Auto-Renewal of Tenancy Contracts in Dubai
In Dubai a tenancy contract renews automatically on the same terms if the tenant stays in the property after it expires and the landlord does not object. This is the Article 6 rule. It means you do not lose your home or your rights just because no one signed a new contract, and any change to the rent or terms still needs the 90-day notice before the old contract ends.
- Renews automatically under Article 6
- Same rent and terms carry over
- Changes still need 90-day notice
- Renew the Ejari to keep records current
How auto-renewal works
When a contract expires and the tenant continues to live in the property without objection from the landlord, the law extends the tenancy for the same period on the same terms. So a lapsed signature does not leave you unprotected. The tenancy simply continues as it was.
What it does not allow
Auto-renewal does not let a landlord slip in a higher rent or new terms. Any change at renewal still requires at least 90 days written notice before the old contract ends. Without that notice, the renewal is on the existing rent and terms, whether or not a fresh contract was signed.
Keep Ejari current
Even when the tenancy auto-renews, update your Ejari so the record matches the current period. An expired Ejari can hold up DEWA renewals and visa steps, so re-register it each year.
Prefer to do it yourself?
Confirm renewal readiness with the Ejari Renewal Checker, and read the Dubai tenancy law.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Dubai tenancy renew automatically?
Yes. Under Article 6, it renews on the same terms if the tenant stays and the landlord does not object.
Can the rent change on auto-renewal?
Only with at least 90 days written notice before the old contract ends. Otherwise the rent stays the same.
Do I need a new signed contract?
The tenancy continues by law even without one, but it is cleaner to sign and re-register Ejari.
Should I renew Ejari if it auto-renews?
Yes. Update Ejari each year so DEWA and visa steps are not held up.
Official reference: Dubai Land Department.
This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed lawyer for your situation.
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