In Abu Dhabi, a tenancy contract counts once it is registered in Tawtheeq. You can handle registration, renewal, cancellation and closure online through TAMM, the Abu Dhabi government services portal, and DARI. This guide follows official TAMM and ADREC (Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre) sources.
The legal framework
- Law No. (20) of 2006 on leasing and regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as amended.
- Executive Council Chairman Resolution No. (4) of 2011 on the rules and procedures for registering lease contracts.
- ADREC oversees the tenancy sector and publishes these laws on its rules and regulations page.
Registering a lease in Tawtheeq
Renewing a lease
Under Law No. 20 of 2006, a lease lasts until the end of its term and can be renewed by mutual agreement. In Tawtheeq, use TAMM's 'Lease Contract Renewal' service (UAE PASS or a service centre). TAMM lists a passport and, where applicable, municipality permits. Check the current fee and processing time on TAMM.
Rent increase rules
On 3 June 2026, ADREC announced that the Government of Abu Dhabi had lowered the permitted annual rent increase from 5% to 0% for residential, commercial and industrial properties, temporarily and until further notice. Renewals and new agreements reference the rent in the property's last registered Tawtheeq contract. Tenants who think the rule is being broken can contact ADREC. Before you agree to any renewal, check ADREC for whether the measure still applies.
Cancelling or closing a lease
- Cancel: TAMM's 'Cancel a Lease Contract' ends a lease that is still valid. TAMM lists no documents and no fee, and you get an electronic notification once it is processed.
- Close: TAMM's 'Close a Lease Contract' applies to a lease that has already expired. It needs proof of electricity account closure, or electricity in the landlord's name, plus a key handover document from the tenant. TAMM lists no fee.
A landlord can only seek eviction on the grounds listed in Law No. 20 of 2006 as amended, such as non-payment of rent within the set periods. For a dispute, use the official Abu Dhabi channels shown on TAMM.
See how Abu Dhabi compares with Dubai's Ejari and Sharjah's attestation system in our emirate-by-emirate tenancy contract guide.