Rental rights

Gravity Real Estate’s senior leasing consultant, Ghaith Al Bakri, answers questions from Abu Dhabi Week about residents’ rights when leasing a property in the emirate

When renting a property, can the tenant make any changes such as painting walls or hanging curtains?

Any minor changes such as decoration can be done without obtaining the landlord’s consent, provided at the time of vacating, the property has to be returned in its original condition.

What are tenant’s rights when paying the rent?

Rent does not have to always be paid in instalments. This can be determined in the agreement made between both parties. At the time of paying rent, the tenant is entitled to receive the following:

1. Landlord’s passport copy or trade license copy in case of renting from a company

2. Copy of property ownership documents such as sales and purchase agreement

3. Utilities clearance (water, electricity, district cooling, gas, and so on)

4. Receipt or payment acknowledgement from the landlord

5. Property should be in a good operational condition

Does the tenant have the right to make several instalments spread over the year rather than paying the rent in one or two big payments?

The terms of payment can be from one to four instalments, depending on the landlord’s acceptance. Currently in Abu Dhabi, most of the landlords accept a maximum of two instalments, especially in new developments such as Al Reem, Al Raha and Al Reef.

If we want to talk about the common rental payment structure in the city of Abu Dhabi, it’s either one or two payments only, but everyone does have the right to ask for an affordable payment structure. On the other hand, the landlord has the right to accept or reject the tenant’s proposal on the issue; it’s not restricted by any authority in the city.

Should the property be cleaned before the tenant moves in?

The tenant has a right to receive the property in a good operational condition. Though there is no law on cleaning the property, most of the owners do general cleaning before handing over the property to a new occupant.

Is the landlord allowed to make changes to the tenancy contract halfway through?

Once both parties sign the tenancy contract, it’s not negotiable. The landlord has to wait until renewal for any amendments in the contract. He also must provide the amendments in writing to the tenant two months prior the contract’s expiry.

In case of breach of contract on the landlord’s side, what rights do the tenants have and who could they address their concerns to?

Any disputes arising between the landlord and tenant are to be settled within the purview of the Abu Dhabi Law.

Under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, a rent disputes settlement committee has been established for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The panels are tasked with urgent settlement of disputes between landlords and tenants.

Personally, I advise residents to visit the Abu Dhabi e- government portal. Not only does it cover a wide range of information on the rental laws, it’s also a great guide for the city.