Should we renew our tenancy or move?
Your lease is coming up for renewal. Here’s what your landlord can and can’t change, the dates that matter, and how to weigh staying against moving or buying.
In 30 seconds
- Either side must give at least 90 days’ notice before the lease ends to change the terms or not renew
- A rent rise at renewal is capped, and only allowed if your rent is below the average for similar homes
- Moving means a new deposit, agency fee and set-up costs, so compare the full cost, not just the rent
The dates that matter
- About 4 months before the lease ends: check your rent against the Dubai Land Department’s Smart Rental Index for similar homes
- 90 days before: the last day for you or your landlord to give notice to change the terms or not renew
- Before the end date: sign the renewal and renew Ejari, or arrange the move-out inspection if you’re leaving
Add your lease end date to Your dates and it will show your notice date.
What your landlord can change
Rent rises at renewal are capped, and only allowed when your rent is below the average for similar homes. The bigger the gap, the larger the rise allowed, up to 20%. The landlord must give notice at least 90 days before the lease ends. See the full table in How do Ejari and rent cheques work?
Staying or moving: the real cost
| If you move | What it usually costs |
|---|---|
| A new security deposit | Often 5% of the rent unfurnished, 10% furnished. Your old one comes back when you hand over the keys |
| Agency fee | Often 5% of the yearly rent, plus VAT |
| Ejari and DEWA | A new Ejari registration, and moving your DEWA account |
| Removals | Packing and moving, plus any overlap in rent |
| Your time | Viewings, cheques, and setting up internet again |
If the new home is cheaper by less than these costs, staying often makes sense for another year.
Thinking of buying instead?
Buying in Dubai means a deposit of at least 20% for a resident’s first home up to AED 5m, plus about 7–10% in fees, including the Dubai Land Department’s 4% transfer fee. Try the rent or buy calculator to compare the two over the years you expect to stay.
What to do next
- Add your lease end date to Your dates
- Check your rent against the Smart Rental Index
- Decide 4 months before the end date, so you can give notice in time
- Dubai Land Department: tenancy guide
- Dubai Land Department: Smart Rental Index
- Dubai Land Department: Ejari
- DEWA: move-in
- Rental Disputes Centre, Dubai
- CBUAE Rulebook: mortgage loan-to-value limits
- Dubai Land Department: sale registration fees
- Property Finder: DLD fees (Jul 2026)