Lease Extension Addendum Template for the United Arab Emirates

A Lease Extension Addendum is a legal document that allows you to extend your existing lease agreement beyond its original term in the United Arab Emirates. This essential document ensures compliance with UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 and emirate-specific regulations while maintaining the core elements of your original lease agreement.

When do you need this document?

You need a Lease Extension Addendum when your current lease is approaching its expiry date and both you and your landlord agree to continue the tenancy. This document is particularly important in the UAE where lease agreements have specific termination dates and automatic renewals are not typically recognized. Whether you're a tenant wanting to secure continued occupancy or a landlord seeking to retain a reliable tenant, this addendum provides the legal framework for extending your lease relationship. The document is also necessary when you want to modify certain terms during the extension, such as rent adjustments or updated maintenance responsibilities.

Key legal considerations

Several critical legal elements must be addressed in your Lease Extension Addendum. First, you must clearly reference the original lease agreement, including its date and property details, to establish the foundation for the extension. The document should specify the exact extension period with clear start and end dates to avoid any ambiguity. Rent and payment terms require careful attention, particularly if there are any increases, which must comply with emirate-specific rent increase caps. You should also address which terms from the original lease remain unchanged and which are being modified. Security deposit arrangements may need updating, and any additional conditions or modifications should be clearly documented. The addendum must identify all parties using their full legal names as they appear in the original lease.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, your Lease Extension Addendum must comply with Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Code) and specific emirate regulations. In Dubai, you must follow Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 and register the addendum with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency). Abu Dhabi requires compliance with Abu Dhabi Law No. 20 of 2006 and registration through the Tawtheeq system managed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The document must be in both Arabic and English if either party requires it, and all signatures must be properly witnessed. Registration with the relevant authority is mandatory for the addendum to be legally enforceable. You should also ensure that any rent increases comply with the rent increase caps set by local authorities, which vary by emirate and are updated annually.