Rent, Payment and Deposit Terms

Before signing a tenancy contract in Dubai, tenants should make sure the financial terms are clear. The annual rent, number of cheques, payment dates, security deposit, agency commission and any admin fees should be written clearly and match what was agreed before the contract was prepared.

Tenants should also check whether rent includes anything extra, such as parking, chiller, appliances or maintenance. If there are separate costs, they should be understood before signing. A contract that looks cheaper may become more expensive if important costs are excluded.

• Check annual rent and number of cheques
• Confirm deposit and commission amounts
• Clarify chiller, parking and appliance inclusion
• Make sure written terms match the offer

Maintenance and Property Condition

Maintenance clauses should be reviewed carefully because they affect daily living. The contract should clarify which repairs are the landlord’s responsibility and which small repairs are paid by the tenant. If any repairs must be completed before move-in, they should be written into the agreement or confirmed by email.

The tenant should inspect the property condition before signing or at least before handover. Air conditioning, plumbing, electrical items, appliances, windows, locks, paint, flooring and balcony doors should be checked. Photos and videos help protect both parties when the tenant moves out.

• Read maintenance responsibility clauses
• Write pre-move-in repairs clearly
• Inspect AC, plumbing and appliances
• Document property condition

Renewal, Notice and Exit Terms

Tenants should understand what happens at renewal. The contract should clarify the end date, renewal process, notice requirements, rent review process and whether any changes must be communicated within a specific period. This is important because rent increase and renewal discussions often become stressful when handled late.

Exit clauses are also important. If the tenant needs to leave early, the contract may include notice requirements, penalties or conditions for replacement tenants. These terms should be understood before signing, especially for tenants whose job, visa or family plans may change during the year.

• Understand renewal and rent review process
• Check notice periods carefully
• Review early termination clauses
• Plan for possible changes during the lease

Ejari, DEWA and Move-In Obligations

The contract should support a smooth move-in. Tenants should confirm who is responsible for Ejari registration, when DEWA can be activated, whether the building requires move-in approval, and what documents are needed for access cards, parking and elevator booking.

A practical final check is to make sure every promise is documented: repairs, cleaning, appliances, parking, move-in date, keys and access cards. A tenancy contract is not only a legal form; it is the operating manual for the tenant’s first year in the property.

• Confirm Ejari and DEWA steps
• Check move-in approval requirements
• Document all promises before signing
• Make sure access and keys are ready