Tenancy Disputes in the UAE: First Steps for Tenants and Landlords

Disputes between landlords and tenants in the UAE usually involve the same handful of issues: rent increases, security deposits, maintenance, early termination and eviction. Each emirate has its own tenancy law and its own body for hearing disputes, so the first question is always where the property is.

1. Start with the contract

Read the tenancy contract carefully before doing anything else. It sets out the rent, payment schedule, renewal terms, who is responsible for maintenance, and what happens on early termination. Many disputes are settled by what the contract says.

2. Check that it is registered

Tenancy contracts are registered with the authorities in each emirate: Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi and Ejari in Dubai. Registration usually matters if you need to bring a dispute, so check it early.

3. Put everything in writing

• Raise issues by email or letter, not only by phone or chat.
• Keep copies of every notice you send and receive.
• Formal notices (for example about non-renewal or eviction) often must follow a specific form and timing to be valid.

4. Keep your evidence

Contract, registration certificate, receipts and cheque copies, photos of the property's condition at the start and end of the tenancy, and all correspondence.

5. Do not take matters into your own hands

A tenant who stops paying rent, or a landlord who changes the locks or cuts utilities, can make their own position much weaker. Disputes should go through the proper channel.

Where disputes are heard

• Abu Dhabi: the Rental Disputes Settlement Committee at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
• Dubai: the Rental Disputes Centre.
• Other emirates: their own rental committees or courts.

Many cases begin with an attempt at amicable settlement before a full hearing.

Next step

Notice periods, the grounds on which a landlord may evict, and limits on rent increases all differ between emirates. A legal consultation can review your contract and correspondence and tell you what your options are before you act.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws and procedures change and differ between emirates and between the mainland and free zones; take advice on your own circumstances before acting.