Everything You Need to Know About RERA Dubai

When it comes to renting a property in Dubai, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) has set definitive laws to regulate the relationship between the landlord and the tenant and outlines each party’s role and responsibilities.

This is to minimize disputes and misunderstandings; if you want to know more about RERA Dubai and its laws regarding leasing in the emirate, keep reading.

RERA Dubai

1. What Is RERA Dubai?

ThRERA stands for the Real Estate Regulatory Authority. It was established in 2007 with the goal of safeguarding homebuyers’ interests and encouraging investment in the real estate sector. Moreover, The RERA Act of 2007 has been adopted across various states to ensure a regulated and transparent real estate industry.

RERA’s main responsibilities include: 

  • Registering and regulating real estate brokers, developers, and development projects, overseeing the sale and purchase of properties 
  • Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
  • Resolving disputes between parties in the real estate market.

In addition, lately, RERA has worked on different initiatives to ensure the market is monitored and developed. 

  • It introduced several regulations to protect the rights of investors and buyers in the Dubai real estate market.

    This includes the requirement for developers to register all off-plan sales with RERA and to provide a 10-year warranty for newly built properties. 
  • RERA has also established a rental index to regulate rental prices and protect the rights of tenants and landlords.

2. What Are the Services RERA Offers?

RERA offers a wide range of services to both businesses and individuals. Here are some of the specific services that RERA offers in Dubai:

  • Real Estate Licensing: RERA licenses real estate brokers, developers, and service providers. This helps to ensure that only qualified and experienced professionals are working in the real estate market.
  • Real Estate Registration: RERA in Dubai registers real estate transactions, including sales and leases. This helps to create a public record of real estate transactions, which can be used to verify ownership and resolve disputes.
  • Dispute Resolution: RERA helps resolve disputes between buyers, sellers, and developers. This can be done through mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
  • Education and Awareness: It provides education and awareness about the real estate market to businesses and individuals. This helps to ensure that everyone involved in the real estate market understands their rights and responsibilities.

Landlords and Tenants

RERA offers you different services whether you’re a tenant or a landlord. 

  • The registration and renewal of the Ejari Contract 
  • The cancellation of the Ejari Contract 
  • The Valuation of Property Lease

RERA’s services are designed to make the real estate market in Dubai more transparent, efficient, and fair. They help to protect the rights of buyers and sellers, and they promote investment in the market.

rera dubai rental law for landlords and tenants

3. Where Is RERA Located?

RERA is located inside Dubai Land Department, off Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai. 

Besides, RERA’s location is close to different communities like Al Murar, Al Rigga, and Al Karama

4. What is RERA law in Dubai?

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in Dubai maintains a number of essential regulations that protect the integrity and transparency of the real estate industry.

Central to these rules is the mandate under Article 4 of Law (33) of 2008, which dictates that all tenancy contracts, whether initiated by landlords or tenants, must be duly registered with RERA using the ‘Ejari’ system.

This essential step ensures that each property unit is independently leased, avoiding potential disputes from dual leasing situations and protecting the rights of all parties involved.

5. What is the difference between DLD and RERA?

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) encompasses the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) as a regulatory arm. Moreover, RERA focuses on supervising the operations of real estate developers, brokers, and other professionals within Dubai. This ensures that all activities comply with the city’s real estate laws and regulations.

6. What Are the Landlord Responsibilities According to RERA?

As a landlord, there are some responsibilities that you should stick to according to RERA regulations and rules in Dubai.

Here are the most important ones that you should be aware of:

  • You must hand over the property in good condition, which allows the tenant full use as stated in the contract. 
  • According to Article 16, the landlord will, during the term of the contract, be responsible for the property’s maintenance works and for repairing any defect or damage. 
  • Article 17 states that the landlord may not make any changes to the property that would affect the tenant’s full use of it as intended.  
  • The landlord will be responsible for any defect, damage, deficiency, and wear and tear occurring to the property for reasons not attributable to the fault of the tenant.

7. What Are the Tenant Obligations According to RERA?

There are some responsibilities you should stick to them while renting in Dubai. Besides, knowing your rights before signing the tenancy is super important. 

  • Article 19 requires tenants to seek the landlord’s permission and obtain necessary licenses from official entities before undertaking any property renovations.
  • According to RERA rules, the security deposit must be paid by the tenant at the start of the contract, which is refundable.
  • If the landlord fails to refund the deposit, the tenant can approach the rent dispute committee to resolve the matter, as per Article 20.
  • Upon vacating the property, tenants are expected to return it in the same condition as received, with exceptions made for ordinary wear and tear or damage beyond their control.
  • According to Article 21, any disputes between tenants and landlords can be escalated to the dispute committee for resolution.
rera registration dubai

8. Why is RERA needed?

RERA acts as an important intermediary for both property buyers and developers, aiming to minimize the uncertainties that previously plagued the real estate market. 

Through RERA,  purchasers are now able to access comprehensive information about projects, and verify project documents; In addition to they can enjoy a level of protection and transparency that was not as readily available before.

9. What Is Rental Dispute in Dubai?

The rental dispute happens when the landlord and tenant don’t abide by RERA and Dubai Tenancy law. 

In addition, rental disputes in Dubai usually arise when one of the parties doesn’t stick to 

  • Violating RERA Law for Eviction. There’s a notice period for eviction and also specific cases where eviction is allowed, so when any of the parties doesn’t commit, disputes arise.
  • Terminating the Tenancy Contract. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, RERA has rules for ending leasing agreements. In case you don’t stick to it, then the other party has the right to escalate it to the Rental Dispute Centre. 
  • In consideration of RERA Rental Increase Rules and Laws. An unreasonable rent increase is among the most common factors for disputes in Dubai. 

RERA has specific parameters that calculate and evaluate the average amount for each area. 

However, in some cases, when the landlord doesn’t abide by RERA Calculator, the tenant has the right to raise a complaint with the responsible authority. The notice period for a rent increase, according to RERA, is a 90-day.

10. What Should Happen in the Case of Rental Dispute in Dubai According to RERA?

Where a dispute arises and the landlord and tenant are unable to reach an agreement, either party has the right to file a complaint case at the Rent Disputes Centre (RDC) at Dubai Land Department.

11. What Are the Working Timings for RERA?

You can get whatever service you need or submit a request at RERA through its working timings, which are listed below.

  • Monday – Thursday: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm 
  • Friday: 7:30 am – 12 pm
  • Saturday and Sundays: off

12. What Is the Contact Information for RERA in Dubai?

RERA has a phone number through which you can contact them for any concerns or questions. RERA’s call center is always available to answer all your inquiries. 

  • +971 (0)4 203 0555
  • 800 4488

This Blog is made available for educational purposes only, in addition to providing you with general information and a general understanding of its content, including referenced laws and regulations, and not to provide specific legal advice. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent advice from a licensed professional.