🆕 What’s Changed

  • New 2025 rent‑cap guidelines: Rent increases now strictly follow the RERA Rent Index — based on how far below market you currently pay — with capped hikes of 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%

  • Eviction rules clarified: 12‑month notice is required for evictions due to personal use, sale, renovation, or property heirs

  • Expanded RDC powers: The Rental Dispute Centre now resolves all rental disputes, including urgent interim measures, and aims to resolve cases in ~22 days in Dubai

  • Approval rule for modifications: Even minor tenant alterations (e.g., partitions) now legally require landlord and authorities’ approval

  • New Ajman deposit standard: Ajman mandates 1‑month rent security deposit and disclosure of FEWA and sewerage deposits

👥 Who’s Affected

  • Tenants in Dubai, Ajman, and across the UAE renewing leases, facing rent hikes, eviction notices, or maintenance disagreements.

  • Landlords and property managers enforcing rent rises, issuing notices, or addressing tenant modifications.

  • Both sides engaging in disputes that may now fall under RDC’s deeper jurisdiction and faster processes.

✅ Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Planning Rent Increases

  • Check your position against the RERA Index:
    Use Dubai’s official Rent Calculator to see if your current rent is below market. 

  • Notice timing:

    •  90 days before lease end for rent increase or renewal

    •  12 months before eviction for personal use, sale, or renovation. 

  • Caps on increases:

    Difference from market rent Max annual increase
    < 10% 0%
    11–20% 5%
    21–30% 10%
    31–40% 15%
    > 40% 20%

  • Formal written notice: Send registered email, courier, or notarised letter. WhatsApp or informal messages don’t meet legal requirements .

2. Tenant‑Landlord Disputes

  • Start with documentation: Save lease agreements, Ejari, payment receipts, and communication evidence (e.g., WhatsApp, emails)

  • Try amicable resolution: Raise concerns — late rent, maintenance, modifications — and seek landlord cooperation.

  • Escalate to RDC:

    1. File online via DLD portal

    2. Provide contract, proof of Ejari, payment receipts, and evidence

    3. RDC first offers mediation, then a hearing if needed

    4. Expect a decision within ~22 days in Dubai 

  • Appeals:

    • File within 15 days for judgments rdc.gov.ae; a 50% security deposit applies if over AED 100,000 .

3. Enforcement & Eviction

  • If landlord wins (e.g., for unpaid rent), file for execution through RDC.

  • Tenant cannot appeal after the 15‑day window; execution proceeds (e.g., eviction scheduled approx. 1 month later, per recent cases)

  • Landlord may request:

    • Eviction extension via system

    • Exit‑ban or arrest mandates through electronic applications. 

4. Maintenance & Modifications

  • Landlord: Responsible for major issues (structural, utilities). 

  • Tenant: Minor repairs (typically under AED 500–1,000) unless higher per contract. 

  • Modifications: Must get prior written consent from landlord and authorities — violations invite RDC action .

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a landlord evict me without a 12‑month notice?
No — evictions for sale, personal use, or renovation require a 12‑month registered notice. 

Q: What if I paid via WhatsApp confirmation only?
WhatsApp messages are accepted as evidence in RDC cases — but only if acknowledged by you and the landlord during proceedings. 

Q: My rent notice came 60 days ahead — is it valid?
No — it must be issued at least 90 days before renewal. Anything less is invalid, and the previous terms remain in force. 

Q: How quickly does RDC deliver decisions?
Dubai aims for ~22 days from filing to ruling; other emirates may take 45–75 days .

Q: Can I challenge a rent hike using the RERA index?
Yes — if the proposed rent exceeds the index cap, file a dispute with RDC, supplying all supporting docs. 

Q: Who pays for deposits and utilities in Ajman now?
Landlords collect a 1‑month security deposit; tenants must pay FEWA and sewerage fees upfront and these must be clearly stated in the contract. 

🤝 How Sara Advocates Can Help

  • Legal audit: Review lease contracts for RERA and Ajman compliance.

  • Notice guidance: Ensure accurate drafting and submission of rent‑ and eviction‑related notices.

  • Dispute support: Prepare RDC filings, mediate on your behalf, and assist throughout hearings.

  • Execution & enforcement: Oversee eviction, execution requests, grace-period extensions, or exit-bans.

  • Maintenance/move‑in advice: Resolve maintenance issues and advise on permitted modifications.

✅ Quick‑Start Checklist

Landlords & tenants should:

Verify rent using the RERA Index

Issue/write notices within the correct timelines

Document conversations and maintenance

File with RDC if disagreements persist

Track the case via DLD/RDC portal

Plan appeal or enforcement steps, if needed

Stay confident in your tenancy journey — we’re here to ensure that clarity, transparency, and fairness guide every step.

Sara Advocates – your trusted partner in UAE rental law.