depends on the current index for the property.

Registered leases. Registering the lease (Ejari in Dubai, Tasdeeq in Ajman) is generally required before a rental claim can be filed.

Deposits and amounts. Disputes over the security deposit, unpaid rent, maintenance and damage are decided on the lease terms and the evidence of the property's condition at handover and return.

Check how and when any notice was served, keep proof of payments and photographs of the property's condition, and act within the timeframes set in the lease and the law.

Legal framework
Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008
Dubai Decree No. 26 of 2013 concerning the Rental Disputes Settlement Centre
Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 determining rent increases
Ajman: the emirate's rental legislation and the rules of its rental dispute resolution body

Rental rules differ between emirates and change through local decrees; Ajman's rental dispute arrangements were reported to have been reorganised in 2026. The applicable rules and the current Dubai rent-increase mechanism should be confirmed for each case.