Legal & Finance
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...
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 ...
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.
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.
Real estate expert with extensive knowledge of Ajman's property market. Helping clients make informed investment decisions for over 10 years.
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Dubai (RERA Rules)
Ajman (ARRA Guidelines) |
|---|
Rent Increase | 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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
All of these must be clearly stated in the contract to avoid disputes.
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.
As a tenant, your rights include:
Whether you're renting out or moving into a property, these best practices will help avoid disputes:
As rents in Dubai continue to rise, many tenants are looking toward Ajman for affordable alternatives. Ajman offers:
Tenants seeking value-for-money apartments are increasingly exploring Al Rashidiya, Al Bustan, and Ajman Corniche areas.? Check out apartments for rent in Ajman on Improperties.
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.
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.
Up to 20%, depending on how much lower your rent is compared to the market average.
Yes, but only for legal reasons. These include property sale, personal use, or major renovation. A 12-month notice is mandatory.
Yes, unless it’s mentioned in the contract. Otherwise, landlords must get tenant approval before showing the property.
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.
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Continue ReadingArticle 10 of Law No. 26 (2007) | Dubai | Regulates legal limits for rent increases based on the RERA Rent Index. |
Article 25 (Clause 2) | Dubai | Lists legal reasons for evicting a tenant (e.g., sale, personal use), with 12-month notice. |
Article 26 | Dubai | Specifies eviction process if the property is sold to a new owner. |
Article 16 of Law No. 26 (2007) | Dubai | Outlines landlord responsibilities for maintenance during lease. |
UAE Civil Code – Article 742 | UAE (Federal) | Governs handling of security deposits and return conditions based on property condition. |
Ajman ARRA Guidelines | Ajman | Not codified in a central law; used for regulating rent increases, evictions, and tenant rights. |
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