Tenancy rights in Abu Dhabi

While many expats might be used to different systems back home, the sad reality is that the Abu Dhabi market is a landlord’s market. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that tenants don’t have a leg to stand on. We consulted legal expert Ziad Salloum to bring you the most pertinent resources and issues you need to watch out for.

Rent Cap
The Landlord and Tenant Law allows parties to fix the rent by agreement in the lease. Where the rent is not fixed, the landlord has the right to an annual rent increment which is currently subject to a maximum increase of five percent of the existing amount. A tenant may refer the matter to the Abu Dhabi Rent Committee for determination of the rent where a landlord increases the rent by more than five percent.

Rental Dispute Committees
In 2010, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judiciary Department, issued an ordinance to set up committees to help solve disputes between tenants and landlords. Currently, residents in the emirate of Abu Dhabi can take their complaints to these Rental Dispute Committees, where issues can be resolved informally and without the need of lawyers.

Security Deposit
Most places require a tenant to leave a security deposit once they move in. Regardless of the amount, the security deposit ensures that you give back the property in the same condition that you rented it out in. Do note that you are fully within your rights to demand your deposit back and seek legal recourse should the landlord be evasive when it comes to returning this sum.

Copy of the lease
Ziad, who works in Abu Dhabi, says that two of the biggest mistakes people make is relying on verbal agreements and not thoroughly studying the contracts they sign. ‘It cannot be stressed enough: never sign a document you haven’t examined thoroughly and insist on having an original copy for yourself,’ says Ziad. Often, there will be only one original contract, which remains with the landlord. However, you are fully within your legal bounds to insist on an original copy for yourself.

Useful phone numbers

Electricity and water
Abu Dhabi Water and Electric Company
The sole trader for water and electricity in Abu Dhabi.
www.adwec.ae, webmaster@adwec.com (02 694 3333).

Estate agents
Aldar Properties www.aldar.com, info@aldar.com (02 810 5555).

Al Qudra Real Estate
www.alqudraholding.ae, info@qudrah.com (02 699 2222).

Better Homes
www.bhomes.com (02 667 8722).

Bloom Properties
www.bloomcommunities.com, info@bloom.co.ae (02 643 1122).

Burooj Properties
www.burooj.ae, info@burooj.ae (02 610 0100).

Cassells Real Estate
www.cassellsgroup.com (02 681 7666).

Colliers International
www.colliers-me.com (02 619 2460).

Future View Real Estate
www.futureviewproperty.com (02 627 2992).

Hayatt Real Estate
www.hayattrealestate.com (02 491 8790).

Homestyle Properties
www.homestyle-property.co.ae (02 672 3220).

Hydra Properties
www.hydraproperties.com (800 49372).

LLJ Property
www.lljproperty.com (02 495 0500).