The Dubai rent renewal deadline

In Dubai, written notice of a change to renewal terms, including a rent increase, should reach the tenant at least 90 days before the lease expires. If you miss it, the lease renews on the old terms and your increase waits until the next renewal.

How to count the deadline

Count back 90 days from the last day of the lease. Example: a lease ending on 20 October means notice should be delivered by about 22 July. Aim for earlier, because delivery takes time, and send formal notices by notary public or registered mail.

Which notices have which deadline

• Changing the rent or other terms at renewal: 90 days before expiry, in writing.
• Not renewing at all: you need a legal ground (own or first-degree relative's use, sale, major renovation, demolition) and 12 months' notice by notary public or registered mail. WhatsApp, email and phone calls do not count for this notice.
• Late payment: not tied to the lease end date. The 30-day period runs from your payment notice.

If you missed the deadline

1. Do not impose new terms. Without valid notice, the lease continues on the old terms.
2. Talk to the tenant. They can agree to a change voluntarily, so ask in writing.
3. Plan the next renewal earlier. Add the date to a reminder system.

What to keep

The notice, the proof of delivery and the date it was served. If the notice is disputed, the proof is what matters.

How DOSH helps

DOSH calculates the 90-day date from the lease end date and warns you ahead of it, so the deadline is not something you hold in a notebook.

Frequently asked questions