Leasing, Tenancy Law, and Rental Disputes
Tenancy Framework
Know the tenancy contract (lease) essentials: parties, property description, term, rent, payment schedule, security deposit, permitted use, maintenance responsibilities, and renewal/notice terms. Leases should be registered with the relevant authority (e.g., Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi) to be enforceable and for services. Understand rent increase rules - increases generally require proper notice and compliance with the applicable rent index or cap - and the notice period for eviction or non-renewal.
Disputes
Rental disputes go to the specialised rental dispute committee. Common issues: unpaid rent, maintenance failures, deposit return, early termination, and unlawful eviction. Understand the sequence: notice → mediation/committee → judgment. Brokers acting as property managers must keep clear records and account for deposits.
Traps
Questions often assume a landlord can raise rent at will mid-term - mid-term increases are generally not permitted without contractual basis. Another trap: treating a security deposit as non-refundable. Watch for eviction without proper written notice, and for leases that are unregistered yet relied on in dispute.
Worked Example
A landlord wants to raise rent at renewal. Correct process: check the applicable rent index/cap, serve written notice within the required notice period before renewal, and document the basis; an increase that breaches the cap or notice rules is challengeable before the committee.