When should I start preparing for tenancy contract renewal?

90 days before the contract end date. That's the legal notice window for rent increases — anything later by either side is invalid for changing terms.

Do I need a new tenancy contract for renewal in Dubai?

Yes. Dubai requires a new DLD Unified Tenancy Contract for every renewal — there is no automatic extension. Both parties sign the new contract and the tenant re-registers Ejari.

What if my landlord misses the 90-day notice for rent increase?

The rent stays the same for the next contract period. Notice given less than 90 days before renewal is invalid for any rent increase, even if the increase would otherwise be within the RERA cap.

Do I need to renew Ejari every year?

Yes. Each new contract requires a new Ejari registration within 30 days. The fee is AED 220. Without it, DEWA can be cut off and visa renewals stall.

Can I negotiate other terms at renewal, not just rent?

Yes. Renewal is the natural moment to revise parking, pets, maintenance split, payment schedule, and any other Additional Terms that didn't work in the previous year.

What if my landlord wants to skip the new contract and just continue?

Insist on the new written contract. Continuing without a fresh DLD contract weakens both parties legally and creates Ejari problems for the tenant.

Annual Renewal Checklist for Dubai Rentals: 2026 Edition

Renewing a Dubai tenancy contract isn't a five-minute formality. There are deadlines, rent-cap rules, deposit reviews, and an Ejari step that has to happen within 30 days of the new contract. Here's the full checklist for both sides — print it before your renewal date.

90 Days Before Contract End

Tenant: decide if you want to renew, change terms, or move out
Landlord: decide if you want to renew, raise rent, or end the tenancy
Rent change? Send 90-day written notice now (registered mail or notary)
Tenant non-renewal? Send 90-day written notice to landlord
Either party ending tenancy? See your contract's notice clause

60 Days Before Contract End

Check the RERA Rent Index for your property
Negotiate any new rent based on the index
Discuss any new additional terms (parking, pets, maintenance)
Tenant: arrange new cheques if number-of-cheques is changing
Landlord: confirm property is in renew-ready condition

30 Days Before Contract End

Both parties confirm final renewal terms in writing
Generate the new DLD Unified Tenancy Contract online (free, 3 minutes)
Schedule signing date — both parties present or via signed copies
Tenant: prepare new post-dated cheques
Landlord: prepare an updated DEWA bill copy if Ejari requires it

On / After Contract Start Date

Both parties sign new DLD contract on every page
Each party keeps an original copy
Tenant hands over post-dated cheques
Within 30 days: register new Ejari (AED 220)
Update DEWA / chiller account if owner changed

What's Different in 2026

RERA Rent Index updated quarterly — check the latest figures
Ejari fees unchanged at AED 220
Online tenancy contract generation now free at tenancycontract.com
Dubai REST app expanded — full Ejari renewal supported in-app

Renewal-Time Negotiation Levers (Tenant)

Push for fewer cheques in exchange for keeping rent flat
Request maintenance clause clarification (who pays AC servicing, etc.)
If landlord proposes rent increase, calculate the RERA cap and counter at the cap
Add an early termination clause if your contract didn't have one
Lock in pet permission in writing if circumstances changed

Renewal-Time Negotiation Levers (Landlord)

If rent is below the index, increase to the legal cap
Request 1-cheque payment in exchange for a small rent reduction
Add maintenance responsibilities clearly to avoid mid-term disputes
Update contact details for both parties
Re-confirm subletting and pet policies in writing

For the renewal walkthrough including how to handle a rent increase challenge, see our renew tenancy contract Dubai guide.

Generate Your Renewal Contract Free →