As a Dubai landlord, the tenancy contract is your legal protection. Complete landlord playbook.
Before listing
1
Set rent using RERA Rent Index
Dubai REST app > Rent Calculator. Price within 5-10% of median.
2
Prepare title deed + DEWA bill
Both required for Ejari.
3
Decide furnished vs unfurnished
Furnished commands 15-30% higher rent + 10% deposit.
4
Set cheque preference
4 cheques standard. 1 cheque = 5-10% discount. 12 cheques = 5-10% premium.
Creating the contract
1
Generate free at tenancycontract.com
3 minutes.
2
Enter tenant details
Get their Emirates ID at viewing.
3
Set financial terms
Rent, deposit (5%/10%), cheques, dates.
4
Add protective Additional Terms
1) Tenant utilities. 2) Tenant minor repairs (<AED 500). 3) 60-day termination + 1 month penalty. 4) 90-day non-renewal. 5) No subletting. 6) Same-condition return. 7) Cheque bouncing AED 1,000 penalty. 8) Max 4 occupants.
5
Both sign every page wet-ink
Two originals.
Standard landlord clauses
- Tenant pays utilities (DEWA, chiller, internet)
- Tenant handles minor repairs below AED 500
- Landlord handles major structural + external
- 60-day termination + 1 month penalty
- 90-day non-renewal notice
- No subletting without written consent
- Max 4 adults occupancy
- Property returned same condition
- Cheque bouncing AED 1,000 penalty
- 24hr notice for inspections
Clauses to AVOID (illegal/unenforceable)
- Automatic rent increases without RERA reference
- Non-refundable security deposit
- Landlord termination without cause
- Inspection without 24hr notice
- Forfeit of ALL deposit for any damage
- Tenant liable for major structural repairs
Managing during tenancy
- Cash cheques on due dates
- Respond to maintenance within 48 hours
- 24hr notice for inspections
- 90-day non-renewal notice by day 275
- Rent increase: 90-day notice + RERA Index reference
At contract end
1
Joint move-out inspection
Both present. Photograph condition.
2
Deduct only documented damage
Receipts required.
3
Refund deposit within 30 days
Legal requirement.
4
Cancel Ejari
Dubai REST app. AED 30.
For general, see create complete guide.