Dubai: Landlords and their representatives in Dubai cannot impose a separate lease-renewal fee on tenants simply for renewing an existing tenancy contract, according to the Rental Disputes Center under Dubai Land Department. The restriction also covers property-management companies and leasing offices acting for the landlord. Dubai Land Department
This does not mean every renewal-related payment is prohibited. Ejari registration fees are separate official charges. Dubai Land Department currently lists Ejari registration or renewal at Dh177.75 online through Dubai REST/DLD and Dh220 through a Real Estate Services Trustee Centre. Dubai Land Department
For rent increases, landlords must generally give tenants at least 90 days’ notice before the tenancy expires, unless both sides agree otherwise. Any permitted increase should follow Dubai’s rental index, with increases ranging from 0% to a maximum of 20% depending on the difference between the existing rent and applicable market rent. Dubai Land Department
A real-estate agent may separately charge for an agreed service—such as handling negotiations or paperwork—depending on the contract between the parties. Such a separately agreed service charge should not be confused with a landlord-imposed tenancy renewal fee.
