Do I need a new tenancy contract to renew?

Yes. Dubai requires a new DLD Unified Tenancy Contract for every renewal — there is no automatic extension. Generate it free online in 3 minutes, then re-register Ejari within 30 days.

How much can my landlord raise the rent at renewal?

Only what the RERA Rent Index allows: 0% if within 10% of market, 5% if 11–20% below, 10% if 21–30% below, 15% if 31–40% below, 20% if more than 40% below. Increases above this cap can be refused and challenged at RERA.

How much notice is required for a rent increase at renewal?

90 days written notice before the contract expires. Notice given less than 90 days before renewal is invalid and the rent stays the same for the next term.

Do I have to renew Ejari every year?

Yes. Ejari is tied to the contract dates. Each new contract requires a new Ejari registration (or renewal), within 30 days of the new contract start. The fee is AED 220.

Can my landlord refuse to renew the contract?

Only with 12 months written notice via notary public and only for personal use, demolition, or sale. They cannot refuse renewal to extract a higher rent — the RERA Rent Index governs increases.

What happens if my contract expires and we haven't renewed?

If both parties continue the relationship without renewing, the contract continues on the same terms but legal protections weaken. Always renew with a fresh signed contract and updated Ejari.

Renew Your Dubai Tenancy Contract Online (2026 Guide)

Renewing a Dubai tenancy contract is not just a date extension — it requires a brand-new DLD Unified Tenancy Contract for the renewed term. This guide walks you through the renewal process: notice periods, rent increase rules, generating the new contract, and renewing Ejari.

Renewal in Dubai: A New Contract, Not an Extension

Unlike some jurisdictions where leases roll over automatically, Dubai tenancy contracts must be reissued. Each year (or contract term), the landlord and tenant generate a fresh DLD Unified Tenancy Contract for the new period and re-register Ejari.

Key Notice Periods at Renewal

Landlord rent increase: 90 days written notice before contract end
Landlord ending tenancy at renewal: 12 months written notice (via notary public)
Tenant non-renewal: 90 days written notice before contract end
Both parties happy to renew unchanged: no notice period required, but renew before expiry

Notice periods that aren't followed properly are the most common source of renewal disputes — see our Dubai tenancy law guide for the full legal framework.

Rent Increase at Renewal: The RERA Rent Index

Landlords cannot increase rent at renewal by an arbitrary amount. The maximum increase is set by the RERA Rent Index based on how far below market rate the current rent is:

Within 10% of market rate: 0% increase allowed
11–20% below market: max 5% increase
21–30% below market: max 10% increase
31–40% below market: max 15% increase
More than 40% below: max 20% increase

If your landlord proposes an increase above this cap, you can refuse and file at the Rental Dispute Centre.

Step-by-Step: Renewing the Contract

Confirm renewal terms with the other party

Agree on new annual rent, contract dates, deposit (if changing), and any updated additional terms (parking, pets, maintenance).

Generate the new DLD contract

Use the same online generator. Upload the same title deed and Emirates IDs. Update the rental terms with the renewal details. The contract takes 3 minutes to produce.

Both parties sign

Print, sign on every page, and exchange copies. Each side keeps an original.

Renew Ejari

Within 30 days of the new contract start date, renew Ejari via the Dubai REST app or a typing centre. Bring the new signed contract, both Emirates IDs, the title deed copy, and your previous Ejari certificate.

Common Renewal Mistakes

Forgetting to renew Ejari (DEWA gets cut off, visa renewals stall)
Accepting a rent increase above the RERA cap without checking the index
Renewing on a verbal agreement only — always re-issue the written DLD contract
Missing the 90-day notice window for rent increase challenges
Not updating Additional Terms when circumstances changed (e.g. you got a pet)

Can the Landlord Refuse to Renew?

Yes, but only with 12 months written notice via notary public, and only for specific reasons: personal use, demolition / major renovation, or sale of the property. They cannot refuse renewal simply to raise rent — that requires the 90-day notice and the rent must comply with the RERA Rent Index.

If you and the landlord can't agree on renewal terms, see our rent dispute filing guide for the formal RERA process.

Generate Your Renewal Contract Free →