Dubai Tenancy Contract: Every Clause Decoded

The standard contract structure

Every Dubai residential tenancy uses the DLD-issued bilingual (English/Arabic) Tenancy Contract template. Some landlords add an addendum with extra clauses — read these carefully, as they're often where unfavourable terms get inserted.

Rent and cheques

The contract specifies annual rent and the number of cheques (1, 4, 6, or 12). All post-dated cheques are deposited as the dates arrive. If a cheque bounces, the landlord can file at RDC and (in serious cases) initiate police proceedings — bounced cheques in the UAE remain a serious matter.

Negotiation tip: A 12-cheque arrangement usually attracts a 2–4% premium over single-cheque pricing. If you can manage 4 cheques, you save vs 12.

Security deposit

5% of annual rent for unfurnished; 10% for furnished. Refundable on move-out, less verifiable damage. (See Security Deposit Disputes.)

Maintenance responsibility

Standard split: minor maintenance (under AED 500) is the tenant's, major (over AED 500) is the landlord's. Some addenda flip this. Read the addendum.

Utility bills

Tenant typically pays DEWA, chiller, internet, gas, district cooling. Landlord pays service charges (the building's annual maintenance fee).

Sub-letting

Almost always prohibited unless explicitly permitted in the contract or a separate written consent. Sub-letting without permission is grounds for immediate eviction.

Pets

Often prohibited in apartment buildings via the master community rules, even when the contract doesn't mention pets. Check before bringing a pet — eviction risk.

Termination

The contract is a 12-month commitment unless otherwise stated. Early termination is usually allowed only with 2–3 months notice and forfeit of 1–2 months rent (the early-termination clause specifies). If the contract is silent, you cannot terminate early without landlord consent.

Renewal

Both parties have 90 days notice obligations before lease end: - Landlord wants to terminate / change terms: must give 90 days' written notice. - Landlord doesn't notice: the contract auto-renews at the same rent.

Addenda watch-list

Common addenda that disadvantage tenants: - Notice periods longer than 90 days - Rent increases above the RERA cap (illegal but sometimes inserted) - Tenant responsible for service charges (legally the landlord's cost in residential) - Landlord can enter unit without notice - Tenant pays full annual rent on signature (only legal if explicit and tenant agrees)

If you see any of these — push back, or expect to be in dispute later.