Tenants' right to reject Dubai rent contract

In cases where landlord adds conditions through addition that contravenes the law: DLD

Existing and new tenants have the right to reject a rent contract if the landlord has added conditions through an addendum that contravene the law, according to Dubai Land Department (DLD).

“The supplements or additional conditions added to rental contract should be only in case of issuing of a new contract to a tenant. The tenant, however, has the right to accept or reject the contract,” 

Mohammed bin Hamad, Senior Manager (Real Estate Relations Management) at Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera), told Emarat Al Youm.

“These new supplements or conditions shouldn’t contradict or conflict with the laws and legislation as well public order and public morals in case of issuing a new contract for the tenant,” he added.

In the case of renewal of contracts, the tenant also has the right to refuse to sign the contract, offered with the news terms, and seek legal action against the landlord over in rent dispute settlement centre.

The Rental Dispute Settlement Centre, the judicial arm of the DLD, became operational in December 2013.

According to the Article 16 of the Decree No. 26 of 2013 establishing the centre, all committees will have to judge all rental lawsuits within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of referral of the case to them. The deadline may, however, be extended in accordance with the rules and procedures adopted by the chairman of the centre in this regard.

Law No. 26 of 2007 and Law No. 33 of 2008 that amended some provisions of Law No. 26 2007, govern the relationship between the landlords and tenants in Dubai. 2007.

Generally, a number of conditions are mentioned in the addendum such as the contract is non-renewable, landlord can access the apartment anytime, tenant has to vacate if the landlord is selling the apartment, landlord will not be paying for maintenance, etc.