Dubai’s rental market has seen rapid changes in recent years, especially after the pandemic. With the city’s population increasing and demand for housing surging, tenants are facing a number of challenges—rising rents, sudden evictions, and tricky landlord negotiations. In this article, we’ll break down the most common rental problems in Dubai and how you can legally and practically deal with them.

Common Rental Issues Faced by Tenants in Dubai

• Rent Hikes without Proper Notice

Landlords are not allowed to increase rent at will. As per Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), any increase must follow the Rental Index Calculator, and tenants should be informed at least 90 days before contract renewal. What you can do: Check if the rent increase aligns with RERA’s index. If not, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC).

• Eviction without Valid Reason

Some tenants report being asked to vacate so landlords can “move in” or “sell the property.” However, unless proper legal notices are given—12 months in advance through a Notary Public or registered mail—such eviction attempts are invalid. Your rights: You cannot be evicted during your contract without just cause. If eviction is planned, you must receive a formal 12-month notice.

• Security Deposit Disputes

Many tenants face issues getting their security deposit refunded. Landlords often claim excessive wear and tear to make unjustified deductions. Tip: Take photos of the property before and after your tenancy. If the landlord still refuses, you can raise the issue legally.

• Maintenance Negligence

Unless stated otherwise in the contract, landlords are responsible for major maintenance. Many tenants get stuck paying for repairs that aren’t legally their burden. Solution: Always document communication. If the landlord ignores their responsibility, you can submit a complaint to RERA.

• Illegal Rent Collection or Hidden Charges

Rent must be paid only through the agreed channels (e.g., bank cheques or Ejari-registered systems). Any demand for “cash-only” or unofficial extra fees should raise red flags. Act fast: Never pay in cash without receipts. Report such cases to the Dubai Land Department. What You Should Know About Your Rights Dubai’s real estate system protects tenants if they know how to exercise their rights. Here are a few quick points:

• Ejari Registration is mandatory: Without it, your rental contract is not legally recognized.
• You cannot be evicted mid-contract unless you breach the agreement.
• RERA Rent Calculator determines if rent increases are legal.
• The Dubai Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) handles conflicts and issues quick resolutions.

How Al Tawkel Documents Clearing Can Help You? At Al Tawkel, we understand how stressful rental issues can be—especially if you’re unfamiliar with Dubai’s legal system. Our team provides professional guidance and full documentation support to protect your rights as a tenant. Our Rental-Related Services Include:

• Ejari registration assistance
• Review and validation of tenancy contracts
• Drafting and sending 12-month legal eviction notices
• Filing rental complaints and disputes with RDSC
• Mediation between tenants and landlords
• Security deposit recovery guidance
• Rent calculation support using RERA Index

We ensure your documents are legally compliant and your side is fully represented—whether you’re a tenant or a landlord. Need help with a rental issue? Contact us today, and our expert team will guide you through the process from start to finish.