Dubai Tenancy Law Explained (Law 26 of 2007 and Law 33 of 2008)
Dubai’s rental relationship is governed by Law No. 26 of 2007, amended by Law No. 33 of 2008. Together they set the core rules: every contract must be registered through Ejari, rent can only rise within the RERA framework, a landlord must give 90 days notice to change terms and 12 months notice to evict at expiry, and disputes are decided by the Rental Dispute Center. Knowing the key articles is how a tenant avoids an unlawful increase or eviction.
- Law 26/2007 as amended by 33/2008
- Ejari registration is mandatory
- 12-month notice to evict at expiry
- Disputes decided by the RDC
The two laws
Law No. 26 of 2007 regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai. Law No. 33 of 2008 amended several of its articles, most importantly extending the eviction notice period and clarifying registration. Later rules, such as Decree 43 of 2013 on rent increases, sit on top of this framework. Read them together, not in isolation.
The key articles
| Article | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Article 4 | The contract must be registered with RERA through Ejari. |
| Article 6 | Automatic renewal on the same terms if the tenant stays and the landlord does not object. |
| Article 7 | Neither party may unilaterally terminate a valid contract during its term. |
| Articles 9 to 14 | Rent and rent increases, and the 90-day notice to change any term. |
| Article 25(1) | Grounds to evict during the term, such as non-payment or illegal use. |
| Article 25(2) | Eviction at expiry, needing 12 months notice through a notary or registered mail. |
| Article 26 | Disputes go to the Rental Dispute Center. |
What it means for tenants
The practical effect is strong protection. Your rent cannot jump without following Decree 43 and the Smart Rental Index. Your terms cannot change without 90 days notice before expiry. You cannot be removed at the end of a contract without a valid reason and 12 months notice. If a landlord ignores these, the Rental Dispute Center is the route, and the law is on the side of the tenant who kept records.
How the newer rules fit
Decree 43 of 2013 sets the percentage caps for rent increases and works with the Dubai Smart Rental Index. The 2007 and 2008 laws remain the backbone for registration, notice, eviction and disputes. When a question is about how much rent can rise, look to Decree 43. When it is about notice, eviction or registration, look to Law 26 and Law 33.
Related tools and guides
Check a proposed increase with the Rent Increase Checker, read the rent increase rules, and see the eviction notice guide for the 12-month rule.
Frequently asked questions
What law governs renting in Dubai?
Law No. 26 of 2007, amended by Law No. 33 of 2008, with Decree 43 of 2013 governing rent increases.
How much notice must a landlord give to evict?
Twelve months notice through a notary or registered mail to evict at the end of a contract, under Article 25(2).
Can a landlord end my contract early?
Only on the grounds in Article 25(1), such as non-payment or illegal use. Article 7 bars unilateral termination otherwise.
Is registering the contract required by law?
Yes. Article 4 requires the contract to be registered with RERA through Ejari.
Where are tenancy disputes decided?
At the Rental Dispute Center, the judicial arm of the Dubai Land Department, under Article 26.
Official reference: Dubai Land Department.
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and cases differ, so consult a licensed lawyer for your situation.
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