Due to the wide variety of residential options in Dubai such as Arabian Ranches Villas, City walk apartments or any other off plan property in Dubai, choosing the right one can be a long process, especially if it is your first time. This is why most people are relieved after getting a desirable property and fail to pay attention to the tenancy contract. As a result, they end up with undesirable terms and conditions when they move in.
When looking for a property to rent, you should work with top Dubai real estate agencies to avoid getting conned. Also, a good agent will enable you to get the best unit for your needs.
These are some of the laws you should keep in mind first:
- Law no.33 of 2008- regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants
- Decree no.26 of 2013- Established rent disputes settlement center to solve rental disputes
- Decree no.43 of 2013- Governs rental increment
Tenants and landlords are allowed to include an addendum to the standard tenancy contract to feature further terms and conditions. The addendum should be attached to the contract because it can come in handy in many ways like payment of utilities.
Either the tenant or the landlord can register the contract with the Ejari system which is an initiative of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). The registration of the contract helps to ensure that the property is not leased twice at the same time. If the contract is not registered, any dispute that might arise cannot be determined by the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC).
Unless agreed by the two parties, the tenancy contract cannot be individually terminated by either the tenant or the landlord. In fact, if the tenancy agreement expires and the tenant continues to stay in the property, the terms of the contract are extended automatically for a similar period.
If the landlord wants to amend the terms of the contract, they should serve the tenant with a written notice 90 days before the expiration of the contract.
In most cases, the rent should be paid according to the agreed terms in the contract. However, if the contract does not have rental payment terms, the tenant can pay the rent annually or in four equal installments.
It is the responsibility of the landlord to provide the tenant with a habitable property. So, the landlord is required to undertake maintenance and repair works on the property.
As a tenant, you can be evicted if:
- Subleasing the property or part of the property without the landlord’s approval
- Using or allowing the property to be used for immoral or illegal activities
- Failing to comply with the original terms of the contract
- Using the property for purposes not indicated in the contract
- The property is in danger of collapse.