What is a tenancy contract in Dubai and how do I get one?

A tenancy contract is an agreement between a lessor and a lessee in Dubai. The most common tenancy contract is the Unified Tenancy Contract provided by the Dubai Land Department. The tenancy contract includes information on the lessor and lessee, description of the property (DEWA and Makani property numbers), rental amount, deposit amount, rental payment arrangement and the term of the agreement.

All tenancies must be registered with RERA via Ejari. The Dubai REST app has a registration fee of AED 177.75. There is also a fee of AED 220 at a Real Estate Services Trustee centre. Additional conditions may be included in an addendum provided that such conditions are not in violation of any law.

At the end of the term if neither party objects to renewal the agreement will automatically be renewed at the same conditions. To alter any term including rent, notice of at least 90 days prior to the end of the term must be provided.