Law No. 26 of 2007 — Dubai Tenancy Law

Law No. 26 of 2007 replaced earlier, more fragmented tenancy regulations and established a single comprehensive framework. It was amended significantly by Law No. 33 of 2008, which tightened tenant protections — particularly around eviction — and confirmed RERA's role as the sector's regulator.

Key provisions include: Article 5 (mandatory Ejari registration), Article 9 (rent may only increase in accordance with RERA's rental index), Article 14 (minimum 90-day notice required to terminate or not renew), Article 25 (landlord can only evict a tenant on specific grounds listed in the law), and Article 16 (landlord bears responsibility for structural maintenance and major repairs).

The law applies to all residential and commercial property in Dubai, with the exception of properties in certain free zones that operate their own regulatory regimes (such as DIFC, which has its own tenancy law and courts). For the vast majority of Dubai tenants, however, Law No. 26 of 2007 — as amended — is the definitive legal framework.

When tenants file cases at the RDSC, the judge applies this law as the primary authority. Understanding which article protects your specific situation is important when building your evidence file and articulating your legal argument.