Understanding RERA Regulations for Landlords in Dubai

Introduction

Dubai’s rental market is one of the most regulated in the world. At the heart of this framework is RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) — the body that ensures fairness, legal protection, and operational transparency between landlords and tenants.

Whether you’re a new landlord or a seasoned investor, understanding RERA’s rules is essential to managing property legally and efficiently in Dubai.

What is RERA and Why Was it Established?

RERA was founded in 2007 as a division of the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Its purpose is to regulate real estate transactions, ensure transparency, and enforce the laws governing leasing and property management.

RERA’s Core Responsibilities:

Licensing and regulating real estate agents and companies
Overseeing rental contracts and lease renewals
Administering rent caps and control mechanisms
Managing the Rental Dispute Center
Enforcing ethical conduct among real estate stakeholders

Key RERA Rental Regulations Landlords Must Know

1. Ejari Registration is Mandatory

Every lease agreement must be registered through Ejari, RERA’s official digital platform. Failure to do so renders the contract legally invalid in case of dispute.

Tip: You can register online using the Dubai REST App or through authorized typing centers.

2. Security Deposit Guidelines

Landlords are allowed to charge a security deposit, typically:

5% for unfurnished units
10% for furnished units

This must be clearly stated in the lease agreement and returned to the tenant at the end of tenancy, minus any legitimate deductions.

3. Rent Increase Regulations (RERA Calculator)

Landlords must use the RERA Rental Index Calculator to determine if they can raise the rent. Increases are only allowed under specific thresholds:

Difference from Market Rate	Maximum Increase Allowed
0–10%	No increase
11–20%	5%
21–30%	10%
31–40%	15%
More than 40%	20%

You must provide at least 90 days’ notice to the tenant before implementing any rent change.

4. Legal Notice Requirements

RERA requires landlords to give written notice at least 90 days before lease expiry for:

Rent increases
Changes to lease terms
Intent not to renew

Notices must be delivered via official communication methods, ideally by email and registered mail.

5. Eviction Rules and Procedures

Evictions are regulated and only permissible for specific reasons:

Landlord’s personal use of the property
Sale of the property
Repeated lease violations by the tenant
Non-payment of rent

In most cases, a 12-month notice served through a Notary Public or registered mail is required. Shorter notices apply only in case of clear breach (e.g., rent non-payment).

RERA Requirements for Lease Contracts

All tenancy agreements must include:

Full names of landlord and tenant
Description and address of the property
Lease duration
Rental amount and payment schedule
Deposit and maintenance terms
Termination conditions

This information must be registered via Ejari for legal enforceability.

How RERA Protects Landlords

RERA doesn’t only protect tenants. It also ensures landlords can legally:

Enforce lease terms through the Rental Dispute Center
Recover unpaid rent via legal action
Evict tenants with valid reason and notice
Prevent unauthorized subletting or misuse
Hold tenants accountable for contract breaches

By aligning with RERA, landlords gain access to legal remedies and stronger tenant compliance.

Tips to Stay RERA Compliant

Register all contracts and renewals with Ejari
Use the official RERA rent calculator before proposing increases
Maintain a log of all inspections, payments, and communications
Issue rent change and eviction notices in writing
Resolve disputes through RDC instead of informal channels

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to follow RERA rules can lead to serious consequences:

Violation	Potential Penalty
Unregistered lease (no Ejari)	Invalid contract, legal issues
Unauthorized rent increase	Tenant rejection or court ruling
Improper eviction	Case dismissal or fines
Discrimination in leasing	Legal complaint or fine

Summary Checklist for Landlords

Register all leases through Ejari
Use RERA calculator before raising rent
Provide 90-day notice for any lease change
Serve 12-month eviction notice legally
Retain written records and inspection reports
Use the Rental Dispute Center for conflicts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ejari mandatory for all rental properties?

Yes. Without Ejari registration, the lease is not legally valid in Dubai.

Can I evict a tenant for personal use of the property?

Yes, but you must provide 12 months’ notice via registered mail or Notary Public and prove that the property is for personal use.

How can I legally increase the rent?

By checking the RERA rental index. If the current rent is far below market rate, you may increase it within the allowed percentage.

Can I serve rent or eviction notices through WhatsApp?

No. RERA requires formal written notices. Verbal or informal digital messages are not considered legally binding.

Am I responsible for maintenance?

By default, landlords handle major repairs. However, daily maintenance can be delegated to tenants if stated clearly in the lease.

What if the tenant refuses to vacate?

You can file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). If you’ve served notice correctly, the court will authorize enforcement.

Complete Guide to Dubai’s Tenancy Law for Landlords (2025 Update)
Ejari Registration & Renewal Made Easy
How to Handle Tenant Complaints in Dubai

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