The Mandatory 90-Day Rent Increase Notice Rule in Dubai (Article 14 of Law No. 26 of 2007): Tenant Rights
Under Article 14 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), if either the landlord or the tenant wishes to amend any term of the tenancy contract upon renewal—including increasing the rent or changing the number of cheques—they MUST notify the other party in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the contract expiration date, unless both parties mutually agreed otherwise in the contract.
Key Statutory Takeaways (2026)
Open RERA & Tenancy Law Calculator →- If a landlord sends a rent increase notice 89 days (or fewer) before your Ejari expiry date, the notice is legally invalid and you have the right to renew at 0% increase.
- Written notice sent via registered email (matching the email address stated on your Unified Ejari Contract) counts as valid legal notice.
- The 90-day rule also applies to tenants: if you do not wish to renew your contract or want to negotiate a rent reduction/more cheques, notify your landlord 90 days prior.
- Even when a landlord serves a timely 90+ day notice, the increase amount is still capped by the DLD Rental Index under Decree No. 43 of 2013.
In This Guide (Quick Jump)
- 1. What Article 14 of Law No. 26 of 2007 Actually Says
- 2. How to Count the Exact 90-Day Cutoff Date
- 3. Is an Email or WhatsApp Message Valid 90-Day Notice?
- 4. What to Do If Your Landlord Misses the 90-Day Deadline
- 5. Copy-Paste Legal Reply Template for Late Rent Hike Notices
- Statutory Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Article 14 of Law No. 26 of 2007 Actually Says
Under Article 6 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, if a tenancy contract expires and the tenant continues to live in the property without objection, the lease automatically renews for another year on the exact same terms and rent. To modify the rent or any contract condition upon renewal, Article 14 mandates:
"Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, if either party to the Tenancy Contract wishes to amend any of its terms pursuant to Article (13) of this Law, that party must notify the other party of same no less than ninety (90) days prior to the date on which the Tenancy Contract expires."
Even if the landlord gives 90+ days notice, verify whether any increase is actually allowed by the DLD Index using our RERA Rent Increase Calculator.
2. How to Count the Exact 90-Day Cutoff Date
The 90-day period is counted in exact calendar days (not 3 calendar months) backwards from the End Date printed on your Ejari certificate. For example, if your lease expires on January 31, 2027, 90 calendar days prior is November 2, 2026. Any rent increase email sent on or after November 3, 2026 is late (89 days or fewer) and legally unenforceable!
3. Is an Email or WhatsApp Message Valid 90-Day Notice?
Unlike a 12-month eviction notice (which MUST be served via Notary Public or Registered Post), a 90-day rent increase notice under Article 14 can be sent via email—provided it is sent to the official email address registered on Page 1 of your signed Unified Tenancy Contract / Ejari. WhatsApp messages are only recognized by RDC if the tenant replies and acknowledges receipt of the terms prior to the 90-day cutoff.
4. What to Do If Your Landlord Misses the 90-Day Deadline
If your landlord or property management agent emails you 60 or 45 days before lease expiry demanding a 10% rent hike:
- Reply politely by email citing Article 14 of Law No. 26 of 2007 and confirming that because the 90-day statutory notice window passed without notification, the contract renews at the current rent and cheque structure.
- Prepare your new rental cheques for the existing rent amount and offer to deliver them against the signed renewal contract.
- If the landlord refuses to accept your cheques, immediately file an "Offer and Deposit" motion at the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC) before your lease expires.
5. Copy-Paste Legal Reply Template for Late Rent Hike Notices
Thank you for your email regarding the upcoming renewal of our tenancy contract for [Unit Number, Building Name], which expires on [Expiry Date].
Please note that under Article 14 of Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), any proposed amendment to the rental value or contract terms must be communicated in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to contract expiration. As this notice was received [X] days before expiry, our tenancy legally renews under the existing rent of AED [Current Rent] in [X] cheques.
Kindly confirm a convenient time for me to hand over the renewal cheques.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
90-Day Renewal Amendment Notice (Article 14) vs. 12-Month Eviction Notice (Article 25)
| Rule Dimension | 90-Day Rent / Contract Change Notice | 12-Month Eviction Notice upon Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Statute | Article 14 of Law No. 26 of 2007 | Article 25(2) of Law No. 33 of 2008 |
| Minimum Notice Period | At least 90 calendar days before lease expiry | 365 days (12 full months) from date of service |
| Accepted Delivery Method | Registered Email on Ejari Contract | Notary Public OR Registered Post ONLY |
| Subject to DLD Rental Index? | Yes — hike must also pass Decree 43 Index | No — requires valid statutory reason (Sell / Personal Use) |
| Consequence if Late/Improper | 0% Rent Increase — renews on same terms | Eviction notice is void & unenforceable at RDC |
Check What the DLD Rental Index Allows for Your Apartment
Even with 90 days notice, your landlord cannot exceed Decree 43 limits. Run our RERA Rent Calculator now.