UAE Rent Law 2026: Key Changes Every Tenant and Landlord Should Know
Last Modified: 25-June, 2025
Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a first-time tenant, or a landlord managing properties, understanding the UAE Rent L...
IM Properties is a leading real estate company in ...
2,500+
Happy Clients
98%
Success Rate
4+
Years Experience
Last Modified: 10-December, 2025
Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a first-time tenant, or a landlord managing properties, understanding the UAE Rent Law 2025 is crucial for staying ahead in today’s dynamic real estate market. The year 2025 has introduced several critical updates to tenancy regulations in Dubai and Ajman—designed to protect tenant rights while ensuring landlords maintain fair returns.
Quick Summary: 2026 Rent Law Updates in Dubai & Ajman
This comprehensive guide explains the new legal changes, how they impact landlords and tenants, and Ajman-specific rules, and answers the most frequently asked questions.
Capped based on RERA Rent Index:Up to 20% if 40%+ below market
No fixed cap, but 90-day written notice required; must reflect market conditions
Eviction Rules
Only for personal use, sale, or full renovation with 12-month notarized notice
Same grounds apply; notice must include proof of genuine reason
Security Deposit
Typically 5% of annual rent
Now standardized: 1 month’s rent, with tiered deposit amounts for premium units
Maintenance Responsibilities
Landlord covers major repairs; tenant handles minor ones
Depends on contract; property management firms often handle major issues
Utility Deposits & Fees
Must be clearly stated in the tenancy agreement
Tenants cover FEWA & sewerage fees, which must be disclosed upfront
Tenant Rights
Right to renew lease, capped rent hikes, proper notice, privacy, and maintenance
Same as Dubai, plus ability to file complaints with Ajman’s ARRA authority
Always consult your contract or legal advisor if unclear. Need expert help? Contact IM Properties.
What’s New in UAE Rent Law 2026?
The rental landscape in the UAE has evolved to create a more transparent and structured process for both parties. Here are the key updates introduced this year:
Laws Referenced in UAE Rent Law 2026 – Explained
Law / Article
Jurisdiction
Purpose
Dubai Law No. (26) of 2007
Dubai
Main law governing landlord-tenant relationships in Dubai.
Dubai Law No. (33) of 2008
Dubai
Amends and expands Law No. 26 of 2007 with clearer eviction and renewal regulations.
Understanding Rent Increases
In Dubai, rent hikes are governed by Article 10 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, amended in 2008. The RERA Index continues to be the official tool to determine how much a landlord can increase rent. A hike is only allowed if your rent is 11% or more below the market average.
The capped structure remains:
Less than 10% below market = No increase
11–20% below = 5% increase
21–30% below = 10% increase
31–40% below = 15% increase
More than 40% below = 20% increase
In Ajman, while there’s no codified index, ARRA now mandates landlords to give 90 days’ notice ahead of renewal and justifies the increase based on market evidence or property upgrades.
Tenant Eviction Rules Simplified
Dubai’s Articles 25 and 26 make it clear: landlords may evict a tenant only for valid reasons like personal use, sale, or demolition, with a 12-month written notice issued via a notary or registered mail.
Ajman mirrors these rules under ARRA but with a more case-by-case approach. Landlords must present legitimate cause and serve early notice with written documentation.
Security Deposits & Hidden Fees – What’s New?
In 2025, Ajman has moved toward greater transparency. While there's no federal deposit cap, most landlords now charge 1 month’s rent. Higher-end units may involve tiered deposits, as practiced by firms like Aqaar.
Also, tenants in Ajman are responsible for utility deposits, including:
FEWA (Electricity & Water)
Ajman Sewerage
All of these must be clearly stated in the contract to avoid disputes.
Who Handles Maintenance?
In Dubai, maintenance is split: landlords handle major issues (plumbing, AC, structural), while tenants cover minor ones (light bulbs, filters).
In Ajman, the tenancy contract defines the split. New and renewed contracts often include property management firms that cover major maintenance, while minor fixes are typically the tenant's responsibility.
✅ Always ask for a written maintenance clause.
Key Tenant Rights in 2026
As a tenant, your rights include:
Right to renew your lease unless there’s a legal eviction reason
Right to fair and capped rent increases (RERA/ARRA)
Right to live in a well-maintained unit
Right to privacy – landlords must give prior notice to enter
Right to clear communication – especially for rent hikes or evictions
Best Practices for Landlords and Tenants in 2026
Whether you're renting out or moving into a property, these best practices will help avoid disputes:
For Tenants:
Read all clauses carefully—especially around maintenance and renewal
Ask for written rent increase or eviction notices
Keep all receipts and communication for future reference
For Landlords:
Use the RERA index in Dubai to set rent increases
In Ajman, justify increases with market data or improvements
Always provide written notice and disclose all fees
Ajman: Rising in Tenant Interest
As rents in Dubai continue to rise, many tenants are looking toward Ajman for affordable alternatives. Ajman offers:
Lower rents as compared to Dubai and Sharjah ((up to 40% less))
The UAE Rent Law 2025 brings much-needed clarity and structure to the real estate rental sector. While Dubai remains highly regulated under RERA, Ajman offers increasing legal safeguards with more room for negotiation and affordability.
? Need help with your rental or renewal? Contact our experts at IM Properties today for transparent advice, rent negotiations, and hand-picked studio or apartment listings.
FAQs
Can a landlord increase the rent every year in Dubai?
Yes, but only according to RERA’s rental index. If the property is not significantly underpriced compared to the market rate, rent cannot be increased.
What is the maximum rent increase as per RERA?
Up to 20%, depending on how much lower your rent is compared to the market average.
Can a landlord refuse to renew a lease in Dubai?
Yes, but only for legal reasons. These include property sale, personal use, or major renovation. A 12-month notice is mandatory.
Can tenants refuse viewings in Dubai or Ajman?
Yes, unless it’s mentioned in the contract. Otherwise, landlords must get tenant approval before showing the property.
What are the tenant’s rights regarding maintenance in Ajman?
Major maintenance is handled by the property owner or management company. Minor maintenance (like replacing faucets or minor electrical issues) is usually the tenant’s responsibility.
Property valuation in Ajman is a crucial step whether you're buying, selling, applying for a golden visa, or simply understanding your real estate ass...
The investor visa in Ajman offers residency to those who invest in a business or property in the emirate. This guide targets property investors, busin...