Simple Tenancy Agreement Template for the United Arab Emirates

A simple tenancy agreement is your essential legal document for establishing a residential rental relationship in the United Arab Emirates. This contract creates binding obligations between landlords and tenants while ensuring compliance with UAE federal law and local emirate regulations. It records the names of both parties, the property, the rent, the start and end dates of the term, and the condition of the property, protecting your rights and defining your responsibilities under UAE law.

What is a simple tenancy agreement?

A simple tenancy agreement is a short residential lease that captures only the terms a landlord and tenant need to agree on: the parties' names and Emirates ID details, the property address, the rent and payment schedule, the security deposit, the 12-month term (or a shorter minimum term), and how the tenancy ends. It keeps the same legal effect as a longer contract while staying readable, which is why many UAE landlords use it for a single house, villa or apartment. For a fuller residential option you can compare it with our tenancy agreement templates or, for business premises, the lease agreement templates.

When do you need this document?

You need a simple tenancy agreement whenever entering into a residential rental arrangement in the UAE. Property owners require this document before handing over keys to tenants, while tenants need it to secure legal occupancy rights. Real estate agents and property management companies use this agreement to formalise rental transactions and ensure RERA compliance. The document is often requested for visa applications, DEWA connections, and internet installations, making it useful for both UAE residents and expatriates. Keep both the landlord's and tenant's contact details, including a current email, on the agreement so any request, notice or renewal can be sent to the right person.

What should a simple tenancy agreement include?

A clear simple tenancy agreement covers the following points:

• Names and details of the parties. The full legal names, Emirates ID and contact details (including email) of the landlord and tenant.
• The property. The exact address and a description of the house, villa or apartment being let, plus the move-in condition.
• Rent and payment. The annual rent in AED, the payment schedule, and any cheque or bank transfer arrangement.
• Term and conditions. The start date and end date, the minimum term (usually 12 months), and how the tenancy renews or ends.
• Security deposit. The deposit amount, how it is held, and the conditions for its return at the end of the tenancy.
• Maintenance and repairs. Which repairs fall to the landlord and which day-to-day upkeep falls to the tenant. Note which utilities, such as DEWA power and water, each party covers.
• Notice and changes. How much notice either party must give and how any change to the terms is agreed in writing.

How to begin. Filling in and checking the agreement

Before you sign, fill in each field, then run a quick check that the names, Emirates ID numbers, property address and rent all match the underlying documents. Confirm the start date and the last day of the term, the deposit figure, and who pays for power, water and cooling. When both parties are content the content is accurate, sign and register the contract through Ejari so it stands up to any later report or dispute at the rent tribunal.

Key legal considerations

Your tenancy agreement must include specific mandatory clauses under UAE law, including precise property descriptions, rent amounts, payment schedules, and security deposit terms. The contract must specify maintenance responsibilities, with landlords typically responsible for major repairs and structural issues while tenants handle day-to-day upkeep. Termination clauses must comply with notice periods prescribed by local law, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days depending on the emirate. Security deposits are regulated and cannot exceed certain percentages of annual rent, with specific rules governing their return once the property is handed back in the agreed condition. The agreement must also address rent increase limitations, which are strictly controlled by annual percentage caps set by local authorities. Check the RERA rent calculator before each renewal so any increase for 2026 stays within the permitted band.

Legal requirements in the United Arab Emirates

Your tenancy agreement must comply with the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and emirate-specific rental laws, particularly Dubai's Law No. 26 of 2007. In Dubai, all rental contracts must be registered with RERA through the Ejari system and include standardised clauses covering rent tribunals and dispute resolution procedures. Emirates ID numbers for both parties are mandatory, along with valid passport copies and visa documentation. The agreement must specify the exact rental amount in AED, payment methods, and any additional charges like municipality fees or housing fees. Witness signatures may be required depending on the emirate, and some jurisdictions mandate notarisation or registration with local authorities.

How do you change or end a simple tenancy agreement?

Any change to the rent, term or other conditions should be recorded in writing and signed by both parties, so the agreement stays an accurate record of what was agreed. Keep the signed copy updated whenever the parties agree new terms. To end a fixed term, the party who wants to leave or not renew gives notice before the end date, in line with the period set out in the agreement and the applicable emirate law. To protect privacy, keep the parties' Emirates ID, contact and payment details only for as long as the tenancy and any renewal require, and share them solely with parties who need them, such as RERA or a property manager. Storing your signed agreements in one place keeps the names, dates and terms to hand for the next renewal.