Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Tenancy Agreement
I need a tenancy agreement for a residential property in Dubai, with a lease term of one year, including clauses for maintenance responsibilities, a security deposit equivalent to one month's rent, and a provision for renewal with a rent increase cap as per local regulations.
What is a Tenancy Agreement?
A Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out the terms for renting a property in the UAE. It spells out essential details like the rental amount, payment schedule, security deposit requirements, and the duration of the tenancy - typically following the standard 12-month lease term under UAE rental laws.
Under UAE Real Estate regulations, this agreement must include specific provisions about maintenance responsibilities, utilities payments, and permitted property usage. It serves as your key legal protection, letting both parties know their rights and obligations while following local municipality rules, especially in major emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
When should you use a Tenancy Agreement?
You need a Tenancy Agreement before renting any residential or commercial property in the UAE. This applies when leasing an apartment, villa, office space, or retail unit - even for short-term rentals. Getting this agreement in place protects both parties and makes the rental legally valid under UAE law.
The agreement becomes essential when registering with Ejari in Dubai or Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi, which is mandatory for all rental contracts. It's also required for connecting utilities, obtaining residency visas, and opening bank accounts. Having it ready before the tenant moves in helps avoid disputes and ensures compliance with local real estate regulations.
What are the different types of Tenancy Agreement?
- Tenancy Agreement Contract: Standard comprehensive rental contract used for most residential leases in the UAE, including all mandatory Ejari/Tawtheeq requirements
- Short Term Rental Agreement: Simplified agreement for holiday homes or temporary rentals under 6 months, following Dubai Tourism regulations
- Commercial Property Lease Agreement: Specialized contract for business premises with specific commercial terms and fit-out provisions
- House Rental Lease Agreement: Detailed contract for villas and independent houses with maintenance and landscaping terms
- Basic Rental Agreement: Simplified version for straightforward rentals with standard terms and minimal customization
Who should typically use a Tenancy Agreement?
- Property Owners/Landlords: Individuals or companies who own residential or commercial properties and want to lease them out legally in the UAE
- Tenants: People or businesses renting properties, including residents, companies, and tourists seeking short-term stays
- Real Estate Agents: Licensed professionals who facilitate rental transactions and often prepare initial agreement drafts
- Property Management Companies: Firms managing properties on behalf of landlords, handling agreements and tenant relations
- Legal Professionals: Lawyers and legal consultants who review and customize agreements to ensure compliance with UAE property laws
- Government Authorities: Municipality offices, Ejari, and Tawtheeq departments that register and validate tenancy contracts
How do you write a Tenancy Agreement?
- Property Details: Gather accurate property address, unit number, parking allocation, and any included facilities or amenities
- Party Information: Collect Emirates ID copies, trade licenses for companies, and contact details for all parties
- Financial Terms: Define rent amount, payment schedule, security deposit, and any additional fees or charges
- Duration Details: Specify lease start and end dates, notice periods, and renewal conditions
- Utility Arrangements: Clarify responsibility for DEWA, district cooling, and maintenance charges
- Special Conditions: Note any specific terms about pets, modifications, or usage restrictions
- Documentation: Prepare property title deed copy and previous Ejari registration (if applicable)
What should be included in a Tenancy Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, Emirates ID numbers, and contact information for landlord and tenant
- Property Description: Complete address, unit details, and permitted usage as per UAE property laws
- Rental Terms: Amount, payment method, due dates, and security deposit requirements
- Duration Clause: Start date, end date, and renewal conditions following UAE tenancy laws
- Maintenance Terms: Clear division of maintenance responsibilities between parties
- Utilities Section: Allocation of DEWA, cooling, and other utility charges
- Termination Rights: Notice periods and conditions for early termination
- Governing Law: Reference to UAE rental laws and relevant emirate-specific regulations
- Authentication: Signature blocks and Ejari/Tawtheeq registration requirements
What's the difference between a Tenancy Agreement and a Co-living Agreement?
A Tenancy Agreement differs significantly from a Co-living Agreement in several key aspects, though both deal with residential arrangements. While a Tenancy Agreement establishes a formal landlord-tenant relationship under UAE property laws, a Co-living Agreement focuses on shared living arrangements between multiple occupants.
- Legal Framework: Tenancy Agreements must comply with UAE rental laws and require Ejari/Tawtheeq registration; Co-living Agreements operate more as private arrangements between occupants
- Parties Involved: Tenancy Agreements are between landlord and tenant; Co-living Agreements involve multiple residents sharing space
- Scope of Rights: Tenancy Agreements grant exclusive possession of the entire property; Co-living Agreements typically cover individual rooms with shared common areas
- Payment Structure: Tenancy Agreements involve direct rent payment to landlord; Co-living Agreements often include cost-sharing arrangements between occupants
- Duration and Flexibility: Tenancy Agreements typically run for fixed 12-month terms; Co-living Agreements offer more flexible terms and easier exit options
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.